New Safari owner seeks help

[paeroa2]

I just bought an old Safari Senior 18 that is in need of some TLC,
I believe it was made between 1958 and 1962, does anyone
have a similar model?
I would like some contact with other owners for help and
encouragement.
I live in Auckland New Zealand, are there any Safari owners here?

[michael1]

Hi have not seen one of these for years i remember working on these when i work for Safari there were two Seniors made a Senior and a Super Senior but we never exported any to New Zealand so must have being taken there by some one if i can help in any way just let me know i spent 23 years at Safari

[Brian M]

Hi - would be great to learn your name!

To my knowledge there are only two Safari Seniors in use in the UK, one was sold on ebay but the new owners are not known to the group, and the other is a 1958 "showmans" version owned by an elderly couple who are not on the internet. Photos of both are in the albums, with a lot of internal pictures which may help you.

We have one other member in NZ, username Kiwi, Michelle was rebuilding a 1966 Safari 17ft in 2011 but we haven't heard from her since then. She lives in Rotarua. There are a couple of Safaris in Australia, but as far as we know they were personal exports.

Please post more photos of yours, and don't hesitate to ask questions on here.

[paeroa2]

Thank you so much both of you, it is interesting to know there are not many Safari Seniors about.
Of course I will post more pics but I am out of town right now and the pics are at home on my computer ( doing this from my phone)..
I have a 1938 De Soto and I bought the Safari to tow behind. It had been used as spare accommodation in a back yard for years but the condition is not unrepairable. I liked the bay windows and lantern? roof, the oak cabinets inside are in good shape but it needs lots of work.
Can you help me identify the wheels? I need a spare and can I get repro cupboard catches and the lantern? windows in the roof.
I will be in England next April till September and it would be great to meet some Safari owners and hopefully come to a rally or meeting.
Thank you, you have inspired me.
Oh yes and my name is Chris Taylor.

[Brian M]

Thanks Chris.

I will try to get in touch with the other 1950's Safari owners and see if they have any spares or know where they can be got from.

When you get back to your Safari, can you please check if there is a serial number on a small plate usually next to the main door and let me have it for the register.

I would think that the wheels are from a car or commercial vehicle of the same period and so this may be your best source. To help you identify them, I would suggest your join a UK forum www.oldclassiccar.co.uk which has a very active historic and classic caravan section, supported by some of the top experts in the UK. A photo and measurements of your wheel would probably have someone suggesting a source.

There are two Safari meetings during your UK visit, one near London late July, one in Leicestershire from 23rd to 25th August and also a few of us will be going to the European Classic Caravan Rally in Belgium at the end of May. Details will be posted in the future events section of this forum.

[Deleted]

It does not sieze to amaze me the amount of effort people went to get these vans out of the country... looks fantastic! there are many restorations taking place as we speak that you will find on here and on the facebook group.

YOU HAVE A VERY RARE SAFARI - take care of her! Regards.

[paeroa2]

Thank you all so much, I am away from the city at the moment but will return during the week and send a proper reply and more pics. Doing this on my phone. Cheers. Chris

[paeroa2]

ok you guys where do I start
I have a New Zealand built Lilliput caravan but its very small so when I saw the Safari in someones garden being used as spare accommodation I went and had a chat, next thing I know its on my driveway!!!!!!!!!
I liked the shape and guessed it was maybe 1950s so I wasn't far out.
Its in need of some serious repair work but I am in no hurry, I will treat it as a project.
I have removed all the suspension, brakes etc, sandblasted and painted it all. Condition is not bad and just needs reassembly.
At the moment I am preparing to sandblast all the paint off then repair the body.
I have a 1938 De Soto car [see pic] so I am involved in swap meets, bootsales etc and have been acquiring bits and pieces
that will be useful in its restoration.
The interior [see pics on the day I first saw it, OMG] was interesting, a lot of oak cupboards in good condition and after the
junk was removed was spacious.
There was a double bed opposite the oak cabinets but I am sure it is a later addition, I would love some pics of how it should be.
Also I read somewhere that you could order them new with a small toilet built in, there is a very small room to the right of the
door that I cannot decide if it is a later addition or has always been there, again any help is appreciated.
I have looked on the internet at caravan rallies in UK and I am impressed at how nice your restorations look, I have restored a
couple of vintage cars so I think I can make a decent job of the Safari, but your advice will be helpful along the way.
I have had a really good look all around the door but cannot find any makers sticker, I will be keeping a sharp lookout during
the restoration and will advise you if I find anything.
So many things I need to know but for now I hope you find this interesting.
I will attach some pics, anything else you would like to know just ask.
I already have my airline tickets to England and I will look forward to seeing you and some Safaris next year.
Chris