In the beginning - caravans

[crankedup]

I have been a enthusiast of historic caravans for some years, lucky enough to come across this. It’s a ‘Angela’ of c1924, two berth. Features include leaded glass windows, stable door,
stained glass, kitchen sink unit and paraffin cooker. Also featured are two. up boards which can be accessed from the interior or exterior, very novel. Fairly luxurious in its day!

Caravan historians believe this particular van was built as a prototype but didn’t make it to production. Being the only one of its kind makes it very special. I use it for attending steam rallies and Country shows, exhibit during the day and my accomadation at night. Hope you like it!

i have no idea why the second image is upside down

Edited by crankedup on Sunday 3rd March 15:51

[Smokehead]

what an amazing old van! Do you have any photos of the interior?

[crankedup]

Thank you, yes I will post some up tomorrow, most likely upside down though!!

[Dog Star]

Marvellous - lets have more pics please.

[crankedup]

Thank you, the interior is still undergoing restoration although most of the features are in. Not many of them!!!
Pictures are a bit dark and possibly upside down, but this is at the moment.


Shows cupboards either side of bay window, storage space in front of bay window and a large cupboard behind the seating area.

Edited by crankedup on Monday 4th March 11:25

[crankedup]

shows the entrance stable door stained leaded glass, cupboard to the right of door.

Edited by crankedup on Monday 4th March 11:19

[crankedup]

Simple porcelain sink with hardwood drainer board, Leaded glass window.

Edited by crankedup on Monday 4th March 11:20

[crankedup]

Sowing exterior cupboard door open, this. upboard houses the paraffin cooker hence the steel door linings.

Edited by crankedup on Monday 4th March 11:22

[CharlesdeGaulle]

That's delightful. Bet it's heavy isn't it?

[crankedup]

Thank you, it’s surprisingly light, certainly much lighter than my previous vintage caravan. This one weighs in at around 950kg unladen (guesstimate). It’s around 10 feet long and 6 feet wide.
The small windows in the roof do open. The roof is oil painted canvas, as original.

Shows the original tow bar mechanism, in the tow cup is a pin hitch hole, it’s not like the modern tow ball cup at all.At the moment it has my secure safe ‘D’ lock shackle on, that the black loop hanging down.

Edited by crankedup on Monday 4th March 11:31

[Smokehead]

That's a fantastic piece of history. The glasswork is superb. 950 kgs in pretty light, must be all that real wood used.

[crankedup]

^^^^^
Thanks, it tows surprisingly well, nice and stable although of course I do keep the speed down to around 40-45 mph maximum. The caravan itself is single skinned with light plyboard, original skinning would have been masonite (oiled hardboard). The chassis is steel and the caravan is timber framed.Having no furniture keeps the weight very low and manageable.
It has got brakes fitted, which is surprising as even many new cars back in the early 1920s would have brakes fitted to the rear wheels only.
This will be my first season in this particular vintage caravan, but like my previous vans I expect some questions from youngsters along the lines of ‘ where’s the microwave mister’ and where’s the telly’ Favorite one is ‘ where’s the bathroom’

[CharlesdeGaulle]

crankedup said:

^^^^^
... ‘ where’s the bathroom’

I was about to ask!

I really like that. Vintage caravanning appeals much more than the new stuff, which doesn't.

[crankedup]

^^^^
It’s certainly back to the very basics, a long weekend is about ideal for show stopovers, any longer and the ‘novelty’ wears off. Back to the real World for recovery of four or five days and off again, perfect.
The classic caravan scene is very strong with many fabulous caravans from the 1950s through to the 1970s and 1980s popular. Many kit out thier caravans, as do I, in the correct period of accessories that compliment the van. It’s a good strong social scene of course. At local steam rallies it’s very rare to see pre 1930s vans although the classics are represented and attract much interest.