Touring Caravans

For a long time the caravan - a travel trailer - was a neglected part of the classic vehicle scene, but now the historic caravan is becoming an increasingly common - and increasingly popular - exhibit at classic car shows. The development of the caravan is a fascinating story, and a vital part of motoring heritage.

In Touring Caravans, expert author Jon Pressnell traces the evolution of the touring caravan in Britain from its earliest horse-drawn days through to the lightweight, aerodynamically styled 'designer' caravans of today. This is an absorbing tale of a cottage industry which expanded rapidly in the motoring revolution of the 1930s, as the motor car extended the horizons of the British public; a story of how the caravan evolved from a half-timbered 'cottage on wheels' to the mass-produced, streamlined versatile trailer which we take for granted today.

This addition to Shire's continuous coverage of all aspects of classic motoring chronicles the process and brings alive the appeal of the classic caravan, with the help of a fine selection of period photographs.

John Pressnell is a freelance journalist specialising in classic cars and is a Senior Contributor to Classic and Sports Car magazine. He had a particular interest in the British motor industry, especially the Nuffield Organisation, BMC and British Leyland, and has carried out pioneering research on various aspects of the work of the Mini's creator, Sir Alec Issigonis. His published work includes Great Cars of the World, Morris Minor - Exploring the Legend, Citroen DS - The Complete Story and a comprehensive revision of the late Michael Sedgwick's A-Z of Cars 1945-1970. He has also written the Shire Library book, Touring Caravans.