Out and About 055

1946 Thomson 'Almond' 11ft Classic Caravan
Owned by Dibs De Wolfe,
Chudleigh, Devon, United Kingdom

SUPERB RESTORED 1946 THOMSON "ALMOND" 11 ft CLASSIC CARAVAN

This is a superb example of the famous Thomson 11 ft "Almond" classic touring caravan which was lovingly restored to its fine condition over a 12 year period. This is a true "time warp" example which immediately transports you to a different era, yet which can be easily towed and used on a regular basis for touring, shows or just to enjoy in your garden.
HISTORY
The caravan was built immediately after WWII in 1946, to the same "Almond" design that the long established caravan manufacturer's Thomson's of Fife originally introduced in 1936. The "Almond" model stayed in production until 1956 when it was superseded by the more modern and larger "Glenalmond". This is an early 11ft model (probably a Mk III) which evolved into the final Mk VII model, the last of which was produced in 1956/7.
After she was built in 1946, she was used for touring for five years, than laid up in Devon and finally used as a garden shed. She was rescued in 1988 and then lovingly restored over a 12 year period until finally being completed in Y2000, Since then she has attended many shows and rallies and has been properly stored and looked after.
A copy of the history of Thomson Caravans Ltd (1908-1971) is included in the file.
There is a display board showing the history of the restoration and a complete file of receipts and information.
DIMENSIONS & TOWING
The van's body is 11 ft long x 6 ft 6" wide x 7' 6" tall (off the ground). There is a 3' "A frame" at the front. Total length is 14ft including the frame. Weight is not available, but she is very light and can be manoeuvred single-handedly on tarmac using the handles at each corner. She can be towed easily with a 10hp (ca 1500cc) car (eg the Wolseley 1500 shown in the photo). She can be towed at speeds of up to 50mph and is very easy to move.
WHEELS, BRAKES AND CHASSIS
She runs on the original 16" Morris (?) "Eaziiclean" wheels which have all been fitted with new "Firestone" cross-ply tyres and inner tubes. She has the original spare wheel with tyre and even an extra spare inner tube. The axle, chassis are floor all in superb condition and she has new wheel bearings and runs superbly. The "A Frame" has been strengthened at the front and she is fitted with a new jockey wheel.
Brakes are excellent and work as they are supposed to (automatic braking down hills) and there is a separate ratchet handbrake.
She is fitted with the original corner jacks for levelling which all wind down from the chassis using the original handle/wheel brace. These are all in good condition.
Sidelights (front and rear), indicators, brake lights and number plate light are all original and working (using normal tow bar plugs into the tow vehicle)
EXTERNAL COACHWORK & FITTINGS
Originally an ash frame with alloy panels, this has all been superbly rebuilt to fine condition. The aluminium windows are original with recent new rubbers and there are no leaks whatsoever from the roof (fitted with twin skylights). She was repsrayed in"MoD Green" gloss with cream roof and black wheels/chassis and is in immaculate condition all round (see photos). There are a few minor dents in the front n/side panel (see photo) but otherwise she is excellent. There is a fully lockable "stable" type door and al original window latches and openers are in perfect condition. There are 4 chrome handles on each corner for manoeuvring and she has the original chrome screw-on hub caps.
INTERIOR FITTINGS & FIXTURES
Interior is original and the wooden panelling has been fully restored to fine condition. She has a single rear /bench seat, wardrobe with external mirror, folding dining table, table seat, front bench seat, cabinets, overhead cabinets, built in sink, gas cooker and toilet cubicle (nb chemical toilet is not included). The bench seats are full width (6' 6") and can be used as beds (hence 2 berth). There are plenty of cabinets for storage and also under-seat storage. She comes complete with cushions and curtains which are all in lovely condition (see photos). The gas cooker is in excellent working order and was recently tested. There is a working gas light and gas is supplied form an external propane bottle via pipes. All of this can be tested and certified if necessary. The lavender green sink is in excellent useable condition. There is a 12v ceiling light and bedside wall light which run from a concealed 12v car battery; however she is wired (with fuse box) for 240v electrics also, which plug in from an external supply point at the rear.

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