Post by cobber on Nov 20, 2007 14:59:14 GMT 10
Sundowner caravans.
Sundowner caravans were made by the “Western Caravan Company” at 518 Western Rd. Pendle Hill in Sydney during the late 1940’s and into the mid 1950’s.
The company was started by Mr. Ross Smith upon his return from serving in world war 2.
Two horse drawn ‘vans were made, one for a Mr. Fletcher and the other for Mr. and Mrs. Bishop.
They also made three “semis” or “fifth wheeler” ‘vans, one for Mr. & Mrs. Dunman, another for Mr. & Mrs. Weedon and the third for a “carnival man” Mr. Nash, who ran a “Haunted House” which travelled around the country in those days.
Photos of one of the horse drawn ‘vans.
Inside photos of the fifth wheeler built for Mr. & Mrs. Dunman.
The bedroom at the front of the ‘van
The kitchen and living area in the center of the ‘van
The lounge room at the rear of the ‘van
It also had a bathroom
The only conventional ‘vans we have information on relates to a 12ft model that was advertised in “Outdoors and Fishing” magazine of July 1954, (thank you “Chippydave” for these two photos).....?... Whoops, looks like chippydave removed his photos
You will notice this ‘van is very similar to a “Carapark Caravan” advertised in the same magazine
?.
"Western Caravan Company” was sold to “Carapark” sometime during the 1950’s.
The source for this information was the nephew and daughter of Mr. Ross Smith
Cobber.
Sundowner caravans were made by the “Western Caravan Company” at 518 Western Rd. Pendle Hill in Sydney during the late 1940’s and into the mid 1950’s.
The company was started by Mr. Ross Smith upon his return from serving in world war 2.
Two horse drawn ‘vans were made, one for a Mr. Fletcher and the other for Mr. and Mrs. Bishop.
They also made three “semis” or “fifth wheeler” ‘vans, one for Mr. & Mrs. Dunman, another for Mr. & Mrs. Weedon and the third for a “carnival man” Mr. Nash, who ran a “Haunted House” which travelled around the country in those days.
Photos of one of the horse drawn ‘vans.
Inside photos of the fifth wheeler built for Mr. & Mrs. Dunman.
The bedroom at the front of the ‘van
The kitchen and living area in the center of the ‘van
The lounge room at the rear of the ‘van
It also had a bathroom
The only conventional ‘vans we have information on relates to a 12ft model that was advertised in “Outdoors and Fishing” magazine of July 1954, (thank you “Chippydave” for these two photos).....?... Whoops, looks like chippydave removed his photos
You will notice this ‘van is very similar to a “Carapark Caravan” advertised in the same magazine
?."Western Caravan Company” was sold to “Carapark” sometime during the 1950’s.
The source for this information was the nephew and daughter of Mr. Ross Smith
Cobber.
