PRESTON-BASED CARAVAN builder Lunar is delighted to have bought one of the first caravans it ever built.

 

Since celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2009, Lunar has been looking out for very early models. It displayed a rebuilt 1972 model at the NEC show and thought that this was the oldest survivor. That was until Mr and Mrs Doughill approached managing director Brian Mellor about their Lunar, bought in the summer of 1969.

 

The Doughills bought their caravan new, from Lunar founders Brian Talbot and Ken Wilcox at the firm’s first premises at High Ince, Wigan.

 

Health problems mean the Doughills have had to stop touring but they were anxious their caravan should go to a good home. It knew Lunar was interested in its heritage and offered it the 3.22m Saturn to display.

 

The Lunar team was surprised at the stunning condition of the Saturn. Constant touring over 40 years meant it is in full working order. Little work is needed to bring it back to factory fresh condition. The original carpets are in good shape, as are the curtains which have been stored since Mrs Doughill changed the Saturn’s soft furnishings in the 1980s.

 

Lunar is hoping to start work on the Saturn soon and aims to have it on public display in the near future.

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