Peter Crerar's Coachworks at Crieff in Perthshire created this
luxurious motorhome on a 1933 special long wheelbase passenger
version of the Bedford WLG. Upstairs there was accommodation for
six in bedrooms furnished with spring mattresses and the dormitory
area also boasted a wash handbasin. The all-round glazing of the
overcab section indicates that this would have been the observation
deck when on the move and the grandstand when this eye-catching
outfit appeared at the races and similar events.
On the lower deck the lounge/diner featured a folding table to
seat six. The kitchen compartment was equipped with a refrigerator,
a hot water boiler, sink and cooking stove. The motorhome's bathroom
boasted a lavatory and washbasin and bath both supplied with h&c.
Entry to the driver's cab was by a door on the left and it is
probably that this compartment also served as sleeping quarters.
That was a common arrangement in an era when those who could afford
such a grand motorhome would have also had a servant or two. On
tour, perhaps the chauffeur also took on the roles of chef and
general factotum.
Bedford's WLG was powered by a 3/2-litre ohv six-cylinder petrol
engine (RAC rating 26.3HP) which by 1933 had been developed to
produce 57 bhp. Drive was via a four-speed 'crash' gearbox and
the mechanically operated brakes acted on all four wheels but
were without the benefit of servo assistance, that advance arriving
only with the launch of a 3-ton Bedford at the 1933 Commercial
Motor Show.
How much might one have paid for such a superb motorhome in the
Thirties? We know precisely, for the constructors, who described
their creation as a 'Touring Caravan', advertised this outfit
in 'The Autocar' in July 1934. All new and ready for the road,
said the ad., which went on to note that bedding, linen, crockery
and cutlery were included in the price of the motorhome and that
it was 'superior to anything else driven by motor and the only
one of its kind in Great Britain'. The £1050 asking price is put
into context by the cost of a small car around this time. In 1935
you could have bought a Ford Eight for £100, although admittedly
the Dagenham-built model was the price-buster of its day - the
first time a buyer could get a 'real' car for just twenty of those
famous white fivers.
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