On VW Motoring we loved reporting on successes achieved by ‘giant killers’ – small firms determined to become bigger and better in their field.
One such start-up was Richard Holdsworth Conversions, launched by the eponymous Richard who, with his wife Heather, returned from a motorhome tour of Australia keen to embark on more travels. In 1968 they produced their first motor caravan – based, of course, on a VW Transporter – working in their lock-up garage in Clapham, London.
It was the perfect partnership, with Richard constructing the furniture and Heather selecting the soft furnishings. Requests from other VW owners produced more conversion work, with production expanding to the commercial market, and an eventual move to larger premises in Woodley, Berkshire.
While other makes of base vehicle were catered for,…