Here we go again, with another in Andrew Jenkinson’s series of bookson the history of caravans and caravan-
related themes. This time out it is The Story of the Campervan that we are putting under the spotlight.
As with his previous publications, Andrew’s aim is not only to provide information about his chosen market sector, but also to immerse the reader in an image-heavy environment that ramps up the nostalgia-quotient to 11! Schematic diagrams illustrating the ingenuity of converters sit alongside vintage advertisements from the 60s and 70s. The picnic is a recurring theme and pictures of families dining al fresco with a campervan in close proximity are well-represented.
The story winds through the evolution of a concept that, once alighted on, must have seemed an obvious development – Instead of towing a caravan, build its facilities into the motorised section – no more reversing an articulated vehicle!
The early models were conversions based on existing small commercial vehicles, with Volkswagen, Ford and Commer providing popular base units. This presented the passer-by with a vision of families driving out for holidays or days out in vehicles that were not far removed from those being used by bakers or fishmongers on their deliveries.
Of course, a growing market achieves design efficiencies; competing firms vie or the most ingenious ways to fit the household’s essentials into a reduced space. Thus, the customers’ expectations become established. And so we come to have motorhomes on the road.
There are a few definite low points in the journey of the campervan from slightly converted van to hotel-room on-wheels and Andrew doesn’t shy away from them. As with other market sectors, the 1970s proved a difficult, but ultimately successful period. But, by the end of the book, we are glimpsing some of the currently available models that retail at prices not far off bricks and mortar accommodation.
Andrew’s enthusiasm for his subject is evident throughout and he freely admits that this is a nostalgic trip through a niche market. If that’s your bag, then this is an enjoyable, informative read.
