World's biggest caravan show looks back

Given its relatively small population, Australia punches above its weight when it comes to the size and scale of its caravan shows, judging by the recent success of Melbourne and Sydney events.

But they’ve got nothing on Caravan Salon Dusseldorf, which kicks off in Germany in a week’s time and in 2011 is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Running from August 27 to September 4, the RV supershow described as the "world’s leading trade fair for mobile leisure", will have on display around 1800 vehicles from 570 exhibitors.

More than 120 brands from around 26 countries will be represented, showcasing caravans and mobile homes, accessories, tents, and travel destinations over 180,000 square metres in 10 halls and open grounds. 

This is in contrast to the first Caravan Salon held in 1962 at Messe Essen, which attracted 34,500 visitors, 61 exhibitors from eight countries on 15,000 square metres of exhibition space.

As part of the 50 year celebrations, this year's Salon will have a dedicated display of vintage vehicles which according to organisers will "take visitors back into the early days of the Salon".

One of the highlights will be the stunning, restored 1959 Mikato motorhome, previously owned by the grandson of famous German composer Richard Wagner.

As the story goes, the wife of Wollgang Wagner wasn’t too pleased when he brought home the costly motorhome, priced at the time at 45,500 German Marks, calling it a "crackpot idea".

Current owner Werner Herrmann, said the curvaceous motorhome, which has a bright red exterior and even more dazzling orange-themed interior, has been fully restored except for the original bathroom.

"Originally it had a V8 BMW engine with 100hp... when I got it had a 200 diesel engine by Mercedes with 44hp, but that was not enough," Herrmann explained.

"Now I upgraded it with an 86hp, 300 diesel diesel and it works wonderfully. I drive it at 110km/h."

Also on display will be a 1965 Tabbert caravan, described as having "luxurious amenities considering the time it was built". The four berth van has a separate bedroom, shower and kitchen, while the "living room next door even has a small bar and enough space to indulge in nostalgic memories".

According to event director, Joachim Schäfer, the Caravan Salon has a reputation for displaying the very latest products and concepts, and this year should be no different.

"Right from the start Caravan Salon was conceived as a new products and innovations event," Schafer said. "This role has been further consolidated since Caravan Salon Dusseldorf was held at the end of August, and is therefore, in international terms, the first date for showing the new generation of vehicles.

"This is also reflected in the dramatic increase in international visitors – at last year’s trade fair we registered 23,000 from all over the world. Caravan Salon was and is the most important indicator for the trends in the caravanning industry."

Amongst the innovative new products this year will be the Sealander amphibious caravan,  described as a "swimming caravan". It features a 5hp outboard motor, and will be displayed at the Salon in an outdoor pool.

"The motor is powered by an accumulator, which also doubles for power supply in the vehicle interior and is conveniently charged by the tractor vehicle via recharge cable while driving," the organisers said.

For further details visit the 2011 Caravan Salon Dusseldorf website.