Colchester 1969 - 1989

We don't have any sales literature for the earlier years (except 1980) so don't know what was included in the earlier Colchesters or the published specifications. Any information we do have is gleaned from factory reports, articles and information from owners. If you can add to what we have shown below or have anything you can share on any model, please send it to the Webmaster  (Update July 2014 - Thanks to Raymond B we now have 1971 Sales Literature)

We know that Fleetwood started manufacturing caravans in 1967 and that the Colchester was one of their most popular models being produced from the early days until 2005.

Extract from  A Brief History

The company was founded in 1966 in the Chadwell Heath area of London, moved to Colchester and then to its final location in Long Melford in 1976. Significantly two of the company's best known touring caravans, the Colchester and Melford took their name from their original manufacturing location, and each became a watch word for style, reliability and quality.

Click here to read the full article

Richard Allen (Commercial Manager) produced a brochure to record 30 Years of Fleetwood in 1997.  You can read the full content by clicking on the link below:  30 Years of Fleetwood 1967-1997   In it he wrote:

Mick Shaw, the works and design director, has been with Fleetwood from the very beginning.  He recalled that when production began the company was turning out three models, with prices starting at less than £300. ‘There were no electrics in those days, it was all gas lights’ said Mick.  ‘There was no fridge or double glazing and the windows were of real glass.  But we did include a hand pump, a stainless steel bowl and a free standing grill and hob plates.’ How times have changed.

You can see in the brochure they have reproduced pictures of a 1972 'baby' Colchester and a 1983 Colchester 1500-5 (Larger images of these are shown to the right)

1979

Information about the early years is limited, we do know from one of the factory reports that  Fleetwood exported into Scandinavia and Continental Europe with some successes in the late 70s and early 80s, One such caravan would have been this one which Torben sent us pictures of. He believes it to a 1979 Colchester - note the position of the door for the european market.

			Torben lives in Denmark and is hoping to get his van back on the road

We've also had an enquiry from Paul L to determine the age of his Fleetwood 1300 caravan in the UK. The serial number of his begins with 79 which indicates it is a 1979 and it also has a badge by the door saying Colchester. 

There are a lot of similarities with Torben's caravan, the shape, roof line and burgandy stripe. The windows do look different.

Reading the literature we have on the 1980 Colchesters it refers to "the successful Colchester 1300 in the new 1979 colour scheme" and "distinctive colouring of magnolia contrasted by the chestnut waistband".

1980

One of our Members has sent us pictures of their 1980 Colchester 1300 De-Luxe.

Peter says "We assume it is a 1980 model, based on the first two numbers on the serial number and also because my father (no longer with us ) purchased it on 1 January 1981. The caravan has not been used for quite a few years, but we have decided to refurbish it to be used by our daughter and son-in-law and their young children (the fourth generation to enjoy caravanning in a Fleetwood ! ).

Peter parents made full use of the caravan.

Peter & Angie also sent us a copy of an article which was published by the Caravan Club. Looking at the pictures they sent of the van, you can see the features the article talks about

You can see the roof construction on Peter & Angie's van is the same as in the picture. Extract from the article: "the keen eye will notice that the DL has a different roof construction, which is in three pans as opposed to the standard's two."

	"The front dinette is perfectly functional. Four people can sit to a meal comfortably without any restrictions. The hook-on table is at an ideal height and its exposed corners are cut away to avoid giving anyone a sharp jab as they move in to sit down."
		"The kitchen unit houses the fridge and oven"

	"The basin is a large fixed plastic unit that stretches right across the width of the room." "Above the sink is a sizeable roof locker which has mirror-faced sliding doors. To make life easier, an electric pump feeds water to the sink. Small touches like a toothbrush holder, toilet roll holder and towel ring add nice finishing points"
	"The rear dinette is not quite as functional due to the bunk fixed above the rear window." "The problem is that under normal circumstances it protrudes outwards 10in. This means that adults sitting below have to watch they don't crack their heads."  "Nevertheless as a two seater dinette, it is serviceable."   Click here to read the full article Fleet of foot

1981

Sam B sent us these pictures of his van, a Fleetwood Colchester 1500, which he believed to be circa 1986/89. On checking the plates we determined it to be a 1981 (Ex Works 810kg).  Sam says other than a broken front window which he was looking to repair "the van is in great shape for 30 years with no damp etc amazing really".

We also received pictures of a similar Colchester from Jim P.

The plate indicates that Jim's is a 1981 Colchester 1150, the same year as Sam's but smaller.

Model 1150 Serial No: 810*** Wt ex works 650kg Nose weight 51kg

The fabric of the upholstery is the same as in Sam's, Jim's being smaller van has a different layout. The curtains are pale green and Jim thinks may be original. Beneath the brown carpet is what Jim believes to be the original (pale green) carpet.

Jim has removed the heater because it was in a dangerous condition.	Kitchen area	Kitchen showing hob and sink	Bathroom

In this picture you can see the gas lamp in situ. Jim asks "Is this an original fitting?" Do you know what might have been fitted in a 1981 Fleetwood?

We don't have any 'owners' pictures for the next few years if you do please let us have them.

1986

Keith & Sandra bought this Colchester 1150-2 to take back to France with them not realising how difficult it can be to have an older caravan registered there.

We thought it might be a 1988 but the French Inspector says it is marked 1986 underneath. Members can read the story of how they did eventually get it registered in France by clicking here

1988

Rogel & Isobel bought their van, a Colchester 1150-2,  in November 1987. It is shown on the receipt as a 1988 model and the serial number on the plate by the door reflects this.

...and Steve E bought this 1988 Colchester 1500-4DD in May 2011.

1989

We have these pictures of a 1989 Colchester 1150-2 which a member regularly attended Club rallies in up until 2012.

Members can read an ode written about the owner and the 'smallest of caravans' by clicking here

Help Needed

Claire B sent us these pictures. The previous owner thought it was a 93/94 but the sales brochures we have don't show a Colchester 1650-5 for either of those years The graphics look the same as that of the 1989 Colchester 1150-2.
There is seating at both the front and rear of the caravan. Both convert into two singles or a double bed for sleeping. The kitchen is located in the centre of the caravan along with the bathroom.

Do you have any sales literature that shows a caravan like this one, or did you have a caravan like this?

Is this the oldest surviving Colchester?

Sarah M sent us some photos of a caravan she' rescued' in October 2012. We're not sure of it's age.

She paid the grand sum of £20 for it! The first two pictures show it in its original condition when she collected it The previous owners weren't sure when it was manufactured but thought late 1960's. However the banding is the same as the 1979 Colchester above so it may be circa 79/80 So how old is it?

Sarah hasn't started the refurbishment yet (Jan 2014) but hopes to start when the weather improves.

Sarah tells us she 

"plans to make the caravan over and use it at craft fairs and country shows to sell our merchandise.....so fingers crossed "Gracie-Ann" as she is now called will be made over by the spring!! "

"We make vintage style aprons, piny'a and peg bags etc so Vintage Ditsy Floral is the path we are going down!"

We're looking forward to seeing the results

Update July 2014 - Maybe this one is older?

Raymond B sent us pictures of his Granddad's caravan which he is storing for him and also a copy of the Sales Literature for 1971.

The Plate by the door shows: Type: 1300 Serial No: 71 0908
	Take a look at the pictures on the left from the Sales Brochure and compare them to the photographs on the right.

Also look at Sarah M's caravan above. Hers is similar in shape but has a red stripe not blue. The upholstey and cushions look the same. Do you know which came first?

Front seating which converts to a double or two single beds	Rear seating which converts to a double bed	Wardrobe	To the rear showing toilet compartment and entrance door

May be you know of an old Fleetwood stored and forgotten or just waiting for someone to love it again? Do send us some pictures and what ever information you have.