WHAT ABOUT CARAVANS?

Iwrite to say how much I enjoyed your article in the April issue [No. 340], on the London to Invercargill adventure in a PB Vauxhall Cresta back in the summer of ’69. Although the car was powered by a 2.6-litre motor, which was the power plant for the early PB ’63–’64 models, I note it was fitted with the later model (’65) grille. These models were fitted with the very quick 3.3 motor. I was surprised that Howard and Ruth picked one with the three-stage Hydramatic transmission, taking into consideration that they were to tow a 15-foot Sprite caravan. If the same or a similar trip was taken today, the ’65–’66 PB Velox with the 3.3 motor and a modern five-speed manual floormounted change would be the way to go. (Thanks to modern technology.) Well done to all those involved.

I would have liked to read about the caravan, too. Old caravans have now also become classics. There is a following for, and much interest developing in, say, pre-1980 caravans and campers. Attend the annual

Beach Hop and the annual Hanmer Motorfest and you will soon realize this trend is making its mark at the moment. Some are restored to better than new but still keeping that early classic theme.

Enjoyed your first motorcycle feature, too, even if it was ‘just a scooter’. I have a 1951 Velocette scooter-cum-motorcycle; water cooled and shaft driven. Not kick-start, either; it has a hand-pulled start, much like a handbrake on a pre-war car; leg shields and running boards as well. Very silent bikes, they are. It’s reported that the Velos often gave cyclists a fright as they came past; they were so silent that the cyclists didn’t know they were coming.

Keep up the features on vintage and classic scooters and motorcycles. Please give some thought to featuring oldish caravans, too. You won’t regret it, as I’m sure your readers will enjoy it. Can’t beat variety. Trevor Stanley-joblin Thanks, Trevor, yes we might look at a couple of classic caravans shortly.