FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

G’day Guys

Last week, I finally sold our Winnebago which has been the third campervan (including a Kombi) for Bec and I and our three little boys over the last six years. It also towed our FC wagon around Australia after the Perth Nationals. Bec doesn’t want to give up camping, so she is looking for a modern car and caravan. However, as my daily drivers has always been FC Holdens, I’m looking for a 1950s Sunliner caravan to complement them instead. My tow vehicle is an FC wagon with a HR disc brake front with brake booster & drum rear end, 186 motor (but no tow-bar yet). I’ve also started another thread asking for help in finding an FC Wagon with a modern V6/Auto conversion to be a stronger tow vehicle.

As with an FC Holden rebuild, I don’t have the health, time, money, garage space or talent to do my own ground-up re-build on a vintage caravan. I need a completely restored and registered caravan that is big enough (14-18 foot if I can get away with it). It also needs to sleep four (preferably with a double bed and a bunk bed, so we don’t have to convert the dinette each night). I’m not looking for a show caravan but I do want it to be well-built and well-engineered and most of all, safe. I’ve been told I’ll need a fibreglass van as they are the most suitable (big enough and light enough) to tow behind an FC. I’d prefer an original interior (ie dinette and cabinetry) and retro paint scheme (ie two-tone) but would consider modern interior and exterior if it’s been done tastefully. Bec really just wants big fridge and a gas stove that works.

Does anyone know anyone that has, and may consider selling their 1950s Sunliner Caravan?

Even if the owners aren’t willing to sell, I would still greatly appreciate any leads or advice on what models to look for/avoid and what’s the longest/heaviest van I can get away with. I've read elsewhere on the forum that I can probably go up to 150% of 1150kg (FC Wagon Tare Weight). I’m located in Canberra but I’m willing to travel anywhere. If I can't find an Sunliner, I may consider an Olympic. If I can’t find a fibreglass caravan, I may consider a bond wood or Pre-70s aluminium. I would also consider trading my wagon or ute if the seller wants a new project or tow vehicle for their next vintage caravan. My budget is $10k-$20k. I’m not in a rush but I do need to find something before the Toowoomba Nationals (I’ve already booked my powered-site)!

Cheers, Tim Miller
0437 465 336 or tim@kombikids.com.au

G'day Guys

The search is over as I managed to find a Sunliner caravan less than 10km from my house here in Canberra. A lovely couple had owned it for over 40 years. The van needs a lot of work as it hasn't moved from their front yard in over 20 years. This rare Sunliner Super 16 (foot) version is completely original inside and out - it even has a bunk bed. Our intention is to keep this van completely original and tow it behind our stock two-tone green 1959 Holden FC Special Sedan.

Within a week of buying my first Sunliner, I was lucky enough to buy a second 16' Sunliner near Ipswich QLD. We bought it off a container ship captain who had replaced all the mechanicals and completely stripped the interior and put in all new walls, ceiling, floors, windows, cupboards and insulation. Our intention is to complete the renovation with all new appliances, a triple bunk (for our three boys under 7) and tow it behind our modified white & grey 1959 Holden FC Special Station Sedan (wagon).

Cheers, Tim