I would like to introduce you to Gracie Wheels. She is a 1979 Safari Caravan and my partner and I have been doing her up since February. As attendees will know; hotels and B&B’s are a huge expense when visiting such shows as War and Peace for the best part of a week, so Gracie will be our home away from home!
She had been lovingly cared for by her previous owner, who was sorry to let her go. I had big plans for this vintage caravan from the beginning and had a patriotic, summery vintage theme in my head. Once my ideas board was complete we bought the paint colours and set to work! With a little help from some vintage reproduction accessories from Dotcomgiftshop and a selection of yummy fabrics we were off to a flying start! I even designed my very own fabric which you can buy here . We still have a way to go, but she has passed her service with only a few things to sort out (“Don’t turn on the gas heater or you may die of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, but other that that she is in good nick!”) and a slight damp problem which is usual for old caravans and some have already been sorted out.
Gracie Wheels will make her debut at Wartime in the Vale in Evesham this June. We want a little test run that isn’t too far from home, just in case of any problems. I hope you enjoy her photos below!
Swallow Gingham Fabric Designed by Kitten von Mew
This shows a before and after of our Vintage Caravan. The only thing that has changed is the panel which has the lantern windows in, which is now pale blue.
This was one of the features I loved most about the caravan. Unfortunately the top had water damage, but Richard did a great job of creating a new one and doing the detailing around the edge. On the top you will see various accessories and a 1950 wind up record player
I wanted something jolly and something that seperated the kitchen and living space without walls. The yellow doors were in homage to my Grandad’s 1930’s kitchen, which my Grandma had painted a custard yellow! We got the great lino flooring from Carpet Right. The cooker and hob are gas and the fridge runs on gas and electric!
We were so pleased with the outcome of the main living space! What a difference! I made the curtains, pillows and arm rests and the vintage bakelite radio houses an MP3 player with 1940’s radio shows and music on.
1940's Pin-Up Entertainer Kitten von Mew 
Please could you tell me what kind of paint you used for both the outside and the inside and also what prep you did on and out before painting.
She’s beautiful!!
Carrie x
Hi Carrie!
Sanded the outside down and made sure we used a good metal paint primer before putting it on. It’s the paint you would use on any outdoor metal work. The inside is standard indoor emulsion, but don’t use matte! Condensation drops have stained our curved ceiling so will be repainting!
Fantabulous! I love my camping, but this van is a dream 🙂
Oh wow!!your caravan is amazing. The transformation is just brilliant.love the retro look!xx
Thank you so much, we love it too. It is awful at the moment as we don’t have a car to tow her, but finger’s crossed by summer we will be set again! x
Hi! Kier told me about this blog and I must say it looks wonderful. What a beautiful caravan! I love the pictures and have just subscribed to this blog. Have a good time blogging and till the next post! 😀
Thank you so much! x