"SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND"
FROM
1958 Austin 152 (J2) Paralanian
The Paralanian was Britain’s first new generation coach-built
motorcaravan, built by Central Garage of Bradford at their Parry Lane
premises. It was the idea of works Director Clifford Hobson whose
experience with the use of Cabin Cruisers and Motor Torpedo Boats in the
war was influential in the design. The design was a true team effort
even including the works secretary for advice on fabrics, materials and
furnishings.
At this time motorcaravans were quite rare due to the prohibitive taxes and other legislation, so it was a considerable gamble to commence production in February 1958 and this example is believed to be only the second or possibly third Paralanian ever built. A few months later legislation changed which included the removal of purchase tax if certain requirements were met. One of these conditions was the fitting of a wardrobe - a quick redesign to meet this resulted in the MK II model. The MKI had the option of a wardrobe and this is the only known example not to have one.
New in June 1958 to an owner in Aberystwyth it spent a few years in storage after the owner's death but remained with his widow until May 1985. With a change of ownership it remained in Aberystwyth but was re-registered XSJ 936. It changed ownership again and moved to South Wales until April 2001 when it sold to the last owners (Club Secretary) who also have a Paralanian MKII, MKIII and a one off special in their collection.
Between 2002-2003 over £12,000 was spent restoring this wonderful rare piece of history back to original specification and it is now believed to be the oldest ‘new generation' coachbuilt example in existence. Powered by the well-respected BMC B Series engine of 1489cc with four speed column change gearbox, the price new was £1150 with the slogan ‘Your Car and Mobile Home Rolled into One'.
Since restoration the Austin, prior to the past two years, has been in regular use often attending shows and events. Whilst not used often over the past few years, it was driven to us from West of York and will be fully prepared, serviced and supplied by us with a full 12 months MOT. The Paralanian comes with restoration and maintenance invoices, restoration photos, MOT certificates dating back to the 1990's and Club information and booklets. This vehicle features in the Martin Watts Classic Camper Vans book and is a very special example that offers a very much unrepeatable opportunity. Not only is this motorcaravan in lovely, useable condition, it is the oldest known and is incredibly desirable. Finding an example in this condition, with such provenance and history could be impossible. This really is a wonderful rare opportunity to own a piece of true motoring history.
We are currently carrying out some cosmetic improvements and detailing so please contact us for further information.
At this time motorcaravans were quite rare due to the prohibitive taxes and other legislation, so it was a considerable gamble to commence production in February 1958 and this example is believed to be only the second or possibly third Paralanian ever built. A few months later legislation changed which included the removal of purchase tax if certain requirements were met. One of these conditions was the fitting of a wardrobe - a quick redesign to meet this resulted in the MK II model. The MKI had the option of a wardrobe and this is the only known example not to have one.
New in June 1958 to an owner in Aberystwyth it spent a few years in storage after the owner's death but remained with his widow until May 1985. With a change of ownership it remained in Aberystwyth but was re-registered XSJ 936. It changed ownership again and moved to South Wales until April 2001 when it sold to the last owners (Club Secretary) who also have a Paralanian MKII, MKIII and a one off special in their collection.
Between 2002-2003 over £12,000 was spent restoring this wonderful rare piece of history back to original specification and it is now believed to be the oldest ‘new generation' coachbuilt example in existence. Powered by the well-respected BMC B Series engine of 1489cc with four speed column change gearbox, the price new was £1150 with the slogan ‘Your Car and Mobile Home Rolled into One'.
Since restoration the Austin, prior to the past two years, has been in regular use often attending shows and events. Whilst not used often over the past few years, it was driven to us from West of York and will be fully prepared, serviced and supplied by us with a full 12 months MOT. The Paralanian comes with restoration and maintenance invoices, restoration photos, MOT certificates dating back to the 1990's and Club information and booklets. This vehicle features in the Martin Watts Classic Camper Vans book and is a very special example that offers a very much unrepeatable opportunity. Not only is this motorcaravan in lovely, useable condition, it is the oldest known and is incredibly desirable. Finding an example in this condition, with such provenance and history could be impossible. This really is a wonderful rare opportunity to own a piece of true motoring history.
We are currently carrying out some cosmetic improvements and detailing so please contact us for further information.
FURTHER IMAGES CAN BE SEEN AT:
Telephone: 
01944 758000
Fax: 01944 758963
Email: sales@classicandsportscar.ltd.uk
01944 758000Fax: 01944 758963
Email: sales@classicandsportscar.ltd.uk
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