Cosalt Abbey SR (1985-1986)
Emphatic 1980s styling was groundbreaking at the time, says Andrew Jenkinson
‘A drinks cabinet with wine glasses was an essential feature of 1980s chic – as was the bottle of Martini’
THESE DAYS, SMART interior design is a big selling point for caravan buyers, many of whom are looking for contemporary styling. But back in the 1980s, it seemed that most were quite happy with chintz!
However, there were a few caravan manufacturers trying to make inroads into a younger market, such as Cosalt, then owner of Abbey Caravans.
At the 1985 NEC Caravan and Boat Show (which I visited) Abbey launched its SR, a real head-turner outside and in, with the new MK2 Vauxhall Astra SR tow car. This tourer wowed visitors to the show, with its red-black-white striped upholstery and curtains, and distinctive red-grey furniture.
By 1986, two models were available, a four-berth and a two-berth end-kitchen layout. The SR now had mains electric and the option of a microwave (for an extra £308).
They also came with wine glasses, fridge, Carver SB1800 gas heater, 12V lighting and corner spotlights. Around 150 were built – the four-berth was the better seller – and you still see the odd one turning up on the retro caravan market.
Striking style
In terms of styling, the SR was perhaps ahead of its time, and buyers were probably deterred by the striking colour scheme. This was a distinctive tourer, but its bold stripes were clearly not to everyone’s taste.
On the bright side, the SR had the forerunner to alloy wheels, a rear roof spoiler and integral front gas locker.
The two-berth SR2 also won a Caravan Industry Award as caravan of the year for 1986, but just a year later, the range was disappearing from view.
So it had limited success and sales were no more than steady in the two years it was made.
At the time, the exterior was considered very stylish, but the aim of attracting younger buyers wasn’t achieved.
This was groundbreaking design, to be sure, and the SR did at least survive for another year, but with many still left on the forecourts, it was clearly not a viable proposition, so it was allowed to fade away.