The Golden Age of Caravans and Camper Vans in Britain

Many Britons who grew up in the 1960s and 1970s can fondly recall the unique thrill of family holidays spent in caravans and camper vans. Though these vehicles are seldom highlighted in today’s automotive discussions, they once captured the hearts of the British public in ways that encapsulated an entire era of travel and leisure.

A Preflight Adventure

Before the advent of affordable overseas travel options, the average British family turned to caravans as the key to experiencing the great outdoors. It was common to haul a modest, yet cozy mobile hotel into a myriad of picturesque locations, from serene countrysides to idyllic coastlines.

The Caravan Movement

While the UK’s Caravan Club has been around for over 118 years, it was during the post-war era of the 1960s and 1970s that caravans experienced an explosion in popularity. As car ownership became feasible for the working and middle classes, the inclination to spend more on leisure activities burgeoned, marking what many would affectionately call the ‘golden age’ of caravan culture.

In the 1950s, the United Kingdom produced about 3,000 caravans annually. The tide turned dramatically by 1972, with production peaking at a staggering 67,000 units. This boom was not merely a fluke; it highlighted the growing desire for freedom and adventure among families.

The Boom in Caravan Shows

By 1959, the caravan industry had outgrown its allotted space at the London Motor Show, leading to its own dedicated expo at Earls Court. The event featured 46 manufacturers and 86 investors, service providers, and traders, showcasing the best that the market had to offer. During this time, reports celebrated the UK’s leading status in the global caravan industry, offering designs that were meticulously crafted, notably from brands like Astral, Eccles, and Sprite.

National Excitement: The British Caravan Road Rally

The newfound excitement surrounding caravanning led to unique events that showcased their capabilities. The British Caravan Road Rally became a staple, enlisting participants to take on various tests ranging from hill climbing and fast towing to accuracy events while even introducing light-hearted competitions like a concours d’elegance.

In a thrilling 1973 report from Silverstone, we noted an exhilarating face-off between a Ford Mustang and a potent Volvo 131, illustrating the versatility and excitement that caravanning could incorporate into the motorsport culture.

The Rise of Camper Vans

The enthusiasm didn’t stop at traditional caravans. By the mid-1960s, the market saw an impressive surge in the van conversion sector. Unlike caravans, camper vans enjoyed the freedom of being governed by a higher speed limit, making them easier to navigate and quicker to get away. However, their appeal often came at a price, with many models lacking inamenities that some family adventures craved. Potential buyers were advised, "The old ‘penny wise, pound foolish’ theory applies very much. It can be a mistake to buy too simple a model.”

The Allure of the Classic Vans

Among the popular donor vans for conversion were models like the Volkswagen Type 2, Ford Transit, and Vauxhall’s Bedford CA. This thriving market embraced customization and personalization, allowing families to curate their perfect outdoor escape. However, the onset of the new value-added tax in 1973 cast a shadow over the burgeoning camper van and caravan industry, resulting in a significant price hike of about 10%.

Essential Caravan Accessories

During this era, many guides emerged, advising prospective caravan owners on must-have accessories. From shock dampers and jacks to awnings and porta-showers, caravan enthusiasts sought comfort and functionality in their mobile homes. Other quirky features included battery-powered televisions and even compact toilets, underscoring the thirst for convenience within the outdoor lifestyle community.

The Love-Hate Relationship with Caravans

Despite their popularity, not everyone was an ardent fan of caravanning culture. Some, like columnist David Phipps in 1971, voiced strong opposition, describing caravans as road clutter and suggesting that spending several weeks in one could be grounds for divorce. Yet, when faced with the enticements of a family trip to the German Grand Prix, he begrudgingly found the humble caravan to be the best option available.

Bid and an Unexpected Fiasco

Phipps’s foray into the world of caravanning was eventful. Offered a caravan by Rolf Stommelen—a driver for a German caravan company—he embarked on an arduous journey to Radstadt, Austria. Thanks to reliable automotive performance from his Ford Cortina Estate, Phipps returned home with his family unharmed and craving more road trips, a testament to the unexpected joy that caravanning could bring.

However, not every caravan owner shared a similar fate. Racer Brian Redman recounts his tumultuous experience with a caravan during a European tour in 1967, where a mishap led to the caravan body detaching from its chassis, resulting in chaos mixed with unfortunate humor.

The memories of Redman and his wife attempting to manage bedlam on the roads—complete with luggage scattered everywhere—stand as fun anecdotes that illustrate the unpredictable nature of caravan holidays.

Conclusion: The End of an Era

The love affair with caravans and camper vans began to dwindle in the late 1970s, yet their impact on the British holiday culture remains. This golden age—in all its quirkiness and character—reminds us of a time when adventure was as simple as parking a mobile home under a vast sky.

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