Think this is a willow made in Murray bridge

[aussieute]

Hi all just picked up my new project thought it was too good to waste and let go to the tip in a skip needs a little work
Told it is a willow made in Murray bridge about 1958 note the Louvre front window frames and the slide down stability legs at the back
will have to have a good look at it to see what needs done as it was in three feet of grass ( needs a lot) lol all the
Masonite is stuffed and looks to have had a canvas roof with the roof Battons and old canvas cheers Chris




Seating are that makes double bed

Cupboards and stove area

Bunks at front of van

Cupboards and sink area looking through the back

The roof Battons

[Mustang]

"You are braver than I"

[sportsman 1]

A Willow heh, never heard or seen another one of those - nothing in DHL either. Is there any paperwork, id plates, etc that confirm this?

This looks like it is likely to end up like the famous "Woodsmans Axe", I doubt if much of the original stuff will actually be left as most of it looks to only be useful as patterns for new.

Still, if you can save as much as possible, and it is finished to your usual standard, at least it will be indicative of what an original Willow van was.

Pity it was left so long before being passed on to someone who cares, but better late than never.

By the way, did the towball ever turn up?

Leigh.

[Roehm3108]

Gee, I would have thought that it should be 38 or 48 at the latest, especially with that canvas roof! It's certainly a basic van - reminds me perhaps of what the drovers may have used. So pleased that this has been rescued. This is the sort of caravan that needs to be preserved as it is part of Australia's history. Beats Betty Boop and chequered floors décor hands down!!!

[shesgotthelook]

The shape reminds me of Cobber's Windmill caravan.

[aussieute]

Spoke to two guys one said 58 willow made in Murray bridge the other said 48 home made I'm looking at it is possible around the 48 mark brand unknown will investigate further looking for Masonite stamps ECT forgot saw some lino in cupboards will post pictures to see if that helps with approx year cheers Chris

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Aussieute,

That’s a great pick up in terms of the style - a real classic van worthy of saving.

I would definitely think 1948 or even earlier. The design is pre-War which was carried over into the post-War period by a few manufacturers or home builders. An example of such designs are the Glen caravans built by Lewis & Matthews in the late 40’s. By the 50’s caravan designs had moved on considerably, and no-one - not even home builders - were building vans that shape by the late 50’s (or even early and mid 50’s).

The construction of the roof covered by canvas suggests the van was built in South Australia.

I wouldn’t rule out a commercial manufacturer, but I haven’t been able to dig up anything on a ‘Willow’ caravan built in Australia at any stage. Doesn’t mean it isn’t true though. Lots of small volume manufacturers left very little trace of their work.

I’ll be interested to see what you unearth as you check the van out more thoroughly.

Don Ricardo

[grandad]

Aug 14, 2021 19:24:32 GMT 10 Roehm3108 said:

Beats Betty Boop and chequered floors décor hands down!!!

I feel compelled to repeat this statement in the hope it is noted for posterity.
Well said.

Jim

[aussieute]

Some more pictures door entry must have had water leak

Back window frame the only one there

Lino inside cupboards has same in each one this is the best one

The roof lining had two sides with the middle overlapping in the middle

Thanks for looking cheers Chris

[aussieute]

Found this stamp on the Masonite hope it helps date it

[Surf Tragic]

At least the Masonite was Tempered, I wonder what year 'tempered' sheets were introduced.

Good on you aussieute for saving it.

Cheers. Surf Tragic

[Roehm3108]

Is that "good" or "bad" tempered???

[grandad]

Aug 16, 2021 7:25:37 GMT 10 Roehm3108 said:

Is that "good" or "bad" tempered???

That would depend on whether it's male or female, wouldn't it?

Jim

[aussieute]

The way it is twisted I would say bad tempered 😁 just had a look made tempered Masonite between 40_ 50 s

[margra]

That has a lot of potential, good luck with it

[aussieute]

Had a chance to get back to holding the van together before the wind makes it fire wood


Have taken out the rotten and split wood on back corner on one side and made some new knees to support the back wall
now to work on the rotten beam under the back cheers Chris