LOT 107

1947 Sprite Safari Caravan

Sold for £1,125 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Lot 107

1947 Sprite Safari Caravan

Bonhams MPH September Auction - Live Auction with Bidding in the Socially Distanced Room, Online, Telephone and Absentee Bidding|20 September 2020, 13:00 BST|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

1947 Sprite Safari Caravan

*Offered without reserve
*Said to be completely overhauled and has new tyres
*Original gas cooker/heater
*An early example

While caravans had been popular between the wars they were usually relatively heavy and, consequently, required a more powerful car to pull them. They also tended to be expensive. The Sprite company, launched in 1947 by Henry and Sam Alper, aimed to address those deficiencies. The latter took over his brother's business and launched his Sprite model in 1947. This consequently early example has very good alloy bodywork, glass and cream paint and the wheels/new tyres are vendor-assessed as excellent. The interior features the original gas cooker and heater and the seats, in blue and rose floral print, are reported to be excellent with the trim reported to be very good. There is some history with this lot.

To Schedule a video condition report for this lot please click here

Footnotes

Vendor Score Total: 65/100

Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.

Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 19/25
Body Work: 4
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3
Glass: 4
Paint: 4
Wheels/Tyres: 4

INTERIOR TOTAL: 13/20
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 3
Headlining: 3
Seats: 3
Trim: 4

ENGINE TOTAL: 12/20
Mechanical components: 3
Running: 3
Starting: 3
Under Bonnet: 3

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 12/20
Axles: 3
Brakes: 3
Gearbox/Clutch: 3
Suspension: 3

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 6/10
Ancillary components: 3
Main components: 3

Car History File: 3

Saleroom notices

Please click the link to view the walkaround video of this lot: click here

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import Licence or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such Licence or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancellation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licenses please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Cars

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

Looking for a similar item?

Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.

Find your local specialist

Auction Viewings

18 September 2020, 09:00 - 18:00 BST
19 September 2020, 09:00 - 18:00 BST

£700 - £900

United Kingdom

Grand Album Illustre de L'Industrie Automobile: a rare set of four bound Volumes for 1900, 1901, 1902, and 1903,

£1,000 - £2,000

1947 Sprite Safari Caravan

1947 Sprite Safari Caravan

Footnotes

Saleroom notices

Additional information

Auction information

Related Departments

Conditions of Sale

Own a similar item?

Looking for a similar item?

Auction Viewings

Bid now on these items

c.1960 Ducati TS98

c.1966/61 Triumph 490cc 5TA/T100A Special

1978 BMW 800cc R80/7

c.1960 Ducati 125A

1976 Honda 72cc ST70 Dax

1972 Yamaha XS650

An S.Smith & Son combination car clock and speedometer, Registered Design 1906,

An Automobiles De Dion Bouton poster after H & B, French circa 1905,

A hand-painted 'Mr Bibendum' standing forecourt display figure,

'Targa Florio - Circuito Siciliano', an original artwork on canvas,

Three rare 'Prinz Heinrich-Fahrt' (Prince Henry Tour) promotional event brochures for 1909, 1910, and 1911, German,

The Car Illustrated; nine bound volumes 1-6 (1902-1903) and 10-12 (1904-1905),

Grand Album Illustre de L'Industrie Automobile: a rare set of four bound Volumes for 1900, 1901, 1902, and 1903,