Retro vans are all the rage, particularly in Queensland where another manufacturer has emerged in the shape of Brisbane-based Jive Caravans.
The brainchild of local tradie Danny Hooper, Jive offers a compact and curvy 12ft (3.6m) model that harks back to 1960s designs but is firmly in the modern era in regards to construction and features.
“We’re building them with a steel chassis, welded aluminium frame and aluminium composite panel cladding,” explained Hooper.
The vintage theme continues inside with gloss white paint contrasting bright red furniture and a black and white chequered floor.
Hooper, who owns a couple of vintage cars, saw a market for a compact, vintage-style van that could be towed behind smaller tow vehicles.
The floorplan incorporates a dinette that converts to a king single bed, a separate double bed and small kitchen including gas cooktop, three-way fridge, and sink with 12V pump connected to a 60 litre water tank.
The Jive weighs 880kg dry and is priced from $25,000, with a 12V battery system, gas bottle, LED lighting, roof hatch, and leaf suspension with 14in wheels and override disc brakes, among the standard features.
Yet to build a production version, Hooper is displaying the cute van at local shows around Queensland this year to drum up interest.
Future plans include a larger 14ft ensuite model, and tapping the commercial market with customised catering van versions or even a mobile office.
Visit the Jive Caravans website for more.