Retro caravan revival

Vintage caravans lead the field in stylish summer camping. These images from the book My Cool Caravan celebrate their comeback
  
  


My Cool Caravan: Mostard caravan
These very collectable beauties were produced by Dutch company Mostard between around 1959 and the late 70s. Quality carpentry with birch ply cupboards, aluminium trim and sturdy catches make the small space very practical. Photograph: Chris Haddon
My Cool Caravan: Frank caravan
Frank's caravan is thought to have been made from a section of fuselage from a second world war aircraft mounted on a car chassis and has been fitted with a felt roof, dinky porch and bay window. Unsurprisingly it attracts a lot of attention on the road. Photograph: Hilary Walker
My Cool Caravan: Constance caravan
This vintage 1950s caravan called Constance has found a permament home at the bottom of its owners' garden. Resprayed in Brighton Seafront green and kitted out with retro vinyl, linoleum and crochet rugs it doubles as a styish garden campout and rather grand playhouse for the kids. Photograph: Hilary Walker
My Cool Caravan: The Royal caravan
You won't find many of these around. This one-off 1/3 scale play caravan was presented to the young Prince Charles and Princess Anne in 1955 as a gift from the Caravan Club. It may be tiny but it's fully roadworthy. Photograph: Hilary Walker
My Cool Caravan: Shasta caravan
Makers of caravans for more than 60 years, Shasta started off making trailer homes for the US armed forces in 1941. The company was renowned for its styish designs – and distinctive wings and bold strips that were introduced in the late 50s. Photograph: Hilary Walker
My Cool Caravan: Amphibious caravan
This rare and individual amphibious caravan boat was built in around 1965 and has retractable wheels. Its huge weight makes it too cumbersome for UK roads but it can still sail to its destination. Photograph: Hilary Walker
My Cool Caravan: Shepherd's hut caravan
Old shepherd's huts used to be a common sight in the countryside when they were towed to the field as temporary homes during lambing, with a bunk and essential kit. This authentic recreation in Dorset has a woodburning stove and oak flooring. "Not much beats watching the sun set over the stable door," says owner Richard. Photograph: Hilary Walker
My Cool Caravan: Airstream Bambi caravan
Airstream Bambi 422: this modern twist on the vintage American Airstream has been specially designed for Europe's smaller roads – and doesn't run the risk of roadside breakdowns like its older cousins. Photograph: Hilary Walker /My Cool Caravan
 

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