1969 Valiant / Ambassador 10ft 6ins C1242

[bluemountainsgirl]

Hi,
I've been lurking here for a while and I have now purchased my little van and would love some help nailing the year model. It was sold as a 1977 model but after reading the wealth of information here I'm inclined to think its a little older. The chassis no. on the drawer bar is C1242 which leaves me completely confused . It has Viscount Ambassador signage. The windows fold out and don't have winders. The painted flashes are the original pattern but repainted brown (the first thing I intend on changing!) It's 10'6 x 6'3 - you have to go outside to change your mind according to hubby! It came with the original full annexe. Great little van and I would love to know if she in fact a 77 model. Thanks in advance for your help.
Cheers
Donna

[millard1399]

G'day Donna, and welcome to the forum! ;D

As you can see, I changed the heading of your post, because I reckon you've got a Viscount "Valiant" model from late 1969 or early 1970. The "lightning flash" design on the sides is from that era.

Here is a composite photo of Valiant chassis number C1111 which we understand is from 1967:




And here is a composite photo showing an Ambassador model on the left, and a Valiant model on the right, both showing the "lightning flash" design on the sides...




Now, there's a couple of possibilities with your van... either somebody has added that Ambassador sticker onto the van at a later date (is there an identical one on the rear?) OR Viscount called your van an Ambassador even though it looks like a Valiant (stranger things have happened with Viscounts).

The bottom line is that your chassis number is a Valiant series number. The cabin shape is the typical Valiant cabin shape. But, it has an Ambassador sticker on it.

I'm betting it's a Valiant.

cheers,
Al.

[Donna]

Thanks Al,
A 'Valiant' it is then. The Ambassador sticker is identical on both ends. Shall I stay here or wander over to VC? I don't want to tick anyone off with my upcoming questions; which include; Are you aware of anyone converting orginal Electrolux fridges to 12v from 240v/gas?
Cheers
Donna

[millard1399]

You are probably better off staying here with us, only because your van could well be later than the cut-off date of Dec 1969 for the Vintage forum.

That particular design of Viscount stickers started to be used in mid-1971 when the Viscount Royal model was launched on the market, along with the Supreme model. The Ambassador model had been on the market for years, but it also got the new-style sticker starting in mid-71.

It might seem odd that someone has put Ambassador stickers on a Valiant-type van, but somewhere on my computer I've got photos of a Valiant like yours that has the rising sun Millard stickers put on it, so weird things do happen.

cheers,
Al.

[Deleted]

Hi all,
After a long break from this wonderful site I decided to lurk again tonight and forgot my password and username so new account but same caravan.

Our 1970??? Viscount Ambassador slash Valiant has a new home undercover and is starting to be restored.  She's now rego'd and being stripped, so I will be spending some more time here picking everyone's brains for info.  I promise to post lots of pics and info in between working and studying. Thank you to whoever posted the scans of the viscount brochure from 1970.  As you can see in the crop of our van in the brochure I think I can truly settle with it being a 1970 model.

For the caravan chicks I will post pics of some of the huge array of stuff I have amassed for decorating and personalising 'caravan girl' as she has been recently named.

Cheers
Donna

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[bobt]

Hi Ya Donna

Welcome back.

Gee I love those little caravans. Have you had a chance to take it any where?

bobt