So the early predecessor to the truck camper is finally recovered. Kidding of course, this advertorial is from Mechanix Illustrated in their November 1938 issue. This issue featured the incredible collapsible home as well as the New Lightweight Automatic Ironer that weighs in at a dainty 25 lbs.
This was a serious feat of engineering in 1938. It offered six windows with screens and a door which is where the amenities start to fade. The collapsible house was more of a shed than its name implies with dimensions of 6’ x 9’ x6’ open and 6’ x 9’ 2” when folded.
It was designed to be easy to load and unload. It came with a metal frame that clamped to the car without holes or screws so it was easily removable. Impressive feature for the time. It seems folks were worried about scratching the paint job even then.
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Collapsible House Can Be Yours!
From the Ad:
FEATURING six windows fitted with slid-glass and permanent screens, a newly developed prefabricated collapsible house which can be carried on the roof of an ordinary passenger auto enables sportsmen, fishermen and others who like the outdoors to enjoy short or prolonged trips in perfect comfort. In its compact form the folding house measures only 6x9x2 feet. For protection to the car and to facilitate loading and unloading, a metal frame is used to support the house during transit. The frame can be clamped to the car without drilling and is easily removed. The photos above show the house being transported, unloaded, set-up and used by four persons.
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