Our Touring Past

Castle Caravans.
Old Northern Rd. Castle Hill. NSW

I have found this little 1956 ad for the Castle Carryvanette, which is a very unusual roof section that is carried on the car roof. To unfold the van legs are added to support the roof while the car is driven out. Then the walls and furniture are then folded down from the roof.

How good is that, I wonder how many were made ?

Another ad from 1956 for Castle Caravans, but this time it is for the Castle Carryvan. It is basically a canopy on a trailer, with two bunks inside.

1953 ad for Castle Caravans showing the three models available the 12 cwt, the 9 cwt and finally the 5 cwt Baby Castle.

Hi Richard

Typical of the times the tow cars for these light vans are British, a Standard Vanguard and a Vauxhall Caleche.

George

While sorting out some caravan items to post from the 1956 Sydney Motor Show catalogue I found this little item which I thought was very interesting. The caravanette referred to is no doubt the one illustrated in your post on Sept. 5, 2010. According to the last paragraph they were built by General Modern Craftsmen Caravan Co. Pty. Ltd., which is a bit of a mouthful, for Castle. Unfortunately no address given but that may turn up with a bit more research. George

1956 Castle ad.

196? Castle caravans ad.
Looks as though they have stopped caravan building and are a Millard dealership now.

Here's a few more items concerning Castle, the first two from Keith Winser's 1952-3 Motor Manual Book of Lightweight Trailers. The advertisement gives a fairly detailed specification. And this advertisement which I think is from a mid 1950s copy of the N.R.M.A. Caravan and Camping Guide. George

This 1962 Castle ad shows that they were also a dealership for Viscount Caravans. The ad also states that Castle are still building reswood caravans which would have been a bit behind the times with the new aluminium Viscounts.