Re-Uniting My Grandparents With Their First Caravan - 1966 Sprite 400

I share the story of my Grandparents' 1966 Sprite 400, how it shaped my interest in classic caravans, and how I was able to find it, buy it back and restore it. I'm grateful to be able to use an incredible archive of photos and home movies that my Grandad took of the Sprite back in the 1970s and 1980s. Hope you enjoy this amazing story!
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Happy Caravanning,
Cameron.
#notanotherwhitebox
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[@smc130]

What a true labor of love, Cameron. You are such a thoughtful and caring grandson to never forget about and ultimately locate this caravan. Your family will enjoy it for years to come.

[@andrewjones-productions]

Cameron, this is a wonderful story and your love for caravanning and more importantly, the purpose of caravanning shines through. That said, your respect and love for your family and your grandfather is the star of this video and that is how it should be. Your grandfather taught you well and your achievement in restoring this caravan is testament to that and consequently, your grandfather lives on through you.

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Aww it made me feel a bit teary eyed reading this lovely comment. Thank you. I guess I recognise that I owe my love of caravanning to my grandparents and they always encouraged me ❤️

[@mattlawton4715]

@@NotAnotherWhiteBox I love that sprit 400 I want one 😍

[@martinkitchin6204]

A repeat watch and it's still heart warming

[@lee-oy2yq]

Love the caravan but you can't beat good grandparents ❤

[@gazp2194]

To be honest I could've watched more about this, as it's such a lovely story of giving something back to your grandfather before his sad loss.

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Thanks Gaz, I tried to keep the video quite concise 😂 I might do one in the future about the restoration process perhaps

[@fifermdr]

What an amazing story. Can't imagine how he would have felt just knowing you had the caravan back. They would be so proud of what you've done with it.

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Thank you, yes he was amazed to see it again after so many years. I’m so happy with how it’s turned out 😊

[@johnwakefield5007]

Old caravans from 1960,s to 1980 s are the best .classic .your Sprite 400 look great .🥰👌👋

[@waramusso1636]

You brought me to tears, in front of so much happiness, now I'm even happier to have found a Sprite 400!

[@jamesclarke7508]

What a wonderful video thankyou. Brought back lots of memories of my grandparents.

[@vicangell9102]

We have just seen your video, my wife and I married in 1977, we bought a 1976 Sprite 400 in 1979 we loved it and had many holidays in it, we pulled it with a 1969 1100cc Ford Escort car we later had a Sprite Alpine as the children grew up. We have recent returned to caravanning this year after a break of over 6 years. Thanks you for brings back lovely memories of the Sprite 400 we had.

[@CosyKaren1962]

This was so lovely I cried, we had a sprite cadet in the early eighties, you are lovely thanks for sharing this story.

[@Dusty2feathers]

Brilliant story with an excellent result. When caravanning was caravanning. Brilliant Sprite products for the working masses to take their families on affordable holidays.

[@tupelomiss8315]

Really enjoyed hearing your memories.we to as a family of 6 spent so much time in our caravans over the years.every weekend.holidays.we had such fun.many memories.Thanks for sharing.we to sadly maybe selling one of a 1933 Eccles just finding a real enthusiast to love & fix it a bit Uk 🇬🇧

[@tupelomiss8315]

Thank you for your lovely family story . 🪴😋😎

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Thank you for your compliments. A 1933 Eccles is very rare now! Hopefully you can find a good home for it 🙂

[@tupelomiss8315]

Thank you for your reply.we really hope so .it needs some restoration but it’s been a wonderful caravan & was shown all round uk 🇬🇧 in the pcc club over it’s time. It’s a real looker.

[@peggynulsen1365]

Loved this story. As an American classic trailer fan myself I am enjoying seeing how the older caravans are treated in other countries. You do a great job. Thanks for this personal glimpse into how nostalgia can brighten up someone with dementia. My condolences on your loss.

[@jamiecareless2501]

Amazing respect to you and what a great thing u did for your grandparents ! It’s something that will stay with you and them forever 🤛

[@irenepwheeldon]

What a wonderful story ❤you must have loved your grandfather so much. (and grandmother). To find the very same caravan was a little miracle in itself. To restore it to help you get over the trauma of loosing him was a labour of love. Very touching and heart warming, thanks for restoring my faith in human nature.

[@victoriakennedy4811]

that is lovely how you found the old caravan and it is in your family again

[@CaravanWithThatYorkshireChap]

You must be proud, what a fantastic story 👏

[@JohnKelly-br5tf]

Excellent Cameron. And you clearly edited out the tears. You're a good man.

[@kevinburgess3772]

From the USA…very touching! My childhood memories are saturated in the memories of camping trips with my mom and dad and grandmother to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Glad I stumbled across your channel!

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Thank you Kevin for the kind words and sharing your story too ❤️

[@kencarson8538]

What a story.❤

[@commuterbranchline8132]

Well done Cameron, you are a credit to your parents and grandparents.

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Aww that’s really sweet of you to say, I have to admit, this caravan does give me a huge sense of pride, especially as I know how much my grandad would love to see it now

[@robforrest12739]

What an amazing story and memories 👍

[@chrislangton6535]

This video bring back so many personal memories of my experiences with caravanning as a child in the 70's. Previously, my parents had been avid campers, towing a trailer with a frame tent behind a Mini Countryman. When my younger brother was born, my parents decided to upgrade. My father used to tow a 10ft Bluebird Eurocamper behind a Riley Elf, his close friend towing a 10ft Sprite behind a Wolsley Hornet. Later upgrading to a Morris Marina 1.8TC Coupe with a 12ft Ace Globetrotter Happy Days Happy Day

[@Yorkmedia1]

It’s a good thing you have saved a caravan from the scrap heap I’m sorry to hear that you’re granddad has died you should be proud of yourself

[@leebellingham676]

I love this story. My Dad had a Sprite Alpine when I was younger but that is long gone. I lost my Dad to dementia this year, he loved going to the shows at the NEC. Brings back fond memories looking at the decor. Thank you so much for sharing your story.

[@crazgirl80]

What a beautiful story . Enjoy making new memories.

[@Stars_Falling_93]

My grandfather had dementia as well and it was great if he'd got to experience a moment of clarity. Very happy for you that you could give your grandfather that.

[@stevenwright3557]

What a great story!

[@davidmbell]

Amazing to have your grandparent’s little Sprite back, so touching that it lit something up in your late grandad as you were going through all the old things. Such happy memories for all your family.

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Yes it was worth it just for that afternoon with my Grandparents. It was probably the last time that they were both in good spirits and able to enjoy something like this.

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Yes it was worth it just for that afternoon with my Grandparents. It was probably the last time that they were both in good spirits and able to enjoy something like this.

[@andrewensor317]

Cameron...How amazing is it, that in the thousands produced at this time, that your grandparents one, is still around!... Well, it was obviously just biding its time, until being returned to its rightful owners. The job you've done on it, is amazing and a credit to you. I'm so very sorry to hear of your grandads passing, my mom had dementia too, and you're so right...we should make memories... I have a very brief cine film of my mom outside our very first static talking and laughing with our friend in the opposite caravan, and it brings me so much comfort in remembering her as we were, and not the person this cruel disease makes you. Lots of love to all your family.❤x

[@trevorwakefiel870]

That's a lovely story it brought me go tears seeing grandad and old caravan holiday pics .. My parents and us 3 kids emigrated to Perth western Australia 1969 only ever hired caravans in Wales uk summer so when parents both working had the money bought first new Australian Viscount pop-up caravan then later traded it in for a bigger West Australian made full size 17 half ft Coromal playmate caravan . Was only sold in 2010 after dad & me had some jobs done on it to sell when my mum died at 80. My dad died a year ago in Perth I couldn't attend funeral due to interstate covid lockdowns with me living in Victoria Melbourne but went home recently to leave flowers dads grave . Loved your story never sell that little sprite and put caravan covers over it in winter like we can buy in Australia. My Auntie uncle in late 70s bought a beige white Sprite in bournemouth was passed on to my cousin when they passed away a few years ago a 14ft I think they had . Thanks for sharing your lovely family story, I enjoyed watching it so much!!

[@sshms414]

How sneaky you were sat in the caravan all the time🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@DavidHall-ge6nn]

This was a heartwarming story; a loving, wonderfully told tribute to your family history that was very kind of you to share and so uplifting to watch. Thank you.

[@ianellis1846]

A wonderful story Cameron, like you I have amazing memories of my childhood caravan holidays. So wonderful to bring the actual caravan back to life!

[@misspink1242]

Yesssssss noting like having pics and videos for your family and friends

[@marlaabernathy3267]

Thank you! What a wonderful story.

[@jerrysmithcustom1883]

Such a lovely story! Sorry for the loss of your grandad

[@shonabranigan]

Thank you for sharing this important personal story, it was very moving to watch

[@kathykirby5837]

What a beautiful story and beautifully restored caravan! It's a credit to you and your grandparent's. So thrilled for you that you found it and saved it :)

[@martinkitchin6204]

As kids we had a slightly older 400 (and I'm about to return to caravaning in a few weeks) Watching this video and you with your Grandparents will be wonderful.

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Thank you Martin, yes this video should evoke some good memories!

[@danielrooney9968]

What a brilliant story, I love all the old photos. Thanks for telling the story

[@tommoran5448]

Truly enjoyed this story Cameron.

[@bilko529]

What a fantastic video. It jogged a few memories of me growing up and holidaying in my parents fairholme caravan back in the sixties . Happy carefree days . Thank you Cameron .

[@CampingTherapy]

What a fun, amazing story! I need to trace the ownership of my 1987 Cadet.

[@1silverinvicta]

What a beautiful story.

[@karingreaves3930]

Just watched this as a result of seeing your post on FB about CAMC sites. What a wonderful grandchild you are to have done this. It brought tears to my eyes when you were introducing Grandads old caravan back to him. I just loved this video. Well done.

[@michaeltutty1540]

Well done, Cameron. Absolutely wonderful story of a special caravan and how it impacted on your incredible family. Growing up in the 60s and 70s we did not have a caravan, but we sure did travel all over the place. Memories that will never be forgotten. Unfortunately the car we drove to the Rocky Mountains in Alberta in 1979 is long since scrapped. That old Dodge Dart sedan with the 225 slant 6 did a fabulous job driving the 6,000 or do miles there and back, and up and down the mountains, as high as about 4,000 feet above sea level. Your video brought back some wonderful memories indeed. Interesting that you mention the importance of maintaining these vehicles that keep these precious memories alive. I'm doing that already. My mom's last car is now my daily driver. She bought it for her 60th birthday, and 92 years later both the car and Ma are still with me. She put the first 200,000 miles on Arthur in 25 years. In the last 7 years I've put almost another 200,000 on the old boy. He is getting a bit tatty, but the parts to restore a Volvo 240 wagon are easy to come by. That will be done in time for the 3,000 mile drive to my retirement in Belize. More memories to be made. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@scratfindnut4264]

I will have one!!!!!!!!❤ In love and light.🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@fulwell1]

What an incredible story - so much love tinged with that bit of sadness. You've done a wonderful thing here - truly remarkable.

[@BillyAlabama]

I thoroughly enjoyed this touching memory. Thank you!

[@mjbonnar]

Cameron, what a lovely story, you are a credit to yourself, your parents and your grandparents. I am sure your Grandad would have loved the restored caravan. You are right, caravanning does provide you with many happy and amusing memories. we have been caravan owners for many years. You seem a really good man, well done, your story has brightened up my day, well done, Martin

[@TheTissie]

this is a wonderful film! Thank you so much for making and sharing it.

[@johnwakefield5007]

Wonderful story and video .truly brilliant. My parents had a 1966 Sprite musketeer .I love it .

[@juliancarder]

Loved watching this story about your passion for caravans and finding the one your grandparents owned.

[@dandandan389]

Absolutely lovely video

[@jonathanmoore994]

Sprites are part of my happiest memories of my 1970's and 1980's childhood. We grew up on stories of my grandparents' daring (borderline foolhardy) trip to Italy with their 1970 '400 and a 950cc Renault 5, where they were reunited with the family that had saved his life as an escaped prisoner of war in the early 40's. We then had a series of Sprites, the main one being a '73 400 which we had fantastic holidays in. I would love to holiday in one again!

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

What a great story, it sounds like quite an adventure! I definitely recommend finding one for a holiday in again!

[@heyholetstow]

What a wonderful video and story. Amazing stuff.

[@Michael-0000]

I was born and brought up in Rhodesia and some of the best holidays that I can remember as a child were caravanning. We had a Gypsy Bluebird but Sprites were common and one of the most popular brands in central and Southern Africa. You can still pick them up second hand in South Africa.

[@briforks7681]

Lovely video,reminded me of holidays with my mum and dad in the 70s.Pity today's caravans tend to be heavy and too expensive for most families.I dont have much free time now but I have promised myself a small caravan (probably a freedom)in a few years when I get near retirement.

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Thanks for the compliments, yes caravanning was simpler and easier to get involved with back then. Not to mention the caravans generally lasted a bit longer! I don’t really know anyone my age who’s able to afford a new caravan.

[@martinkitchin6204]

Snap ! Fingers crossed there's a Freedom Jetstream coming here in a few weeks time now. Good luck.

[@cyborg7116]

Fabulous story. Thoroughly enjoyed watching this, thanks for sharing.

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Thank you for commenting, glad you enjoyed it

[@ThePolaroid669]

Wow, you're such an amazing nice guy. So so nice!

[@TicketyBoo.]

Undoubtedly the best caravan related vlog I've watched and trust me, I've watched a few. Well done Cameron and thank you for sharing it with us.

[@pauljohnson2430]

Amazing story and re build, back in the 70s we had a Sprite 400, then an Alpine, then. a Major lovely Caravan's no frills just did what they said on the box , love you Rover as well . I have a Go-Pod now which is so like the little 400 .

[@mpersad]

A remarkable video, of a wonderful restoration and what it meant for your family.

[@Peter-gy8mg]

Great video and so happy it's back in the family Cameron Best wishes pete

[@shirleymaxon6418]

This is beyond amazing!! 👏 😍 This is exactly why I have the camping bug too! We had the best adventures camping as children 💕

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Exactly this! My grandma said when I was 17/18 that I don’t have to carry on caravanning now, but I said that’s ridiculous, I can’t imagine not having a caravan!

[@colinstorey4991]

Wonderful story Cameron We started caravaning in 1985 with a monolite contessa and toured all over the UK with our two boys and they loved it. I now share our current Caravan (Bailey senator limousine 2009) with one of our boys and his wife and his two sons and they all love caravaning especially on CL farm sites they're now making memories of their own. Keep up the great work.

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Thank you Colin, a Monolite Contessa was a rare caravan back then! Not seen many survive at all now. Great that caravanning has carried on in your family across the generations too.

[@marcredgate2787]

Fantastic story and a great restoration too!

[@caravanstuff2827]

People who haven't owned a caravan just don't get it...thank you for this post , it had me shed a tear thinking about years gone by when we would go on family adventures in our old caravan.. hope you keep the little gem for the next generation ,you said meany time's "HOW LUCKY" you are having the caravan..you made your own luck young man so give yourself credit for this ...on another topic , could you please do a post on the great sam alper the father of the modern caravan,,no one in the so called caravan media is interested and like this family caravan would be a great piece of history for future generations!.♥️🇬🇧

[@emilyemerson2313]

Wonderful video, Cameron! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@SherryAnnOfTheWest]

Nice work, Cameron! Lovely video. It's so nice that you were able to bring back such happy memories for your family and kept the beautiful memory of your grandfather alive.

[@CaravanClubCurator]

Such an incredible personal story, thanks so much for sharing.

[@catarinahellstrom7731]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful story! You have done a fantastic job and I bet your granddad is smiling in his heaven!

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Thank you, I just know that he is! There were several very lucky aspects to this restoration of things just slotting into place and I felt that was somehow his influence

[@S.E.C-R]

This is the best video I’ve ever seen! ❤

[@paulyoung6165]

Hello There Hope you are enjoying your weekend , What a lovely story you shared and How lucky you Have your sprite Back in the family , we had a new 400 cost £200 1964 , then a alpine 1966 so know them well , and many after those , well Thank you for sharing , 👍

[@SJM_Media]

What an amazing story. Thank you so much for creating and sharing it.

[@SolarPowerChannelwithChris]

Amazing story. Well edited, shot and told. Such a smooth video. Top work.

[@misspink1242]

Beautiful

[@craigwalker4211]

I remember my uncle Cyril had one of these from the mid 70's til the 90's towing it with two Hillman avengers one saloon the other an estate, the a Chrysler alpine & lastly a MK2 cavalier saloon. Growing up we had statics but I attend classic events with one of my mk3 cortinas with an early 80's 11ft esteril folding caravan.

[@richardchambers7964]

Amazing story, well done.

[@SvennsCarchannel]

Lovely story ❤

[@anyone173]

Wow, what are the chances of that. Lovely story, goosebumps.

[@tanksontour]

Oh my goodness, so happy to meet you at touring jibe jamboree at Cirencester, and you told us about this caravan being your grandparents, absolutely love watching the footage as well. It’s amazing - Kim and Andy 😊

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Thanks Kim and Andy, yes it was nice to meet you too. Glad you enjoyed the video! ❤️

[@CaravanningwiththeCoxs]

Such a wonderful story Cameron, thanks for sharing!

[@alanbellwood3902]

Really Enjoyed this one and it put me in mind of the many slides (remember when they were a thing) from the 60's and 70's my own grandparents and parents took of trips with the caravan being towed by everything from HA Viva's to Mk1 Cavaliers. When I was growing up I think every other friends house or nans house had a long parked up caravan down the drive or round the back either used as a summer house or just left with intention of being used again Sprites were certainly one of the common ones, Trophy being another.

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

I’m thankful that my Grandad scanned a lot of his slides, but we still have quite a few that he never got around to scanning. The beauty of them is that they perfectly preserve the photos, way better than prints do. It’s a shame that they fell out of favour. The days of seeing an old caravan on someone’s driveway or garden are just about over now. It’s rare to see one like that but even I remember them being everywhere like that during my lifetime!

[@alanbellwood3902]

@@NotAnotherWhiteBox Only place I now see old stuff regularly and in any volume is farmland and shooting land near me. They use the ild touring caravans for people to shelter during Lambing season or for wildfowlers to shelter and warm up. They tend to remain until they fall apart as they sink upto the axles. I know some are still towed out of barns each year and brought back inside out of season.

[@deschwah4]

Fantastic project and video Cam .. surprise appearance of PnR too ❤

[@alexrankin2235]

Cameron - what a fantastic and heartwarming story. You’ve done your family proud with this. My Father in-law has a 2008 Coachman at the moment that he bought new. He has stopped towing it for holidays, and we use it as a bedroom when we visit. I’m wondering if I should take it on later and keep/preserve it. It’s not that old, but neither was you sprite at one point. It’s about preserving the past, and unlike cars, caravans don’t have the same massive band of enthusiasts. Yet!

[@richie8214]

Nice story mate

[@RobbieLValentine]

Cameron, this is such a beautiful video, thanks so much for sharing your personal memories of caravanning with us! My favourite video of yours so far! (Don't hold me to that though because I've just seen that you've just posted another brand new video ;)

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Aww thank you ❤️ This still remains my favourite video on my channel! I love this caravan so much, I’m so grateful to have it

[@Happyinmyautotrail]

I must be very hormonal today but this video has been really heartwarming. What wonderful memories you are maintaining! Your Grandparents sound amazing people. So happy your Grandad got to see the caravan before he passed, even though it wasn’t restored. Lovely story! ❤

[@seanmartin2791]

Loved watching this, brought back lots of memories of my own Grandparents and their caravan. Thank you!

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Thank you Sean, glad you enjoyed the video 🥰

[@FrogBoyDances]

What a wonderful story and what better way than a video to preserve it for posterity 🥰 We'd love to see a walk-through on the caravan's features and all of your Granddad's modifications, who knows we may even want to replicate some of them someday. The interior looks great and we hope you enjoy using it as much as your family did before you. More videos please ☺️👍👍👍

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Thank you, I might film another video with a bit more of a detailed tour and show some of the restoration information. Be sure to subscribe to the channel to be notified when other similar videos are uploaded!

[@sueysuey5556]

Just watched your story Cameron & it's thoroughly delightful. Thank you so much for sharing this. My dad used to take cine films so seeing your old footage brings back memories from my own childhood. Look forward to seeing what you restore next 😊

[@thebigtow]

This is a fantastic video i love it!!

[@Themagicalmanifestinggarden]

Awww that's a lovely story. I was wondering where on earth do you keep all your caravans? Thankyou for sharing the story. I could see you with a tv show 📺

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Thanks for the compliments 🥰 I don’t keep that many caravans 😅 Most are sold once they’ve been filmed. This one is definitely a keeper though!

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Thanks for the compliments 🥰 I don’t keep that many caravans 😅 Most are sold once they’ve been filmed. This one is definitely a keeper though!

[@steveeverett8143]

Wonderful story. I have a sprite 400 that needs a full restoration if anyone is interested please let me know.

[@tichwykes]

What a lovely story Cameron I think you've done your grandfather proud in the Sprites restoration, he taught you well with the diy & I think the sprite will live on within your family for years to come. Did the awning survive or are you on the hunt for an identical one?

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Thanks Tich, yes it’s fab that it lives on and I get to continue making memories with it. I don’t have an OBI awning, but I have a very very similar Isabella awning for it from the same period. Technically, it’s a better awning, but it would be nice to find the genuine OBI awning. Sadly their original one was eaten by mice years ago.

[@tichwykes]

Ah those pesky mice I've had similar happen to me in the past, I hope one can get be found for it.

[@davidbarrass]

Hmm Sprite 400 bought from Cara-cars in 72. My memories are very hazy, in 72 I'd have been 7, but my mum had a spite 400 (I think). She decided towing was terrifying, so it just did one trip to Threshfield (passing Cara-cars on the way). It never made the return journey and it stayed in Thresfield permanantly, we visited it often. In about '71 or '72 we upgrated to a static and sold the tourer. Is it possible that your granparent's caravan was once mine? Sure, it's unlikely, Cara-cars were a massive dealership, and I really can't remember the details, but for the sake of romance I'll claim it ;-) PS I now have a Freedom Discovery I tour Scotland in. PPS Wonderfull story about your granddad, so glad he got to see it and it brought back memories

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

It’s an interesting thought, it wasn’t sold by Cara-Cars when it was new. I can’t remember what the original dealer plate said on it, it was still on the caravan when I got it, but I removed it for painting and never refitted it. Thanks for watching the video anyway, wishing you happy travels with your Freedom caravan ☺️

[@davidbarrass]

@@NotAnotherWhiteBox We might have sold it on via Cara-cars in 72, it certainly would have been the local dealer. I suspect it was bought by us in '67. It is one of my absolute earliest memories - being told by my dad to get my mum who was crying because she was so scared by the idea of towing the caravan. To a 3 year old it was such a strange sight to see an adult crying that it stuck.

[@paulrush6853]

Hi Cameron love your videos , you have gotten me and my wife into vintage caravans , we are looking at a old abi marauder 450ct , would that be a good starter van ? Thanks Paul

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Hi Paul, thanks for the complements, as for the Marauder, yes it would be a good starter van. These were famously robust and easy to use back in their day