The National Motor Museum Trust

This Astral Ranger 10 caravan flipped over whilst competing in the first ever British caravan race. Caravans were raced at high-speed around the Silverstone circuit, which one commentator noted made 'formula racing look tame'!

Organised by The Caravan Club, the race was introduced in 1973 as a new section in the Road Rally competition which had been running since 1954. During the rally event competitors were tested on night driving, navigation, manoeuvres, braking and speed over the course of a weekend – all with their caravans in tow!

This Ford Escort Mexico motor car was driven by competitors G. Loos and R. Dowyer who were representing the New City Caravans Team.

The racing section of the 1973 British Caravan Road Rally was held at the Silverstone circuit, the home of the British Grand Prix.

The British Caravan Road Rally was a popular spectator sport, particularly amongst Caravan Club members. The new caravan racing section was ‘exciting for the spectators’ who were ‘on their feet cheering’. One spectator even likened the event to Roman chariot racing!

In the early days of the Road Rallies, competitors were normally Caravan Club members who personally funded their entry to the competition. They competed using their own caravans and cars which were also used for family holidays. Great care had to be taken so that these personal caravans were not damaged.

By the 1970s the event had become more professional. Cars and caravans were supplied by manufacturers and the competitors were often sponsored by various companies. As the caravans were not the personal property of the entrant, greater risks were often taken which sometimes resulted in accidents.