The Amphibious Caravans That Time Forgot

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If you like traveling but don’t like housework, living in a caravan is just the life. Especially if it acts as a boat as well. Ahoy!

Seen here in 1955 hitting the River Lea at Broxbourne in Hertfordshire, Alan Eckford was an unrecognized genius. His amphibious caravan was so light that a car with just eight horsepower could tow it anywhere, and once you hit the water with it using the help of small team of three friendly individuals, anything from a 1.5 horsepower two-stroke to a 4 horsepower racing engine could turn it into the ultimate river cruiser.

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But what if you could only afford a Mini, because it was the swinging sixties already and you spent all your money on sex, drugs and rock n roll? The answer comes from America, of all places.

Remember: If you go fishing in your fiberglass bathtub, it’s highly advisable to leave your Missus ashore, so she can prepare a fire by the time you get back.

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If the American invention doesn’t seem like the real deal, behold a two-wheeled tribute to the British spirit of adaptability and the great and growing past time of messing about in caravans. After all, it’s 1968 already!

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The ingenious Caraboat is all about launching parties and yohohos, with a 6.5 horsepower outboard motor and a bit of grease on your brake linings.

It’s time for a cup of tea then, with the addition of some smuggled rum.

Photo credit: The British Pathé

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Contact the author at mate@jalopnik.com.