The roof tent made its debut in the 1930s. It is fixed on the roof of a car as a traditional spine structure, unfolded into a comfortable sleeping area, or folded into a compact package when not in use. A classic example of this type of camping equipment appears on a modified 1949 Willis Jeep Wagon Camper, which was auctioned by RM Sotheby's in May 2021. Since it appeared on the iconic van model, the roof tent accessory has now evolved into a durable, waterproof structure that can be quickly erected and dismantled using a simple crank-operated cantilever or an automatic control system. One of the most advanced iterations of this camping add-on can be observed on the redtail overland RT camper van, showing a high-tech carbon fiber hard-faced roof tent with a complete electrical system and heater.
1949 Willis "Jeep" station wagon image provided by RM Sotheby's
The 1949 Willis Jeep Wagon Camper recently auctioned by RM Sotheby’s is an old classic camper with a foldable roof mounted A-frame tent. In addition to the tent, the car also integrates a series of accessories that meet the requirements of the times, such as the roof luggage rack water tank and storage space, making campers more practical and pleasant. In addition, the model is also equipped with a three-speed column-shift manual transmission and an in-line four-cylinder engine with rear-wheel drive. The willys'jeep' in 1949 was the world’s first mass-produced all-steel station wagon, with a metallic green exterior, green vinyl interior and white walls. It was an immediate success-more than 300,000 vehicles.
redtail RTC image courtesy of redtail overland
Taking roof camping to a new level, redtail overland RT is the world’s first hard-edged roof camper, with a lightweight but very durable carbon fiber structure. The device integrates a series of high-tech functions, with a complete electrical system and heater. "We took all the advantages of rooftop camping and improved it-increased heat, electricity, lighting, safety, and greater comfort," the brand said. "We simplified the setup and troubleshooting process, made it easier to open more roads, and packaged everything in an elegant design. We are proud to be able to keep it on our vehicles throughout the year."
The winning bid for the Willis "Jeep" campervan in 1949 was US$25,300. Redtail will provide two campervan models, RT 90 and RT 110, priced at US$20,000 and US$25,000, respectively.
1949 Willis "Jeep" station wagon image provided by RM Sotheby's
1949 Willis "Jeep" station wagon
Image courtesy of RM Sotheby's
1949 Willis "Jeep" station wagon image provided by RM Sotheby's
redtail RTC image courtesy of redtail overland
redtail RTC image courtesy of redtail overland
redtail RTC image courtesy of redtail overland
redtail RTC image courtesy of redtail overland
Name: Willis Jeep Wagon Brand: Jeep
Name: RT 90 and RT 110 Brand: redtail overland
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