Murrumba Star Caravans (Caboolture, Qld)

[kenny]

Oh wow, i didn’t know Murrumba Star’s morphed into Glendale. Thanks! Regards kenny

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Kenny,

That’s great to see the Glendale caravan at your local dealer. The really interesting thing is that it has the Murrumba Star flashes on the side, combined with the Glendale signage on the front.

As it happens, a couple of days ago I posted two magazine items from Hughdeany relating to the Glendale takeover of Murrumba Star in 1970.  An advert refers to Glendale as the manufacturer of Murrumba Stars and the other other is a news report which refers to ‘Glendale/Murrumba caravans’.

The photos of the van you have shown us are priceless because they are showing a Murrumba Star caravan branded as a Glendale, and was presumably left over Murrumba Star stock before Glendale began to build it’s own designs.

Given the link between the caravan you saw at your local dealers and the history of Murrumba Star (and Glendale), I’ve taken the liberty of transferring your post and the ones that replied to it to this Down History Lane Murrumba Start thread, and I’ve also inserted your photos in a more permanent form.

The magazine items about the Glendale takeover I referred to are higher up this thread if you’re interested.

Don Ricardo

[kenny]

Its interesting, recently I was in the back streets of Caboolture and saw a sign for "Glendale Homes".  Of course I associate the name Glendale with caravans.  Then reading the above, it leads to Glendale taking over Murrumba Star at Caboolture I wondered if this was the old Murrumba Star / Glendale site.

So I dug further and found this (Ack MBRC Library) library photo. This is the narrative with the photo:

"Centenary Lakes Area and Caboolture Town Centre in the centre of photograph with the Glass House Mountains in the background. Photograph was taken looking north. Glendale Caravan Factory and Industrial Sheds in the foreground of photograph. Refer to Page 256 of the publication From Spear & Musket. This photograph was taken in June 1979."

I then checked for any low aerial photos and found one from 1981. 

I've also inserted a recent Google street view.

I wonder if they have any Murrumba Star or Glendale memorabilia!

Regards kenny

[p4ul]

I’ve just bought a Star Linda. If I figure out how I’ll put up a couple of photos soon 😎

[vancarter]

Hi Van Carter here first time on forums so PLEASE be gentle.
Kenny's view of the Glendale factory is correct as far as I know. When caravan sales slowed in the late 70s they started making prefabricated homes so as to keep going and slowly discontinued with caravans. I think? the business was taken over by another company but continued to use the Glendale name.
My family was the preferred carrier for Glendale caravans and for Murrumba Star until 1980.

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Vancarter,

Thanks for telling us about your connection with Murrumba Star and Glendale. That's really interesting to hear. Feel free to tell us more or even show us some photos if by chance you have any.    Kenny started a thread on transporting caravans, so any info you can provide will be of interest.

As I understand it, Glendale was into building mobile and transportable homes in Canada, so it's perhaps not surprising that's the direction their business took in Australia.

Don Ricardo

[vancarter]

Thought someone might be interested on Facebook in Brisbane for sale1980 Murrumba Star 18ft looks like very good condition even outside flash is still very visible. Don't know if this is right way but I'm not good at technology hope this helps someone
Cheers Dave. Vancarter

[shesgotthelook]

I have had this Linda Star for over 3 years. Finally made it on to the back of the WB. Just in time to take to the Lockington Vintage Machinery Rally in April.

I have since started the very onerous task of re-painting inside. Will update once this is completed.

[shesgotthelook]

Reinstated the hatch today with some fly screens.

[Don Ricardo]

Hi all,

Three newspaper articles published in early 1968 following the release of the Linda Star pick-up camper and the Mini Star caravan by Murrumba Star.  The first article was published in the Sydney Sun-Herald on Sunday, 25 February (page 19):

The second article, probably written by the same journalist, appeared in the Sun-Herald on Sunday, 31 March (page 86) and acknowledges that the camper (and the caravan) were designed by Tony Pusterla - who also designed the fastback for MGB sportscars:



The final article was printed in the Sun-Herald on Sunday, 5 May 1968 (page 70 - columns rearranged to increase readability). It recounts the testing Tony Pusterla undertook on the prototype of the Linda Star, including testing what would happen if the camper came off the utility and bounced on the road! It also refers to the modifications to the production model requested by Murrumba Star:

All articles were sourced from www.newspapers.com

Don Ricardo

[murrumbavenuslifegiv]

Hey all, I am a 31yr old single mother, who has recently purchased a shell of a vintage caravan - after reading posts found on this website, I am lead to believe I have a late 1960's Murrumba Star Caravan, the Venus model.
I have no windows, just 3 of 4 frames in terrible condition, as the other windows were boarded over. I have nearly finished polishing back the frames, I have provided new floor boards, sand blasted chassis and put 2 oats of primer and top coat onto.
There is so much to do and its all rather overwhelming - yet rewarding and definatly worth it. This beaty if a caravan deserves a second life; it was clearly mistreated.

Im hoping this forum is still active - Im seeking any help on where I can find parts for this particular style of caravan. I understand the original company Murrumba was bought out in 1970 approximatly....but anyhelp got windows and a door will be appreviated. I have figured out I can save 3 out of 4 windows "left".

Kind regards,
Ashleigh x

Please call me on 0497770706 with any info x