The NRMA had thrown its support behind one of the state’s most iconic regional tourism events by rolling its custom-made Gracevan into the heart of the 2017 Parkes Elvis Festival.
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The vintage 1947 caravan and the vintage Holden HZ NRMA Patrol Van were the home of motoring advice for the festival.
For the third year in a row the NRMA and Australian Caravan + RV were the proud sponsors of the volunteers who helped guide 25,000 visitors to the 25th annual festival.
NRMA local Director Fiona Simson said the NRMA was proud to be a part of an annual event that had such a big impact on the local economy.
“The population of Parkes doubles over the four days of the festival, injects $13 million into the local economy and attracts global visitors and passionate fans of The King,” Ms Simson said.
“Festivals and events like the Parkes Elvis Festival are vital in helping rural and regional communities thrive, which is why the NRMA is so proud to again sponsor the volunteers who help make the event such a success.
“Parkes is literally the crossroads of the nation for our members and motorists – smack bang in the middle of NSW and strategically situated on the east-west rail corridor and on the major inland north-south road corridor of the Newell Highway.
“So, it’s little wonder we were invited back again this year to kick up our heels and help motorists and road users to come together safely to enjoy more than 120 events all in the name of good, old fashioned fun.”
This year visitors to the festival had the opportunity to access exclusive Australian Caravan and RV Magazine subscription discounts, as well as the opportunity to find out more about the NRMA’s iconic products and services to help keep members moving.
History behind 1947 Carapark Superb: Now 70 years old, this caravan was purchased new from Les Gough (a caravan dealer in Victoria) in 1947 by the Gill brothers of Bendigo.
The caravan was used by the two brothers and their families for many years, travelling mainly around Victoria.
It is interesting to note that the step has a name welded onto it, as one of the brothers had an autistic son Peter, and this was how Peter knew this was his caravan.
The caravan was later donated to the Smith Family as emergency accommodation, but was stored for many years.
It was later sold to a caravan enthusiast and then purchased by the National Caravan Museum where it is now a very popular display.
The caravan has a steel chassis running on 16” rims and the body panels are all steel.
This is the only surviving Carapark all-steel Superb on the road today.
