Highlights
- Beautifully presented caravan with polished aluminium exterior
- Impressive retro interior with sinks, 4 beds, oven and fridge
- Pop-up roof for ventilation
The Appeal
Founded in 1950 by Barton de Vinck and Kamiel Gekiere from Ypres, Belgium, La Tortue were Europe’s most stylish caravan makers. The Belgian answer to the famous American Airstreams, loaded with luxury at its buyer’s request, these caravans came in multiple sizes and shapes, and became very popular towing caravans, their aerodynamic design reportedly reducing drag when out on the roads.
This one, the Mallorca De Luxe, is very much the top of the brand’s mid-size range. With its dramatic angles, large windows and impressive interior, it’s of no surprise that it’s managed to charm us with its retro styling and design cues.
The History and Paperwork
- Sadly, we don’t know much about the history of this vehicle
- No.1662, built at the La Tortue factory in Ypres, Belgium
- Originally registered in France
- The caravan was still based there in 2013
- No known restoration has taken place
The Interior
- Impressive wood and blue fabric interior
- Highly original, with a charming retro patina
- Plenty of storage, with overhead units, wrap-around kitchen cupboards and drawers
- Some patina throughout, commensurate with the van’s venerable age
- All drawers and cupboards seem largely clean with no major faults
- Sibir Super 110 gas fridge inset in the kitchen area with oven hob on top
- Modern electric water boiler stowed under the kitchen sink with a foot pump for pressure
- All relevant hoses and fittings look in good order
- Taps appear to be modern units, and look to be in fine condition
- Floors are in fair order with some scratching and bubbling
- Seats and pads in good condition
- Folding table does show some blistering and creasing to the underneath
- The fold-out beds are in good order with only light wear
- The tiled ‘washroom’ area is in fairly good order, with some patina throughout
- The ceramic - and affably retro - green washroom sink is in need of a good clean-up
- Canvas of the pop-top roof in good order with no rips or tears
- Fusebox, electrics, charger, spare wheel and toolkit are stored in a rear hatch
The Exterior
- Impressive polished exterior with dashing lines and a retro-futurist aesthetic
- All metalwork is in good order with only light imperfections
- Some patina throughout, particularly around the seams and vents
- Windows appear to be in good order with no chips or fractures
- Brake and indicator lenses are in good order with no faults we can spot
- Towbar and fittings in good condition with some surface corrosion
- The braking system and running gear are also in good order with no faults
- Wheels look in good condition, wrapped in a pair of suitably retro whitewall tyres
- Stand is in good order with no faults we can spot
- Underneath, the metalwork is in good order with light surface corrosion
Summary
A highly unique caravan, ready and waiting for a retro adventure. This is the perfect piece of kit to stow behind your 60s’ classic for an authentic, vintage getaway. These caravans are incredibly rare and never seen so complete - an impeccable opportunity for any camping enthusiast.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Shipping and transfer
Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders. For more details, email [email protected].
