Caravan Industry Victoria celebrates 70 years

The Caravan Trade & Industry Association of Victoria is celebrating its 70th anniversary by rolling out a series of short 'trip down memory lane' videos showcasing the history and achievements of the industry body, through the decades.

Starting in the 1950s the first seven minute film goes back to the humble beginnings of the Association in 1952, and includes interviews with industry 'pioneers' including former Presidents and Hall of Fame recipients Jeff Chrisfield and Max Evans, former Caravanning Queensland CEO Ron Chapman, CIL Insurance founder Gordon Smillie, and Des Tebb of Tebb's Canvas Products.

What makes it really interesting is the archival footage of past and present brands, like the 'Don' caravan company and early Coronet caravans, and Australia's biggest towbar manufacturer at the time, E.B Tow Bars.

There's also some old footage of the first industry caravan show in 1954 which attracted 10,000 people and included some feet-tapping evening entertainment; something the CIV tried to re-introduce a few years ago.

Unlike today's 4500kg off-grid beasts, the fist 'Supershow' also seemed to be more about lightweight towing options with a focus on full height 'vans like the Aerolite that could be towed by a Mini!

Not surprisingly, it's also a mostly all-male affair, with the exception of some memorable quotes from Val Evans, wife of Max (she was mistaken as 'hired help' while running a Coronet dealership at the time), and eye-catching footage of caravan industry floats draped with swimsuit-clad women at the 1956 Melbourne Moomba parade...

The CIV plans to roll out a new "Caravanning through the Years' video every three weeks, covering each decade including the 1950s, '60s, '70s, '80s, and '90s, along with the first two decades of the 21st century.

Keep an eye on the Caravan Industry Victoria Youtube channel for when they arrive.

Related: Caravan historians take nostalgic look back