1920’s custom-built caravan

Old Caravan Dave (10)  TBW Newsgroup

THIS 1920’s custom-built caravan belongs in a museum, according to owner Dave Veles who believes it is among the oldest existing caravans in Australia. 

Mr Veles is yet to use the mobile home on a holiday yet, having purchased the historic caravan as a collectable. 

“I know it is the oldest caravan in Australia because there are just no others around which still look like it,” he said.

“It has four flat tires because its been in storage since I picked it up around 18 months ago.

“It is quite unique with original T-model Ford hubs, a timber chassis and a single front axle i-beam bar.”

With indicators off a motorcycle and headlights only on one side of the caravan, Mr Veles said the inspection pits were astounded when he changed the registration papers over. 

“It is completely legal and we had to get the heads up from Adelaide for the approval,” he said. 

Over his years, Mr Veles said he had restored around 20 to 30 vintage campers and was not a “fan” of newer models. 

“This caravan is almost 100 years old so it must have been a sturdily-designed caravan, made out of top-quality products,” he said. 

“I would like to see a Jayco in 100 years time. 

“Although I do not think they had style in mind when they were designing it all those years ago.”

Mr Veles said he still had the a registration sticker from 1946.

“A friend of mine who lives in Newcastle found it, sold it to a gentleman in Victoria who passed away and then bought it back again,” he said. 

“I towed it back and it sat behind the ute perfectly. 

“Although, I think it got a few looks from passersby.”

Mr Veles said the previous caravan owner claimed the vintage camper was built by a New South Wales shearer. 

“His wife was a shearer’s cook and they had a T-model Ford which was fitted with wooden wheels,” he said. 

“I think it was one of those bright ideas someone had over a couple of beers one night. 

“He must have came into a bit of money because many years later, they had a mate make up the template.” 

Mr Veles said he just liked vintage caravans because they were different. 

“With an older caravan you can pull up to a camping ground and people will come over and have a look,” he said. 

“Almost everyone has a story to tell. 

“This one really belongs in a museum but it will just sit in my shed for now.”

Mr Veles said there was a vintage caravan gathering coming up in Victor Harbor which he hoped to attend.