Collection of Casita folding caravan pictures. These are French built caravans from the 1970's and early 1980's made by Lenoir et Mernier.

I currently own a small Casita Pluton and during some refurbishment I was looking for information about them and how they looked when new. I didn't find much so decided whenever a Casita came up for sale I would publish the pictures on my site for others to see. I hope this helps any owners when looking for period features for their own Casita and aid restoration in the future.

Was lucky to get an original brochure (earlier 80's) listing all models and layouts showing the importer as Carabelle Caravans Limited of Hitchin, Herts.; and the brochure stamped from a dealer called Saville Stores (The Tent People) Ltd. of North Shields.

Manufacturer listed as:

CASITA (LENOIR & MERNIER S.A.)
CARAVAN MANUFACTURER
08120 BOGNY-SUR-MEUSE (FRANCE)

The blurb:

"The specialists in folding caravans: more than 18,000 now in circulation and sixteen years experience.
Over 130 agents in Europe.
The CASITA offers all the home comforts associated with caravanning when on site, without any of the inconveniences whilst on route.
Simple to store, in a garage for instance, thanks to its low folder height and removable tow bar; just as comfortable and secure, more economical and safer to tow.
It has all the latest innovations, automatic reverse braking system with built in safety features, double glazing on luxury models for year round use and special sandwich construction giving a fully insulated body and floor.
The optional extra wall cupboards give equal storage facilities to any rigid caravan.
All the 1980 CASITA range can be recognised by a gold band on the lower panels adding a little class and distinction to each caravan.
The CASITA is fitted with an automatic opening mechanism, that is both strong and simple.
Its ingenuity and simplicity make it easy for one person to put up, wothout effore, adjustments or maintenance.
All the contents are totally protected from the weather, easily accessible - yet completely safe!
The top part of the kitchen unit is supplied with legs and may be used as a free standing uit outside the caravan."

The models in this particular brochure include:

• PLUTON (2 berth): Smallest model in the range yet luxurious and comfortable; a full 4'3" wide double bed. The 45 ltr triple operation regrigerator is available as an extra to complement the fully equipped kitchen unit. MGW only 500 Kgs.
  
  
• MERCURE (4 berth): Leads the field of touring models, large 4'3" x 6'1" double bed. 1980 models are available with a wide range of optional extras; a 4 place dinette at one end and a full width bench seat with a large storage locker beneath a the other.
  
  
• NEPTUNE (4 berth): The mainstay of the Casita range, tastefully furnished it satisfies the most discerning buyer. One feels easy and at home with the seclusion of tinted windows, nets and ample curtains. Skylight and kitch window ensure plenty of ventilation. This model comes with a single dinette at one end and double at the other both with ample storage beneath the seats.
  
  
• VENUS (3 berth): Supreme comfort in a folding caravan, fully equipped and attractively finished; double glazing and all windows opening. Padded, vinyl covered walls, gas bottle locker and quality laminated furniture with traditional style fittings.
  
  
• SATURNE (5 berth): Spacious 4 berth touring caravan with an ex works weight of only 615 Kgs. Full range of equipment including double dinette, wall cupboard, net curtains, skylight and kitch window.
  
  
• JUPITER (4 berth): Reproducing the same standard of luxury and quality as the Venus. In addition to the double glazing and gas bottle locker, the Jupiter is supplied with a folding bed that converts into a special luxury seating during the day.
  
  
• PALLAS LS (4 berth): Something new in the caravan world, a 4 berth caravan with 2 sturdy bunk beds fitted with spring mattresses. These convert to a comfortable day seat flanked by 2 small tables; spacious drawers under the lower bed make for the best use of storage space.
  
  
• PALLAS DD (4 berth): Simple: Practical: Roomy. A new model in the Casita range. Once again you find the maximum comfort resulting from the careful use of space. A truly European model with an extra wide (4'7") double bed at one end and another double at the other. Additional bunks available.
  
  
• PALLAS CT (4 berth): A genuine toilet compartment in a folding caravan. One of the double debs converts to a special luxury day seat. Ample storage and shelving provided by wall cupboards. The last word in luxury in a folding caravan, double glazing, gas bottle locker, awning light; this model will satisfy the most demanding caravanner.