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Post by Deleted on Jun 13, 2014 23:39:24 GMT 10
Hello, My wife and I had been searching for a caravan for some years and we wanted something that was old but a bit different. We found this van 4 years ago being used as a visitors accommodation on a farm near where we live and it had taken over 3years to negotiate the sale. The van is made by Olympic at Springwood in 1982 and used as a caravan park rental and when the park was sold it was moved to the farm where the van was eventually purchased by us. The van has never been towed on the road apart from being taken to the farm. On inspection underneath and the condition of the brake drums, this tends to confirm the information we were given. We're not sure which way to go with resto yet but we have been given some great information from a really nice bloke named Bob Taylor about the van itself and on cleaning up the fibreglass and we will looking for any other suggestions we can get and then coming up with a plan. After having the van for so long now we are really keen to get started. We will keep the photos coming once we finally get started. BELOW, is some of the info Bob Taylor has given us about our van and we also found the specific van, series 2000 that Bob talks about which was in the Caravan World Magazine all be it in very bad condition now, I have included a photo of that van with it's rear awning.
Written by Bob Taylor - Olympics just keep turning up, this one is special as it may well be the only one manufactured, first Olympic price list it appeared on is dated 1/4/'87, but Glass's Caravan Guide spring/summer edition 1985-'86, mentions it for 1983 POA.
This particular vans chassis no. 82 8 337W PK (August 1982 chas.no 337 white for caravan park) . This chassis no. just fits in amongst other Olympic models, eg 334 21' Stardust,335 Contessa, 338 Debonair, 339 Debonair and 343 is scheduled to call to Olympic HQ tomorrow morning a Riviera.
So there is a little bit of Olympic history for you. Also I should mention that Condor is further development of Tony Pusterla's Series 2000 van featured in Caravan World Magazine in the months of Nov. and Dec. 1978. Olympic obviously obtained the moulds and proceeded to modify the van in many ways, as there is currently another version sitting at the factory with a raised roof section with window type vents in this raised section and the entry door just back from the front on the side like a Riviera.
The series 2000 had sliding glass door at the rear parting in the middle and a fibreglass door/awning covering the whole rear section (lid).
As some of you would know Tony Pusterla developed the Murrumba Star, --MiniStar, LindaStar and Linda Walkabout, the first two featured in Australian Motor Manual June 1968.
Cheers Peter & Val.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2014 13:53:54 GMT 10
Great van you have there and looks to be in good nick too!
I remember the original Pusterla one ,great ideas and way ahead of its time.
Cheers
Hughdeani
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Post by ForumMod on Jun 14, 2014 15:41:34 GMT 10
G'day plussy, and welcome to the forum!  That certainly is an eye-catching van you have there!  And as you say, it still looks like it might have been built yesterday. As far as the restoration goes, what Bob Taylor doesn't know about Olympics is not worth knowing, so you're in good hands with his knowledge and expertise. What is the cabin length and width of the van? Looks like it has quite a bit of ceiling height as well, judging by how it looks in your photos. Congratulations on finding such a rare example of caravanning histoy. You'd better look after it, otherwise Bob will give you a hard time! cheers, Al. |
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Post by atouchofglass on Jun 21, 2014 9:42:05 GMT 10
Hi You've done a lovely restoration of the outside of this rare Olympic. It's a credit to you both, I'm sure there has been a lot of sweat and $$ go into this. But How about some interior photos? It's too much of a tease without them.   Cheers Atog |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 21, 2014 21:54:04 GMT 10
Hi Atog, Thank you for your nice comments, BUT we have only washed the van, nothing has been done to it yet, it's in really good condition, the van has only been towed from the factory to Caravan park across the road, then to the farm we bought it from and then to our place, that's why its so clean underneath and the brakes are in so good nick, it's not even had a touch of polish to it yet but wait until we give her ( We named her Elsie) a slight scuff and some Poliglow, some new Burgundy Paint, new rims, tyres and some Moon hubcaps, Smick!. We have removed what was in side as it was all added after manufacture but we did keep the original cupboards with the original electrical board and certificate. When we do start and it will be soon I would like to ask for your opinion about the floor and the inside as we know you have refurbished a lot of vans. P.S. I have inside and under photos of the Van with the rear sliding glass doors if you are interested. Cheers Peter. |
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Post by atouchofglass on Jun 22, 2014 10:38:10 GMT 10
Hi Peter
WOW
I am seriously blown away!!!!
The condition is immaculate if you have only cleaned the van.
Any photos of this van are appreciated.
You need to add them to the "Classic Caravan Chronicals" section as well.
We won't be seeing this type of van again.... so please record all you can.
That is a real keeper. Also understand now why you want to keep it as original as possible.
Seeing as there is only two? in existence.
You have a piece of caravaning history there my friend.
If you need some help I can only advise. Have only done up one van the '68 Olympic in the members photo album.
Boblor is closer to you and he travels a bit, so keep in contact with him as well.
He has helped on several vans and done up at least three that I can remember.
Cheers
Atog
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And as you say, it still looks like it might have been built yesterday.
