We recently spotted this cute retro rig at a vintage motor show in the southwest of Western Australia. At first glance it appeared to be a vintage car towing a vintage caravan and it looked so clean that we thought that maybe the rig was only taken to shows. But after we had a chat with the owner we realised that appearances can be deceiving.
Des Addison explained that the car was a 1930 Ford Model A, which he bought in 1962 and has owned ever since. He built the teardrop himself last year, and then took his retro rig on a journey right around Australia. Over a period of 3½ months, he travelled 15,000km at a speed of about 65-70km/hr.
The teardrop caravan has an awning which can be erected at the rear over the kitchen, and a bracket for the television aerial. The Model A has plenty of space in the back for a fridge, spare wheel and jerry cans of extra fuel.
Des travelled up the west coast, then to Darwin and on to Three Ways (north of Tennant Creek), Mount Isa, Longreach, Cunnamulla, central Victoria, Birdwood motor museum near Adelaide, Eyre Peninsula and back home to WA. A map on the rear hatch of the teardrop shows the route he followed.
Along the way, Des camped on the roadside and in caravan parks, where he created a sensation. Not surprisingly, everyone wanted to know more his amazing rig and find out where it had been.
Your say: Have you come across any retro rigs doing the Big Lap? Tweet us @caravanworld or comment below...
Susan and Keith Hall are regular contributors to Caravan World magazine. Check out their latest blog entries at somewhere42.wordpress.com.