Sprite scrapbook (part 1)

Transcription

1 1954 Sprite Major Kitchen 1950 Streamlite Sprite brochure 1951 Sprite endurance trip St Peters square Rome Sam shows off his cup, 1951 Sprite 14 export model at trade show Lounge area of Sprite Countryman Digue (French-built Sprite) 1948 Streamlite Rover in production 1967 Sprite paper cut-out model Sprite scrapbook (part 1) 1963 Sprite Countryman 1967 Sprite Major / Ford Zephyr at Monza track Italy Ford Thames based Sprite motor home prototype c being towed by two cyclists Hover Sprite Musketeer prototype 1968 Miss Sprite competition winner Celia Dean,

2 The new Streamlite Sprite was the end result of Sam s tireless market research. In late 1949, the new 3.35m, four-berth caravan was launched at 199, complete with its own chassis/suspension, and hitch design and manufacture. Streamlite Sprites being built at the Newmarket factory in early Most of the work was sub-contracted, with the final build taking place at the factory. 12

3 In late 1949, the first Sprite caravan hit the market for Called the Streamlite Sprite, the four-berth model had a settee each end of the caravan, and a small central kitchen with a wardrobe opposite. The 3.35m Sprite weighed in at 560kg, and had coil spring suspension, Alperson s own coupling design, hardboard sides (hardboard was now becoming easier to obtain), and an aluminium roof. At this specification, it would have retailed at 225, but Sam knew the price had to be trimmed further still to make the Sprite caravan more appealing. So, he made the Sprite available at 199, as an entry level price for touring caravans. The Streamlite Sprite replaced the three earlier models the Rover, Elf, and Ranger though its price meant that quality was somewhat compromised, with some rough edges. The Sprite Major made its debut in This glorious brochure shot gives us an idea of how idyllic a family caravan it was. The Sprite wasn t an instant hit, and Sam knew that another model was needed to go alongside it. Consequently, at a special launch at the Newmarket factory in August 1950, traders gathered to see another Sprite join the fold. The Major was designed by Sam and was produced until 1959 (though re-launched for 1967). The new model was 4.50m in length and slept four, and was available with either hardboard ( 269) or aluminium ( 285) exterior panelling. The Major was mounted on Alperson s own-designed and built steel channel chassis. It featured a rear-end kitchen, two front single beds, and two wardrobes with partition, plus a double bed settee placed centrally on the offside wall. Sam held the original Sprite at its 1950 price of 199, but offered another version with aluminium sides for 209. Trying to resolve quality issues, the 1951 Sprite had stronger furniture and improved catches. The floor was made thicker, using 2cm Weyroc material. Sam announced to the trade gathering that although the two Sprites could not be described as magnificent or superb, he wanted to manufacture caravans that were sturdy and built to last, at the same time carrying a price that buyers with shallow pockets would be interested in! He challenged manufacturers of equivalent models to a Continental point-to-point endurance test, complete with trophy and 200 cash contribution toward expenses. Sam was eager to show that his Sprites were cheap and durable, and was soon able to prove this. Basic in design and specification, though, the Sprite was slow to catch on with caravanners who wanted to trade up to a new, affordable tourer. They were put off by the Sprite s cheap and cheerful qualities; in other words, some badge snobbery was involved! Sales were steady, and Sam knew that expansion and speedier production would control costs, but dealers were sceptical. Now that they retailed at even less, Sam found that dealers, especially new ones, were still reluctant to take on the new Sprites: the low price made them dubious about quality, and they simply could not understand how the Sprite could be produced so cheaply, yet still prove durable. In 1951, Alper conceded that his tourers durability had to be proved, not just on UK roads, but abroad, too. With more 13

4 Sprite s new sleek-line look on the Alpine. Production problems with the new design delayed delivery to dealers for quite a while. The new 1970 Sprites sported lighter green exteriors, and the 400/Alpine also had a new profile. A double curvature roof (there was talk of a boat roof design for 1970 models) provided greater strength, and extra headroom into the bargain. The newly-designed end profiles looked more modern. However, the new designs did bring problems: the 400/Alpine profile wasn t as easy to produce as the simple, curved roofs of previous years, and component shortages delayed production schedules. By early 1970, however, Sprites were again being manufactured in large numbers. The Alpine 2, first launched in 1969, was still available, but only to order, and with the entrance door on the export side. Two other family Alpine layouts were also available, again to special order as export models, but available also to UK dealers. Weight, a major consideration in the Sprite brand, was still kept down; the 400 coming in at just 483kg, and the large Major at 764kg. The Sprites now had a glazed stable door, whilst the interior had swopped real veneer for The Alpine 2 was launched in A rare Alpine (1970 version here) built for export only was only available in the UK on special order. 49

5 Interior of the Quattro FB, which enforced Sprite s value for money reputation at 12,235. It was launched on Sprite s 60th anniversary. (Courtesy Andrew Jenkinson) 2007 Sprites were refreshed with new graphics and thicker, one-piece side panels. Pictured is the Alpine two-end washroom. (Courtesy Andrew Jenkinson) graphics and wheel trims. Interiors benefited from a new, 107-litre fridge, and pressurised water system. With five layouts, the Sprite brand represented even better value. The next milestone in the Sprite story was 2008, the 60 th anniversary of the UK s best known, value-for-money range of caravans. For this model year, Sprite owners were offered an anniversary pack, appropriately named the Diamond Pack. For several hundred pounds extra, a CD/radio, alloy wheels, spare wheel, alloy wheels, AKS hitch, and door fly screen were fitted, plus the Diamond Pack special graphic. Overall, 2008 Sprites received more improvements; soft furnishings were better quality and of a more modern design; a new, 113-litre fridge was added, as well as a new three-hob burner with oven. Sprite also added a new Quattro layout. The original was named ES, while the new, fixed-bed version was named FB. Still offering six berths, the new FB was priced at 12,235. Weight was kept down, too, at 1296kg unladen. The new Sprites for 2008 continued into early