16' Majestic 1979 supplied by Impala

[Deleted]

Hi everyone

I've been talking about getting a 'van and I did!

I got a 1979 16' Majestic. I've had a look around the Forum, but can't find anything on the marque. Before purchasing I did look a number of others and found an almost identical Newlands. Can anyone shed any light on this for me?

The 'van is pretty original, it's also dry but has had some rain damage in the past. There are a few small areas of concern, but a small refurb is planned.

Here are some photos:









Look at that fantastic cooker and oven!

She tows really well and I brought her up from the south coast of Vic back to Ballarat without any issue (admittedly I have a very capable 4x4).

If anyone can give me an idea behind her history I'd be much obliged.

Jonathan

[ForumMod]

Congratulations on your purchase, castletine. It looks like it's in a very tidy condition.

Forum member hughdeani should be able to give you some more info about your brand of van, however he might have already done that for you in this other thread - Premier caravan

Note the photos in the link in the second post of that Premier thread, and notice the side stripes are the same colour/pattern as your van. Also note the chassis number on the Premier van, which looks to me like it reads 2476, so you could perhaps compare the number welded on your own drawbar.

We've got exactly the same stove/oven in our 1992 Windsor van, so it wouldn't surprise me to know yours is a later fitment. Ours works very well on the stove top, but I don't think we've actually used the oven part of it yet.

cheers,
Al.

[Deleted]

Thanks Al

The other van is very similar in looks, stripes and layout.

The chassis number on mine is 1602876. I bought her off the second owner who had it for 20+ years.

I must say the stove was a factor in the purchase as we love to cook.

Thanks for the info.

Jonathan

[ForumMod]

Ha ha ha, Jonathan...it dawned on me today why I couldn't remember us ever using the stove...because we don't have one!



I think I'm getting confused with another stove unit I've got stored in the shed. That other unit came out of an old vintage caravan.

Sorry about that...

cheers,
Al.

[Deleted]

Hi Al

I think it's all part of the fun in finding out things, being thrown a red herring is a challenge ;-)

The fitting to the stove looks original, so perhaps an upgrade when originally ordered?

I haven't seen many full size stoves in 'vans. I'm not really surprised as it should be about caravaning and not cooking.

Years ago we used to own a 30' motor yacht with a full size stove and galley. We had some of the best meals on board including a full Christmas roast. We used to say she was our caravan without wheels. When we moved from Europe, very sadly we had to sell her. She left a big void.

Which brings me on to her replacement, the Majestic and we are really looking forward to the adventures (and meals) ahead!

Jonathan

[Deleted]

Hi castletine,
Nice van you have there!
These vans came as standard with the big chef stove and oven,the option was a smaller stove.
Back when this van was built we all seemed to want a big stove for Sunday roasts!in later years most became bread tins or extra cupboards,
Cheers
Hughdeani

[Deleted]

Thanks Hughdeani,
It's good to get a history on the 'van. It all looks original but a bit worn so a paint job is planned. The original kitchen tops are a bit worn and warped so we plan to change these too

[Deleted]

Can anyone tell me more about the Majestic brand?
I know they were built in Campbellfield in Melbourne, but I don't know any more than that.

[Deleted]

They were a very small company in Campbellfield,as with other caravan companies in the seventies,and didnt last all that long.
from memory about 2 or 3 years.
A shame really ,as they were a nice van for their time.
cheers
hughdeani

[supreme78]

The floor covering vinyl is the same as my 1978 viscount had so it might be around mid to late 70's van. Nice van looks like it was full of luxury when made the lounges are well made and the quality of the fit out is very well thought out for a 70's van. Good luck with the restoration/ renovation.

[Deleted]

Thanks True-Blue,
I'll be posting some photos of the renovation soon. As you say the interior is well made and has been really thought through. The layout really sold the van to me when I saw it and it amazes me as to what can be squeezed into 16 feet without it looking, well, erm, squeezed.
My van is 1979, so completely fits the same time era of the vinyl in your van.

A quick question to the forum, would anyone know how to remove the backs of the seating?