You don't have to have 4x4 to tow. This mini and Sprite 400 caravan was deemed perfectly fine in 1960!

Going back over 40 years I remember my dad buying his first caravan, we were all excited at the prospect but one dark cloud hovered on the horizon. That was actually towing the thing! Not only the towing but attaching it to the car too – would it stay on?

Dad had always fancied caravanning back in the early 1960s when his parents offered him their then new 1963 Sprite Musketeer. However, dad who was a bit of a car fanatic, thought it a little un-cool and was basically frightened at the thought of attaching a caravan onto our family car.

Alex Murphy, Stealth Caravans MD, tells me about the new range of Stealths.

Looking at some other 2012 caravans. Well we know Stealth Caravans caused a sensation three years ago at the Birmingham NEC, October Show with their dare to be different looking touring caravans.

Well the company has now added three new caravan models for 2012 which are more conventional in style outside and in.

Owner Alex Murphy told me he wanted to present a range of caravans which offered style and value. For instance, Alde heating is standard and at £19,595 for the large family model it looks excellent value.

The Lawns proved a good show with crowds of over 14,000 on the first day.

Well the Lawns Show at Cottingham, near Hull proved a relatively successful caravan show, with the latest’s 2012 caravan models all being on public display and getting their first airing.

Elddis reported better sales with the Buccaneers and Crusaders touring caravans especially proving strong sellers.

The Lunar stand was also busy with the Lunar Delta and Clubman proving as popular as ever, while the new Coachman VIP, Pastiche and Lasers were also finding caravan sales doing well.

The classic and rare Chalfont caravan perfectly restored by Mike Wye.

While away I was lucky enough to visit a chap who is rather good at restoring vehicles, especially caravans!

Mike Wye lives in deepest Wiltshire and I was invited over to Mike and his wife Sue’s place after meeting them both at the Historic Caravan Rally (where I met and was interviewed by Ruth Madoc).

It turned out a great day with Mike and Sue laying on a meal for us and me spending all afternoon with Mike and his classic caravans, showing me his finished and continuing projects. A superb workshop all built by Mike and his house too – again added to by Mike again.