Retro Australian Caravan resurrected 12ft, 2,200lb

new, updated version of a classic 1970s Franklin caravan has emerged at this year's Queensland Supershow


Retro fever is running hot at this year’s Queensland Caravan Supershow, with a tiny new 12ft Franklin van based on a curvaceous 1970s classic joining a growing number of born-again beauties including the Gidget teardrop and Jackaroo caravan.

The cute as a button, silver/black 2015 Iconic caravan displayed by Franklin dealer Kratzmann Caravans at the Brisbane Showgrounds was inspired by an immaculate, original Iconic ‘barn find’, also on display at the show.

With its rounded roof and sides, the new Franklin Iconic is a dead ringer for the aerodynamic original, albeit updated with all the mod cons of today including LED lighting, ducted air-conditioning, 90 litre fridge, and something unheard of in the '70s – wiring for solar panels!

Construction has also been brought into the 21st century with silver gloss aluminium cladding, insulated roof and walls, lightweight solid panel furniture, and tinted wind-out windows, along with 14in alloy wheels, battery pack and 15amp charger, and roof skylight.
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With not much more interior room than an original A’van, the Franklin manages to squeeze in a double bed, full height robe and a few overhead lockers, a three-burner cooktop, sink and microwave in the compact kitchen and a cosy dinette with a choice of period patterns and bright colours for the upholstery.

With an old fashioned Tare weight of just 1030kg, it’s perfect for small to medium sized tow vehicles. However, Franklin’s new owner, Melbourne’s Concept Caravans has not quite been able to replicate 1970s pricing, with a ‘show special’ drive-away price of $34,990.

The 40-plus year old, white and orange Iconic van parked just metres from its modern lookalike, remains in remarkably good, original condition. Now in the hands of Concept, it was rescued from Hoppers Crossing in Melbourne after having just one owner and being garaged most of its life.

It even boasts the original rego plate, tyres and appliances, not to mention bright orange vinyl seats and white curtains with bird illustrations.

“With the weight, shape and durability we have decided to rebuild (the Iconic) with modern materials in three layouts to suit lightweight tow vehicles,” an information board in front of the old van explained.

As well as Kratzmann Caravans in Queensland, the reborn Iconic model will be available from Franklin’s only other Australian dealer, the Nowra, NSW-based Chapman Caravans.