Travel back to the 70s with the National Motor Museum’s 1971 Sprite caravan, aka Chatty Caravan. Visit us for a chance to reminisce, chat and smile together about journeys made and memories shared (supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund).
The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, will be displaying a 1971 Sprite 400 caravan in full retro glory. Our Sprite 400 touring caravan was one of the most popular caravans of the 20th Century. It was designed in England by Sam Alper, a philanthropist, sculptor and founded of the Little Chef roadside restaurants. Our ‘Caravan for the Community’ (aka @chatty_caravan) is a place for people to step back in time and recall stories of motoring journeys and memories made. Maybe you have a road trip tale to share, a memory of a favourite car journey or a photo of your motoring pride and joy.
Open to visitors of all ages, you can revel in the vintage vehicle’s retro style and connect with simpler times and caravan days. Is it the comforting sound of a whistling camping kettle you remember? Or perhaps the memory of sleeping in the bunk bed or out under the stars?
The caravan is a joyful focal point for the Museum to connect with our community and for us to share and learn about the heritage and social history of motoring for all. There will be an opportunity too for visitors to find out more and get involved with our community archive project ‘My Generation’. And if you’re feeling creative you can colour your own ‘Chatty Caravan’ to add to our ‘groovy art gallery’. Or snap a 70s Sprite selfie to share with us on @chatty_caravan.
It may be small but Chatty Caravan brings a lot of joy and inspiration to all who visit. We look forward to meeting visitors of all ages!
Timings & Tours
Saturday 13th September: 10:30am - 3:30pm
Location & directions
Contact on day: Nina Lazarski
Telephone number: +447775458917
Booking information
Pre-booking requirement: Pre-booking not required
Accessibility Details
Access to the caravan is via a small step however there are opportunities to ‘see inside’ the windows and also via printed images supplied. Objects for handling and reminiscence can be shared in or out of the caravan