RETRO REVIVAL

There’s something powerful about how the aroma of old things can trigger a wave of nostalgia — and caravans are no exception. A whiff of weathered upholstery, a lingering sniff of snags sizzled on the old gas cooker and the faint tang of varnish on timber window frames can take us back to family holidays in caravan parks.

In Australia, a love affair with vans of yore runs deep. Enthusiasts spend months hunting down decades-old caravans online and at swap meets and occasionally make a ‘trophy find’ sitting in a garage; then either painstakingly restore them, or give them a contemporary makeover.

But what is it that inspires these retro restorers? We chat with four vintage van owners to discover what makes them tick, the rules of engagement when it comes to restoration and their tips to get into the vintage van scene.

THE AUSTRALIAN WAY

Caravans built prior to 1970 are known as ‘vintage’, while those built from 1970 are classified as ‘classic’ by members of vintage van groups in Australia. Some brands will be familiar as they are still