Rediscovering retro: Restoring the 1970 Commer Jennings Roadranger motorhome

Something a bit different from us! Following an exciting recent purchase, we’re here with our restoration of a rare 1970 Commer Jennings Roadranger motorhome. Seen on the roads during the 1960s and 70s, the Jennings Roadranger was one of the very first motorhomes sold here at Spinney shortly after it was established back in 1975. As one of the only driveable models of this kind left in the UK today, we’re thrilled to be getting started on our restoration. Spending the next few months onsite at our Flintshire body shop, we’re restoring this retro model back to perfect condition with the aim to have it on display at one of our three branches in the near future.

A testament to the craftsmanship of its era, the Commer Jennings Roadranger stands as a beacon of nostalgia. Let’s take a look at the history of this motorhome and what makes it so special.

A Journey through history

The story of the Commer Jennings Roadranger is steeped in the rich history of British motoring – representing the stunning combined handiwork of British manufacturer Commer and coachbuilders Jennings.

Commer

Commer primarily produced commercial and military vehicles from 1905 to 1979 and was responsible for a diverse range of builds from buses and pick-ups to delivery vans and motorhomes before being purchased by Chrysler UK in 1967.

Jennings

As prominent coachbuilders during the 1930s, Jennings was taken over by Central Garages in 1964, builders of the well-known luxury Paralanian motorhome of 1957, which formed the basis of the new range shortly to come, when it joined forces with the Commer chassis.

The result

The brilliant Roadranger made its debut in the early 1970s, a time when travel became synonymous with adventure and exploration. Originally conceived as a utilitarian vehicle, it underwent a huge transformation to emerge as a symbol of luxury and elegance on wheels. Born during an era of innovation and progress, the Roadranger embodied the spirit of its time. Its sleek design, coupled with robust engineering, garnered widespread acclaim, making it a coveted choice for any occasion, from family trips to weekend getaways. The Roadranger allowed owners to forge lasting memories for generations to come.

Distinctive exteriors

What set (and still sets) the Commer Jennings Roadranger apart are its distinctive features, making it uniquely recognisable. The exterior of the Roadranger boasts streamlined contours and an aerodynamic profile with domed front cab, which enhances its aesthetic appeal and contributes to its exceptional performance on the road year after year. There’s no surprise our model here at Spinney is still driveable after all these years!

Endless restoration potential

Stepping inside, the Roadranger is a blank canvas with huge potential for a top-class restoration. In its current condition, the Roadranger is fitted with a stereo, living partition and leather cab seats plus the original steering wheel. That’s plenty of vintage charm!

The road ahead

In today’s motorhome landscape, the Roadranger represents just how far design and engineering have come, whilst remaining a real testament to a bygone era of motorhoming. As we begin a full restoration (all while preserving its original bodywork) we hope to breathe some new life back into a much loved iconic vehicle – one which, for us, holds some dear memories of one of the very first sales here at Spinney.

Stay tuned to find out how we get on!