I have a very old Elddis Tornado (ca. 1980, see photo attached) which I am very attached to and have restaured internally two years ago and taken on trips ever since.
Having moved to Germany last summer we now need to get it registered and MOTed here (as per local regulations). The problem is that I have no papers and can't even tell the MOT/garage what the specifications are, when it's approximate release date was etc.
Would anyone on here be able to help with a handbook/papers/specifications I could share with them so they can show to the German MOT for a full registration and try and find parts (as some bits like the break and towing mechanism) need to be repaired. I have written to Elddis but not suer I will hear back.
I had a 1988 Elddis Tornado until about four and a half years ago. I tried contacting Elddis about something or other and they didn't bother to reply. There is a Facebook group for older Elddis caravans and someone on there may also be able to help.
It wouldn't be any good me sending you details of mine as from your picture I can see that there were quite a few changes between 1980 and 1988. Mine looked quite different.
Welcome, and why not throw us a challenge as your first post - Oh!, you did!
Pre CRIS registration scheme introduced in 1992, where VIN numbers were 'standardised' in a uniform manner, manufacturers each pretty much had their own VIN/Chassis numbering system, some had a more logical layout that anyone (with insight into the system) could interpret to extract things like year of manufacture, others had no obvious coding system, just being a number that only the manufacture referring to their own records could interpret.
Not sure what your van has! VIN/Chassis numbers are usually stamped into the A-Frame (it may require removing any A frame covers to see it, and it may also be defaced/obscured by corrosion and/or layers of paint on a very old van!), but finding that is a start to pinning down your specification, by at least hopefully giving a definitive year of manufacture.
If you are lucky, some caravans manufactured before 1991, the first 2 characters of the VIN number determine the year i.e. 87AV7845 is a 1987, failing anyone else giving you some insight, you may be at the mercy of Elldis (now part of Erwin Hymer Group) still having records dating back to the 1980s, but they have had several changes of owner over the years, so somewhat muddy waters!
I did find this (https://twinfam.tistory.com/attachment/cfile21.uf at 2618A43B54EAA8AC11C1C3.pdf) which kind of hints that it maybe a post 1982 model and built on a Alko chassis, if so, the Alko chassis will also have it's own serial number (modern ones are on the axle, not sure about older ones!), which may give some narrowing of options if nothing else!
Good luck, and do keep us informed of how you get on, nice to see vintage vans still being cared for and used.
Thanks Monty15 and Colin21 for your replies... The serial number is 31389E.
Looking at the leaflet from the Caravn Club that Monty15 shared this doesn't sem to get me any further though (unless I don't know what I am looking for) as it says:
Pre-1987 no uniform marking existed – however, the following may apply:
First letter referred to year up to 1977, beginning with B in 1966, missing out I. 1978-83 contact manufacturer. From 1984 in line with car registration, 1984 being A.
Does this make any sense to you? Also Monty15 I can't open the other PDF you shared as it says the site doesn't exist. Any chance you coudl upload here differently?
I have emailed Elddis/Hymer but not sure I will hear back...
How bizarre, if you follow the link from a Google search (I used 'elddis tornado 1982') it works to download a PDF, the exact same link on here fails! Try a Google search and follow link from there! Not sure there is any scope for me to directly upload a PDF file to forum.
One of your research problems is that you are researching an era 'pre-internet', so any info will be posted as a historic entry by someone like you with a interest/passion for vintage vans, rather than as an original source from say Elddis themselves!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Elddis Tornado (1980) need specification
