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Post by millard1399 on Jan 26, 2009 15:43:08 GMT 10
General Viscount caravan information:
The Viscount brand has its origins in Adelaide in either 1954 or 1955, depending on which information you believe. It all began when John Carr, a young Englishman, settled in Adelaide and built a caravan. He called it Viscount and more and more people asked him to build one for them. Eventually a factory was established in Fullarton, SA. The origin of the name "Viscount" is not known, however the recently coronated Queen Elizabeth II visited Australia in 1954 and this may have had some influence on the decision. The word Viscount and the model names of Royal, Supreme, Ambassador, and Valiant have a 'regal' flavour about them.
A Viscount factory was set up in Sydney in 1958 at Cabramatta, and the brand was launched onto the Sydney market in August that year. In the 1960s, Viscount moved to a new larger factory in Liverpool in the western Sydney region. It is at this factory that the 1970s Classic vans were built. Some photos of the operations at the Viscount factory, taken in 1968, can be seen further down in this thread. [posted by Keelz]
In the mid-1970s the parent company of Viscount (Vicarr Industries) floated on the Sydney Stock Exchange as a public company. Viscount evolved to be a comprehensive company supplying not only their own parts needs, but supplying to other industries as well.
Viscount, like many other caravan manufacturers, revealed their new models at the annual Caravan Shows held in Sydney and Melbourne around the middle of each year.
Chassis numbers: The numbering system for Viscounts for the years 1970 through 1973 is not absolutely clear at the moment. It seems that Viscount numbered their chassis from zero at the start of each of these years, and kept going up to four digit numbers at the end of each year. I haven't collected enough information to be able to crack the coding yet, so further research is required.
It would appear that sometime in 1973, the numbering system changed to include the year number at the start. We have one example of a 1973 Viscount Royal with the chassis number of R37437. For the rest of the 1970s, we have examples of 1974 Viscounts with chassis numbers of 4XXXX, and 1975 Viscounts with 5XXXX, and so on up to and including 1979.
CAUTION!! The following historical information is based on my "best logical guess" from the research material collected. Readers are strongly advised to use the information for guidance only. There are no guarantees about its accuracy...
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Post by millard1399 on Jan 26, 2009 15:44:25 GMT 10
1970 Viscount caravans:In the first half of 1970, the Viscount company was producing two brands, the Viscount and the Ambassador. The Valiant brand appears to have been discontinued in the late 1960s, however it was resurrected separately in 1972 and is covered in the Valiant history thread. The 1970 vans ranged from 10ft 6ins to 27ft. All Viscount vans had aluminium frames as well as aluminium cladding, a continuation from the late 1960s. These 'full aluminium' vans were referred to as "Duralvans". Apart from the aluminium models, Viscount also toyed with a version containing fibreglass ends on the aluminium body. The following photo is from May 1970 and shows a 15ft Ambassador aluminium van with the side flashes. It also shows the Viscount/Ambassador logo as it was in the first half of 1970...  ...and these photos show examples of the exterior and interior of early 1970 Viscounts...   This advertisement from March 1970 gives details about the Viscount range and factory...  ---------------------------------------------------- 1970 2nd half: There was a change of logo in the middle of 1970. The new logo was triangular-shaped, and included the black 'C' in the yellow striped 'V' design, with the word Viscount across the top. Here is a photo of a Viscount Ambassador 16ft, from the second half of 1970 and showing the same side flashes with the new logo. The Ambassador name is printed underneath the logo...  --------------------------------------------------- Viscount Fibreglass caravans: In 1968, Viscount launched a fibreglass-ends version of their Duralvan caravan...  In December 1969, Viscount released an updated version of this Duralvan fibreglass van for the 1970 range...  The van has a moulded fibreglass front and rear, with the 'standard' aluminium cladding on the side walls and roof. The van was available in a 15ft size, with the internal height being 6ft 4ins, slightly higher than other Viscounts at the time. Internal colours and layouts were the same as available in other models.
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Post by millard1399 on Jan 26, 2009 15:45:23 GMT 10
1971 Viscount caravans: This is where it starts to get a bit confusing, so I'm not sure I've got this 100% correct. January: At some stage in early 1971, the new " Royal" model is launched. This advertisement from April invites people to buy their new Viscount Royal...  So it was possible to buy a new Royal with the previous side flashes, as this example shows...  Note also the new laminex surface on the cupboard doors. ------------------------------------------------- February: An article appears about a 26ft Viscount that has a "drop down" section on the offside that can be pushed out and extend the internal area of the van. This photo shows the caravan in the article, but note the design of the painted flash on the side...  ------------------------------------------------ March: An article appears about a new Colonial style interior. The article commences: "Viscount caravans have released a new 18ft 6ins colonial-style caravan featuring teak arches inlaid with vinyl cladding. As well as this, the full range of Viscounts will be fitted with a toilet at no extra cost...". The article goes on to say that the Colonial layout will be available in both Royal and Ambassador models from 13ft 6in up to the 30ft versions. The following advertisement announces the Monomatic toilet being installed [...in later advertisements the toilet is referred to as a Thetford]...  -------------------------------------------------- May (approx): Viscount launches the " Supreme" model, probably at the Sydney Caravan Show held at the end of May. This is what the logo on the Supreme caravans would look like...  --------------------------------------------------- 1971 2nd half: Going back to the photo of the 26ft Viscount in February above, it looks like Viscount has changed the side stripe on their caravans during the year. Here are photos showing that side stripe on a Viscount Royal, and also showing the "colonial" interior, as described in March above...  ------------------------------------------------- July: Viscount releases a special model called the Consort. This van has a fibreglass nose-roll above the front and rear windows, as well as a re-shaped aluminium front and rear. The interior borrows some of the styling from the Colonial van mentioned above. The Consort is available in sizes 15ft to 19ft, and is shown in this photo:  -------------------------------------------------- August: The 28ft high rise model is introduced. This van features a raised roof over the general living area, 18 inches higher than the rest of the van. The following photo is of a later 30ft version, but will show you what the van design looked like...  -------------------------------------------------- September: Viscount announces the introduction of AIRCON insulation into their caravans:  ------------------------------------------------------- 1971 Viscount fibreglass caravans: It would appear that Viscount continued to produce caravans in 1971 that had the fibreglass ends. This 26ft Viscount Supreme was found by forum member nasa62. Further details about this van can be found in this forum thread: Viscount info. There may well be others out there awaiting discovery... 
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Post by millard1399 on Jan 26, 2009 15:45:58 GMT 10
1972 Viscount caravans: For this year and the next couple of years, it becomes quite confusing when trying to place the various Viscount models into the correct order. As you will see, there are any number of variations to appearance, which don't always fall neatly into place. One good thing is that the flurry of activity in 1971 drops dramatically from now on. I think Viscount might have exhausted themselves with all the things happening last year! The noticeable changes to Viscounts during this year and the next couple of years are: 1. A change to the interior light fitting shape, from round to square. 2. A change to the entry door appearance. 3. Introduction of wind-out windows. 4. Introduction of the Four Seasons hatch. 5. Changes to the external painted design on the sides. 6. Changes to the cupboard and drawer handles. 7. A change to the shape of the Viscount decal. As you will see during the 1972, 1973, and 1974 boxes, there could be any combination of the above changes, and a Viscount will appear to be out of whack with other Viscounts made at the same time. All of this emphasises that NONE of this history information should be considered to be accurate. 1972 first half: The following photos are of two Viscount Royals, showing a two-tone painted side, push-out windows, the old style entry door, and round interior ceiling light...  ------------------------------------------------------------ Next we have a Viscount Ambassador with the same side stripe design but in the one colour...  Then there is this photo of a Viscount Ambassador showing the same one-colour tapered side stripe. This one, however, has a square interior ceiling light...  This photo shows a Viscount Royal with the tapered side stripe, the old entry door, push-out windows, and a square ceiling light...  ...and a second example of a Viscount Royal showing the same features...  If you look at the painted 'one-tone' stripe on the four caravans above, it might suggest there is a way of telling the difference between a Royal and an Ambassador in these particular models. Both of the Royals have an extra "rib" of cladding painted...six and eight ribs on the Royals versus five and seven ribs on the Ambassadors. We might need to check a few more examples to see if the theory holds up. The other difference to note up to this point, is that the Ambassadors have flat front and rear windows, and the Royals have wrap-around windows. But don't be fooled into thinking that's the case all the time, as some photos from the next couple of years will show. -------------------------------------------------- 1972 second half: In March 1972, there was a newspaper article about caravanning in general, and the article carried a photo of a Viscount caravan. This is the photo in the article...  If all you can see is a black mess, it is not your eyesight. But if you study the photo long enough, you will start to make out a dark stripe along the side of the van, in line with the windows. Notice that the stripe seems to be the same width all the way along? Here is a Viscount Royal showing that new side stripe. This one has the old entry door, push-out windows, old style cupboard handles, can't see the ceiling light, but...just to be different, this one has a rounded rear end...  This advertisement from October 1972 shows that just about anything is possible in a Viscount...  Goodness me! Over 65 standard layouts and 150 different colour schemes. Who kept track of it all?!!
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Post by millard1399 on Jan 26, 2009 15:46:32 GMT 10
1973 Viscount caravans:February: Viscount announces that the exciting new 1973 range would include many changes. These would include wind-out windows, new look wall panel colours, new refrigerators and stoves, colonial cupboards with gold beading, improved floor coverings, and colours co-ordinated to suit the most fastidious buyers. The Viscount company, which employs more than 700 people, was at present building 200 caravans weekly. The most popular family size was the 16ft x 8ft model. The main advantage of this van was that it provided sleeping accommodation for four without using the table for a bed. Here is a 16ft Viscount Royal with wind-out windows (the red arrow points to the winder brackets):  But this van has the same side flash as the vans in the 1972 box. It has the new style entry door, triangular Viscount logo, square ceiling light, and different cupboard handles to the previous style. ------------------------------------------- August: News Report..."Viscount Caravans, spurred on by the sales success of the new 1973 range with updated interiors, has recently developed a new foam insulation process. Appearing much the same as shaving cream, it is sprayed between the inner wall and the aluminium external cladding. The material sets into a harder substance and has remarkable properties. Not only does the insulation reduce summer temperatures inside the caravan by 20 per cent, but it improves heating in winter. It also has sound deadening advantages. A reassuring element is the fact that the material is fireproof and won't absorb moisture or mildew."  -------------------------------------------- The following photos show a 1973 Viscount Royal 21ft with the chassis number of R37437...  further information about this caravan can be found in this forum thread: New bloke in town------------------------------------------- October: This advertisement shows the tapered side flash, as shown in previous photos...  Notice that a new shaped logo appears to have been superimposed onto the photo. This logo is a similar design to the triangular one, but is now printed on a square background. This photo of a Viscount Royal shows the new square logo, and also shows the single side stripe, with wind-out windows and new style door...  ------------------------------------------------------ December: This advertisement appeared, and shows the side stripe: 
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Post by millard1399 on Jan 26, 2009 15:47:05 GMT 10
1974 Viscount caravans:Chassis numbers: Viscount started a new chassis numbering system from 1973, and now put the year number in front of the serial number. So a 1974 van has the chassis number 4xxxx. 1974 first half: You would expect that all Viscounts had wind-out windows by 1974, yes? The following Ambassador van has the chassis number of A43383, which would put it into the first half of the 1974 production. But notice that it still has push-out windows...  It does have the new style door, and the single side stripe. ---------------------------------------------------- 1974 second half: The following Ambassador has the chassis number A48321, which puts it into the second half of 1974. This one has wind-out windows, the square logo, square ceiling light, and old style cupboard handles...  ------------------------------------------------------ August: A Viscount advertisement carries this banner, and shows the side stripe and square logo in the sketches...  ------------------------------------------------------ October: The Starlight four seasons hatch was launched into the caravan industry. ------------------------------------------------------
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Post by millard1399 on Jan 26, 2009 15:47:51 GMT 10
1975 Viscount caravans:Chassis numbers: 1975 Viscounts will have the chassis number 5xxxx. ------------------------------------------------ 1975 Viscount Supreme 22ft - Chassis number S51641: The numbers 1641 in the chassis number show that this van was made in the early part of 1975, with the "S" at the start signifying a Supreme. ------------------------------------------------ The following caravan photos seem to fit in around the 1975 mark, and show the use of mouldings on the face of the cupboard doors. The handles are round plastic, by the looks, and the button locks are still evident. You can also see the first van has the square shaped logo on the front...  This one is similar to the above, and you can see the four seasons hatch here...  ---------------------------------------------------------- These photos show the use of plastic mouldings around the edges of cupboard doors, and the start of using the Viscount plastic locking handles. You can also see the Viscount logo, as well as the wind-out windows. This van is unusual in that it has what appears to be a moulded fibreglass hatch cover...  ------------------------------------------------------------
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Post by millard1399 on Jan 26, 2009 15:48:23 GMT 10
1976 Viscount caravans: 1976 Viscounts will have a chassis number 6xxxx. 1976 first half: There is a continuation of vans from the 1975 models. Here is a Viscount Royal with the chassis number of R65132, which would place it around the middle of the year...  ------------------------------------------------------------ This advertisement from May 1976 shows the chassis numbers for a list of Viscounts on sale. Note how the chassis numbers are either late 1975 or early 1976 vans...  ------------------------------------------------------------- 1976 second half: The following Viscount has the chassis number 66146 (the full number as told to me was TR400166146)...  You can see that there is a new Viscount logo on this van. --------------------------------------------------------------- August 1976: Advertisements appear for a new Viscount "Ranger" model in various sizes...  ...a photo is available in the 1977 section below... ---------------------------------------------------------------- September 1976: An advertisement appears for Viscount's "new Spring designs", but there is no further information to say what the new designs were... 
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Post by millard1399 on Jan 26, 2009 15:49:19 GMT 10
1977 Viscount caravans: 1977 Viscounts will have a chassis number of 7xxxx. 1977 first half: As discussed in the 1976 section, Viscount released a new "Ranger" model. The following 23ft Viscount Ranger has chassis number T73459...  ---------------------------------------------------
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Post by millard1399 on Jan 26, 2009 15:50:06 GMT 10
1978 Viscount caravans: 1978 Viscounts will have a chassis number starting with 8xxxx. 1978 first half: Here is a Viscount 16ft x 8ft with the chassis number S83397. Based on what we've learnt up to this point, the chassis number can be decoded to mean the following... the "S" for Supreme, the "8" for 1978, and the "3397" for that number of chassis built that year. This would make this van as being built in the first half of 1978. This van also carries the Viscount logo with the 'V-flash' under the word Viscount. The van had also been extensively refurbished in the inside, so some of the photo contents may not be original...  ---------------------------------------------------
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Post by millard1399 on Jan 26, 2009 15:50:55 GMT 10
1979 Viscount caravans: 1979 Viscounts will have the chassis number 9xxxx. 1979 first half: The following two Viscounts show what the vans looked like in the first half of 1979. The first van belongs to forum member keelz, and is a Viscount Supreme 18ft with the chassis number 91052...  ...more information about the restoration of this van can be found in this thread: 1979 Viscount SupremeThe second van is also a Viscount Supreme 18ft, and has the chassis number 91241, only a couple of hundred after keelz's van. Note the differences between this van and keelz's van...this one doesn't have wrap-around windows, and has a curved bum. The Viscount and Supreme logos are the same on both vans, however there were obviously variations in how the vans were made during this time period...  -------------------------------------------------
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Post by keelz on Jan 27, 2009 22:09:37 GMT 10
Here is some info courtesy of NSW Powerhouse Museum. "Between 1950 and 1953 there were at least 60 registered caravan manufacturers in Australia including Viscount and Millard in NSW, Franklin and Coronet in Victoria, Chesney in Queensland and Tru-Line in Western Australia. By 1969, Viscount Caravans of Liverpool were said to have the largest production line in the Southern Hemisphere incorporating many technological innovations beyond the capability of the small, home builder. Competition was strong with each company trying to produce better vans. Soon the bond wood vans disappeared as aluminum clad vans took over. The interiors altered dramatically with ice boxes and oil stoves giving way to gas and electric refrigerators and stoves. Electric lighting also quickly became standard."from www.powerhousemuseum.com/collection/database/?irn=213452&search=ViscountThe Liverpool site "I think" (don't quote me!) is the same chunk of land that the late owner of Viscount in the late 90's past '00(Nabil Gazal) developed into a retail outlet?. NSW'ers will remember the recent shamozzle with the council and NSW govmnt re: the orange grove affair. It should be noted that particular owner didn't own the company back in the 60's and 70's though when it was pumping out the great vans such as the Royals, Ambassadors, Supremes, etc. The factory was located in Orange Grove rd, Liverpool NSW. Cheers Keelz |
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Post by keelz on Jan 27, 2009 23:41:35 GMT 10
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Post by keelz on Jan 27, 2009 23:51:18 GMT 10
Some photos of the finished products straight from the factory in 1971. Enjoy 1971 in style, in a Viscount  in a big tandem  or in a single axle config, how groovy are those stripes n arrows!?  another big tandem with the dual door - nothing like stepping straight out of the bedroom into the serenity.  squeeze the kids in around the dining table    Interior photos 1971   Keelz |
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Post by keelz on Jan 28, 2009 0:10:02 GMT 10
Here is an example of a 1977 Viscount Supreme range... In the tri-axle configuration. It's a monster van      feel free to add this to the 1977 section Keelz |
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Post by olfarts on Mar 11, 2009 15:40:44 GMT 10
Here are some pics of the two Viscounts we had/have on our trip around Oz. The bogey axle one was 18 foot with a big island bed we bought in Katherine for $200 and the pop top is a 16 footer we bought the night we left Katherine to come back to Adelaide.She was born in 1978. Both have been really top vans. Dave     
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Visco
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Post by Visco on Aug 18, 2009 9:39:45 GMT 10
Here is an article in Caravan tests Number 16 from 1979 promoting the Viscount Supreme "20x 8", a steal at $5799 new.    cheers, visco. |
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Visco
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Post by Visco on Aug 18, 2009 11:13:03 GMT 10
And here, i couldn't not share with you the original sales Broucher from My Van a 1981,the Viscount Grand tourer series. I know, I know....not considered classic . But it is relevant ,if you look at the pics and you would think you were inside a late Supreme, Many of the Supreme features were carried over into the 80's, Including sports bolt on wheel covers and cubpoard doors/furniture fitout. There is also a list on the back cover of where all the Dealers were at the time across Australia.( I know mine was sold new in Sydney at the Kirawee dealership.Still has the sticker.) And an arial shot of the Manufacturing Plant at Liverpool Sydney. Enjoy Viscount enthusiasts. cheers. Visco       |
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Visco
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Post by Visco on Aug 19, 2009 7:06:21 GMT 10
Here is a Publication for Viscount Royal "15 ft" from Caravan World June 1976. Viscount must have continued to use both the "4 seasons hatch" as seen on this van, with their own wind up model, as these can be seen on some later Supremes until around 1978. They were often made of fibreglass. cheers, Visco    |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 20, 2009 23:23:16 GMT 10
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Post by olfarts on Oct 27, 2009 12:47:36 GMT 10
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Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2010 18:16:30 GMT 10
Hi Millard, Just joined and found the articles on Viscount most interesting. I viscount royal, the decal on the top / front has viscount royal with the black C in the centre ( Shield like ). Double wind-out windows with perspex corners, all windows on sides are double wind outs The chassis n/o is s74387. I assume it was built in 77 going by the information, but the S would suggest supreme. The panels on the side have 6 painted. I can download photo's if needed. what are your thoughts ..  regards Teflon ;D ;D ;D |
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Post by millard1399 on Apr 6, 2010 21:28:21 GMT 10
G'day teflon, and welcome to the forum! ;D ;D
It doesn't surprise me to know that Viscount chopped and changed the parts they used for various models. When I was researching the history, there were a number of examples that just "didn't fit" the rest of the information for a particular year. From what we've seen so far, I'm fairly confident that the chassis numbers are accurate from 1973 upwards, so a 7 at the start means a 1977 model. However, the "S" does normally mean Supreme, so it looks like Viscount might have built a Royal model on a Supreme chassis. It's quite possible that as the caravan industry was starting to disintegrate in the latter 1970s, Viscount might have decided to use whatever stock they had around, to make vans and get rid of them.
By all means post some photos of your van. It will help us learn more about the Viscounts.
Good to have you with us!
cheers,
Al.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2010 19:28:45 GMT 10
Hi Al,
Thanks, I will definately try and put some photo's on the site, I am intrigued to see what model it is.
While i have seen some on this sight come very very close externally in looks, there is always a slight difference, ( mainly mine has double wind - out windows ), sides, front and back.
It has a 4 season vent on the roof,
I do understand ( like cars ) it is only a minor change in models.
But will enjoy some advice on the real identity so to speak ha ha
Regards
Teflon ;D ;D
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2010 22:00:43 GMT 10
Hi Al,
Looking further into this site, I have found that countrychic's Viscount supreme is almost ( 90 % ) externally identical to mine.
I think, as per your statement earlier, the van may be a supreme ( given the first letter on the chassis ) and a Royal sticker attached.
Will definately put photo's on the site ( once I work out how haha ) to get a bit more of a confirmation
Regards
Teflon ;D ;D
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