10 vintage caravans you can afford

Old-school vintage and retro caravans hold plenty of appeal, but they can often prove more expensive than their age or minimalist design suggest.

Fully restored vintage vans often fetch top dollar from collectors and enthusiasts, while you can buy a brand-new 'lookalike' oldie from a business like Woody Caravans for around the same price of a modern van.

The other option is to purchase a ‘barn-find’ and bring it back to life yourself, although you’ll need plenty of time and patience to achieve a good result.

We've scanned the classifieds to come up with 10 attractive propositions that won't break the bank, although we'd always recommend an expert inspection of any second-hand van prior to purchase to avoid surprises down the track like a budget-blowing repair…

1962 Viscount - asking $10,000

If you’re looking for something very original, then this ’62 Viscount could be the thing. This 15ft classic has  been in the hands of the current Queensland-based owner for virtually all its life, and retains most original features from the external windows and sheeting to gas stove and wind-up clock (which still works apparently).

Stored in a shed when not in use, it’s claimed to be in excellent condition, and the price includes a near-new annexe including canvas replaced around six years ago at a cost of $7000.

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1967 Greythorne Roadstar - asking $16,000

Looking like a cross between an Aussie-built Viscount and American-made Airstream, this 1960s Greythorne Roadstar is, according to its Victoria-based second owner, in “excellent condition for its age”. It certainly looks pretty original, with a bunch of period accessories including annex, original frypan, toaster, some utensils and iron thrown in for the price...

This white and grey beauty sleeps up to four people on two single beds and a convertible lounge, and looks a treat inside with its curved roofline.

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1967 Quest - asking $10,800

Originally built in South Australia, Quest caravans have a small but loyal following in the vintage van community, and going by its asking price and description this Victoria-based appears to be in pretty good nick.

Like Sunliners, the 16ft three berth Quest caravan features fibreglass construction inside and out, and this one has been repaired along the way with new window and cupboards, among other items.

Like many vintage vans it doesn’t weigh much – around 1200kg fully loaded – so you can hook it up to a small modern SUV or matching classic car.

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1972 Newlands Campmaster - asking $9990

The Newlands name lives on today courtesy of Melbourne's Concept Caravans, but back in the 1970s Newlands caravans looked a whole lot different, judging by this eye-catching little 10ft Campmaster caravan, currently for sale in NSW.

The current owner says the 46-year-old two berth van has been “fully rebuilt from the ground up over the past two years”, and has included photos of the van in various states of rebuild to prove it.

It’s ready to hit the road with all the mod cons from modern kitchen appliances to grey water tank and 12V powered jockey wheel.

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1974 Windsor - asking $12,599

Judging by the photos this 1970s Windsor appears to have had a fully modern makeover, particularly on the inside with its timber benchtops and leather-look upholstery, and the inviting kitchen and lounge areas.

The Victorian seller says a new Infinity instant hot water system services the external but undercover full-sized shower and toilet area,and there's also a queen innerspring mattress, plenty of powerpoints and newly painted exterior including three layers of tar sealant on the roof.

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1977 Millard - asking $11,000

This one’s a great option for large families, with up to eight berths offered in this 1970s Millard ‘expander’ van. Judging by the photos there appears to be three bunk beds in total, plus a couple of lounge/dinette/desks that can be used as beds, plus the slide-out double bed at the rear.

Described as being in “good condition for its age”, the rare old Millard is located in NSW and was rebuilt in 2000 and resprayed in 2006. Also included is a well-equipped kitchen, large TV and range of accessories.

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1979 Franklin - asking $12,250

Located in Victoria, this pretty-as-a-picture 1979 Franklin Princeton has had the fully ‘retro’ refurbishment according to the current owner's description, right down to new timber top benchtops, stylish upholstery and window curtains.

The 19ft two-tone, two-berth van also comes with a fridge that “works great”, full oven and grille, new LED lighting inside and out, and new wheels and tyres…

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1980 Vagabond - asking $18.500

This almost 40 year-old six-berth family van has made the trip over the ditch (it was built in New Zealand) and presents with a quite modern-looking interior including triple bunks for the kids and a 10-seater U-shaped lounge.

Described as “fully renovated”, it also comes with a split system air-con system and “fully functioning” kitchen including sink, stovetop, oven and fridge/freezer.

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1984 Viscount - asking $16,990

Another Viscount – this time a 1984 18ft Limited Edition – that has according to the current owner been “renovated inside with a light modern flair still keeping to the vintage feel”.

The exterior has been repainted including adding an arty decal, while the updated interior includes a fold-down double bed, well-equipped kitchen, and ensuite with shower and toilet.

It’s also set up for some free camping with two water tanks, gas and battery system, and TV with antenna.

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1959 Sunliner - asking $24,990

This is a little more expensive than the others, but could be worth it as the vintage Sunliners are quite sought after among vintage caravan fraternity. The Sunliners were built for a limited time around the 1960s in a Forster, NSW factory and along with the curvaceous design featured fibreglass construction, both inside and out.

This three-tone 14ft example, advertised by Queensland dealer Aussie Escape Caravans, appears to have been nicely refurbished as some point. While retaining the original interior features, it has modern appliances including a 90L Vitrifrigo fridge, Smev cooker, Duoetto hot water unit and battery pack with CTEK charger.

The electricals are also newly ‘certified’ and it comes with the original annexe.

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