Vintage vans shine at Leisurefest

For the third year running, a small but eye-catching collection of vintage caravans and matching tow vehicles, took centre stage at the annual Melbourne Leisurefest.

Co-ordinated by vintage van enthusiast and collector Doug Barratt, the display rigs included a blue and silver 1960s Panorama caravan towed by a matching blue ‘60s EJ Holden Station Wagon and a blue and white 1957 Phoenix van behind a matching 1972 Chrysler Valiant – all fully restored, and dripping with nostalgic touches, right down to a surfboard on the roofracks of the old Holden.

Barratt also brought back the tiny 1940s Sportsman Caravanette teardrop camper, he displayed at the 2016 Leisurefest. However, instead of a ‘60s Toyota Crown, this time around it was hitched up to a matching green 1971 VW Beetle

The plywood camper was restored over a two-year period and like the other golden oldies displayed, was decorated inside and out with period paraphernalia including enamel mugs, an old suitcase, vintage wash basin and teapot with woollen cosy.

But perhaps the most interesting classic caravan on display was a red and white 17ft Jennison Pathfinder. Built in NSW in 1961, it featured a couple of rare features for the time: a factory-fitted ensuite including shower and basin, together with gas heater, and a  Jones Dolly Wheel hitch.

Around 1000 of the unusual Jones Dolly Wheel hitches, which added an extra wheel up front when towing and ensured a very light towball weight, were built in NSW between 1956 and 1980.

The four berth van, which cost £1650 new, also sported the original interior including twin single beds, kitchen and café dinette, and had a Tare weight of just 1240kg.

Displayed under the Sandown grandstand close to the main food vans ensured a steady stream of visitors enjoyed a trip down memory lane, throughout the show.