Make: Pemberton
Model: Moonbeam
Length: 27ft
Width: 9ft 6in
Berths: 4/6
Year: 1967
Price: £600
Manufacturer: Pemberton Caravans, Wigan, Lancs.
The swinging 60’s was a boom time in the caravan industry. With 40-plus manufacturers, there were new names coming to the market all the time.
Some came and went; others would be around for many years. One of these was Pemberton Caravans, a Wigan-based manufacturer that pitched its sales at big numbers with a factory working flat out. Begun in 1946 by the Rigby brothers, the company grew at a rapid pace, producing value models at the right price. By the late 50’s, Pemberton were top sellers here and abroad. With a wide range of models, the company produced popular layouts and supplied many sites with hire fleets.
The 60’s boom saw Pemberton become one of Britain’s biggest sellers, with a redesigned range of models. Also, they bought out Dovedale Caravans, a Blackpool-based manufacturer, and Cresta Caravans in Hull. Both eventually saw Pemberton models only produced. Back in 1967, Pemberton launched its Moonbeam model, a 27ft x 9ft 6in static caravan that had a front lounge, with a recess for a drop-down double bed, centre dining table, with surrounding kitchen facilities. There was a loo room but for an Elsan bucket design only!
The rear of the Moonbeam featured a bedroom with built-in wardrobes and dressing table; the front had an alternative design including a free-standing easy chair and settee. The lighting was gas, as was the heating and cooking, which utilised a small two-burner hob and grill with small oven. These vans were designed for summer use only, so insulation was glass fibre matting – just the walls and roof benefitting. No double glazing back then! The chassis was painted with normal paint, so needed treating every few years, especially on coastal sites. The chassis in ‘67 was made by Peak Trailers, then a big chassis maker at Stockport.
Cost was £600 new in 1967 and by 1972 that had risen to £860. At that time, the exterior design had been completely updated and the interior had a more luxurious feel.
By 1979, sales were depressed and 1980 saw Pemberton crash! The Moonbeam had enjoyed a 12-year run, but now Pemberton experienced a management buyout, cutting staff and shutting down the acquired factories. The company went from big production figures to smaller numbers and more luxury units – a theme that prevails to this day. In fact, since the company survived the dark days of 1980, it has developed into a high-end caravan and lodge manufacturer, producing luxury units to grace any park.
During its production run and beyond, the Moonbeam could be spotted on most sites in the UK and was popular with parks wanting a larger, family model for their hire fleets. Don’t forget that this size for a static was considered no small van! That 9ft 6in width was also seen as a major move and Pemberton named their models the Spacemaker range.
We wonder if anyone has a Moonbeam still?
