In Brief:

VERY RARE pre war Thomson Dart Prototype Caravan
Finished in Green and Black (to match LOT 85)
Fitted with sofa/bed and cupboards for storage
Great backstory

On the Surface:

Presented here is a tidy, useable example of a very rare 1934 Thomson Dart Prototype Caravan, finished in a charming green and black livery to complement the style of LOT 85. The interior has been kitted out with practical and sympathetic features, including a bed/sofa arrangement and built-in cupboards.

Maintenance & History:

This prototype caravan has been preserved in functional condition. Rescued from an elderly gentleman’s garden, this caravan has an extraordinary and well-documented backstory. After World War II, it was discovered in Holders Yard, Petersfield, Hampshire, where it had been repurposed as an A R Warden’s field office during the war effort. The man who found it contacted Thomsons of Falkirk—its original maker—and received confirmation that this very caravan was a prototype developed just before the war. It had been sent south as part of a consignment to support wartime efforts. In a fortunate twist of fate, the owner resisted converting it into a trailer in later years, instead contacting Thomsons again, who asked for it back—an offer he declined. Since then, it has changed hands only twice. A near-identical example resides in the Falkirk Museum Workshop with a 1939 bill of sale for £175.

The Model:

The Thomson Dart was one of the early touring caravans developed by Thomsons of Falkirk. Showcasing the company’s pre-war innovation in lightweight, towable leisure accommodation. Its compact footprint and practical layout were well ahead of their time.

Sale Insight:

Prototype caravans from this era are vanishingly rare—fewer still in useable condition with a compelling, traceable history like this. With only two changes of ownership since the postwar period and verified links to Thomsons of Falkirk, this caravan is of significant historical interest. It would make a valuable addition to any vintage caravan collection or could pair wonderfully with a pre-war tow vehicle (like LOT 85) for display at shows or rallies