Eccles Caravans

Founded in 1919 by Bill Riley Snr., Eccles is the oldest surviving caravan brand in the UK, if not the world. From the outset it produced up market caravans and even motorhomes, the latter from converted military vehicles left over from the First World War. By the Second World War Eccles had become quite successful exporting caravans as far afield as India and Africa. During the war Eccles turned its caravans into portable workshops and radio shacks also building ambulances and searchlight vehicles.

After the war competition from other manufacturers producing lighter, cheaper, caravans moved the market away from Eccles’ heavy and expensive models. In 1960 Bill Riley retired shutting the factory and selling up to Sprite who moved production to their Newmarket base.

Under the guidance of Sprite Eccles vans became trendsetters featuring teak wood, white vinyl and double glazing.

During the early 1990’s Swift Group bought Sprite Leisure and in turn Eccles, moving production to Swift’s factory in Cottingham, Nr Hull. In 1996, under new ownership, Eccles was re-launched under the Sterling brand and again given a new lease of life.

In 2009, to celebrate Eccles 90th anniversary, all models within the Sterling Eccles range were given special anniversary graphics to mark the occasion.

The Eccles name continues today as key part of the Sterling offering with layouts and specification closely matching the Swift Challenger range.

Pre war models	Post war models
Active	Elan
Enterprise	Elite
Progress