It's a Fastback, not a Teardrop!

Introduced in the 1930s, teardrop caravans quickly became popular for week-end getaways, their streamlined, featherweight design just big enough to sleep two in relative comfort.

The mini-caravans have made a minor comeback in recent times, with a number of Australian companies reproducing modern versions for nostalgic enthusiasts or those just after a no-fuss, easy-towing camper.

Now Victoria’s Van Cruiser has entered the market with a slight twist on the iconic teardrop design. Called the Fastback, it has the familiar oval profile but tapering to a straight rear roofline, reminiscent somewhat of the ‘fastback’ coupe models produced by American car manufacturers in the 1960s.

Delving further into the automotive history books, Van Cruiser has introduced a new Shelby Fastback version, boasting a sporty design that borrows heavily from the range of hotted-up Mustang muscle cars produced by Carroll Shelby in the ’60s.

“(The Fastback) was specifically designed and built for the hot rod clubs, and they love them because they’re the old teardrop style, packed with all the modern features,” said Van Cruiser’s Enzo Gnocato.

“They’re a popular van for hot rodders, but also popular in general; everyone remembers Mum and Dad had one of these 50 years ago,” he said. “We’ve just put the funkiness back into them. There are plenty of teardrops around, but mine are fastbacks.”

The new Shelby version builds on the standard Fastback, and is “a little bit bigger, a bit higher and little bit wider. And it has more features... Behind a Mustang, mate, this thing looks sensational.”

Van Cruiser has managed to pack a number of features into the diminutive 500kg caravan, which measures 4.3m long overall and 1.88m wide, including a rear kitchen area with Dometic three-burner gas stove, 30-litre Waeco drawer fridge, and stainless steel sink and tap.

The Shelby Fastback also features a 50-litre water tank, flowjet pump, twin 20 watt solar panels on the roof, 12V/24V power points, 60amp gel battery and 12amp battery charger, and Dometic roof hatch.

Up front is a toolbox and lockable front boot, 4kg gas bottle ring and 14inch alloy rims and spare tyre.

The inside sleeping quarters include storage compartments, 12V LED lighting, foam double mattress, 7 inch TV/DVD player, and Sony CD/radio with internal and external speakers to create a “party van” atmosphere.

The exterior is available in red, white, black and silver colour schemes, complementing the aluminium guards and matching themed interior.

 “I haven’t seen another teardrop with a full kitchen and fridge like we’ve done. It’s almost a caravan in a shoe-box,” Gnocato said.

The range-topping Shelby Fastback is priced at $20,990, while the slightly smaller Fastback with fewer standard features retails for $17,500.

Van Cruiser also has plans to introduce an off-road version of the Fastback.


• Got some RV news or released a new product? Email chris.fincham@carsales.com.au