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It was no surprise when the line up disbanded, leaving Pye Hastings and Richard Coughlan to pick up the pieces and decide whether to carry on. A change of direction resulted with the addition of Geoffrey Richardson on viola. The line up was completed by Welshman Stu Evans on bass and the well travelled Derek Austin on Keyboards. No album was released by this version of Caravan, although they toured extensively, including a series of dates in Australia, accompanying Slade, Lindisfarne and Status Quo. The reissue of this album on Universal in 2001 does include versions with the Evans/ Austin line up, including a completely new track, 'Derek's Long Thing'.

In February 1973, another shake up occurred. John Perry, who Pye had previously invited to join the band, signed up on bass and Dave Sinclair agreed to rejoin to make an album and take part in the tour to follow. The album, 'For Girls That Grow Plump in the Night' was a return to form, with practically every track written by Pye Hastings. The New Musical Express described the album as, 'Superior pop music, full of taste, craftsmanship and hard work.' Melody Maker pitched in, 'There's no track that's less than satisfying. A chart album I hope: the band deserve a break.'

The band then got the chance to try something a little different and recorded an album with the New Symphonia, for which Pye wrote a couple of new tunes. Simon Jeffes of Penguin Cafe Orchestra arranged some of the music, with the bulk of the 'charts' arranged by Martyn Ford, with contributions from Don Gould. Martyn was the conductor. Rehearsal time was 6 hours only! The album showed the band in full flight and gave Geoffrey Richardson to show his talents and for him to expand on the earlier versions of the songs. By July 1974, John Perry had moved off to play with Quantum Jump, to be replaced by Mike Wedgewood who had played previously in Curved Air.

With Dave Sinclair firmly re-established in the band, an album was put together. This was originally to have been titled 'Toys in the Attic', but they were beaten to it by Aerosmith and had to make do with 'Cunning Stunts', which featured Dave Sinclair's songwriting far more heavily. Two tours of America took place and at one stage the album was the fastest selling import in San Francisco.

Once again wanderlust got the better of Dave Sinclair and he was replaced by Jan Schelhaas who had played in the 'National Head Band'. An album 'Blind Dog at St Dunstans' resulted, with positive reviews again. Melody Maker gave a detailed review of the recording and added, 'This is a distinguished work, with Coughlan's driving drums revealing his painstaking craftsmanship. Caravan possess all the attributes: good musicianship, strong songs, an imaginative stage show. They remain one of our most competent bands and eventually will be recognised as such even if takes them another decade.' Soon after this Mike Wedgewood departed to be replaced by Dek Messecar, and Dave Sinclair returned temporarily to play on a tour to help promote a 'best of' compilation from Decca.

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