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Between The Wars
| The first Eccles trailer caravan appeared in 1919, a very primitive
cabin on wheels. Bertram Hutchings, an established horse ‘van builder
since 1912, followed in 1920. Piggots, mainly a tent manufacturer,
also produced some interesting designs at the time using canvas
in addition to solid panels. They were in fact the first to show
exhibit trailer caravans at the Motor Show in 1920. Other makes
of the period were Angela, Car Cruiser, Rice and Cheltenham. The
1920’s is perhaps the era people would generally think of when “Vintage
Caravan” is mentioned; the designs evolving as the decade progressed
into perhaps the most attractive of any era. 1930 saw a change,
almost overnight, to the streamlined shape. Much of the exterior
character and charm disappeared although the interiors remained
in the 20’s style for a year or two. |
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The First Eccles 1919
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| Whilst C. Flemming Williams had introduced streamlining on the
tail of his Car Cruisers in the 20’s a streamlined front did not
appear until the mid ‘30’s. The model which perhaps set the trend
in full streamlining was Bertram Hutchings new “Winchester” design
which appeared at the 1930 Motor Show. This was a tremendous departure
from from his previous traditional models. Very few square ‘vans
were built in the 30’s, those built were generally made to order.
Angela, one of the older manufacturers, by 1931 was making some
weird shapes. One in particular can be likened to an enormous fish:
18 ft long and complete with tail. |
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| During the 30’s the streamlined shapes continued to a greater
or lesser extent, lantern roofs reappeared in 1932 but were curved
in line with the main roof. As the years went on more and more features
were incorporated in the more expensive ‘vans such as a bath under
the floor, ventilated floor lockers, toilet compartments, gas cooking,
hot and cold water systems, fold out extensions, built in radios
etc. |
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1937 Showman's Caravan Interior
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| Throughout the ‘20’s and ‘30’s manufacturers supplied their caravans
with complete with a set of china, very often purpose made, also
cooking utensils and cutlery. As the 1930’s came to a close the
‘vans were generally getting larger and heavier until the outbreak
of war when production virtually stopped. In the pre-war years caravanners
were usually quite “well off” as not many people in those days could
afford a car. In the literature of the time references to Lords,
Ladies, Earls, Majors etc. within the caravan scene and being caravan
owners, are quite common. Caravanning in those days was a much smaller
scale pastime than it is today. |
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