Contradictory to the usual chassis design of motorhomes, there are aluminium-chassised king-size vintage motorhomes sold in the marketplace, competing with the newer models. Where? On the Airstream Marketplace platform, of course. Airstream, for over three decades now, has been a known name in the recreational vehicle and motorhome segment. The vehicles are known for their basically bulletproof drivetrains or rather 'silver bullet' travel trailers with riveted aluminium bodies. Let's delve into some individual models to understand the 'why' of the demand for vintage vehicles.
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Airstream 360
In 1993, Airstream presented a humungous bumper-to-bumper slightly smaller than a 36-foot vehicle with aerodynamic aluminium bodies. The standard 360 model was mounted on a 208-inch wheelbase Chevrolet chassis with a front-ascended 7.4-litre Chevy large block gasoline V8.
Airstream 360 Classic
antidote to bland coaches, the brand launched a 36-foot long vehicle with a hand-riveted all-aluminium bus chassis and a hearty Cummins diesel for propulsion in 1994. A rare model believed to have sold in the dozens, both Airstream 360 standard and classic models employed heavy streamlining in terms of construction and mounted a 228-inch wheelbase 20,000 GVWR chassis by Spartan.
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Airstream 345
This retro RV was launched in 1985 with a turbo diesel chassis. It is powered by a GM 345 cu in (5.6-litres) 6-cylinder Isuzu V8 engine. The specification includes a rear tag axle, a self-levelling hydraulic jacking system, an A-frame 'Blue Ox' towing system, an Onan 4-kilowatt generator, and a Zip Dee awning of approximately 6.5 x 3 metres.
Airstream 370LE
The 1989 Airstream 370LE, a massive and rare 37-foot coach, was an enormous unit for Airstream and at the time, it was also the largest Airstream ever made.
Airstream Argosy
One can thank Argosy for Airstream's famous wrap-around panoramic windows. The vehicle's design blended the patented Airstream character with experimental ideas that the brand was unwilling to present into the main line until 1979.
In 1934, Wally Byam, the founder of the brand, announced the name 'Airstream' as he believed that his improved trailers cruised down the lanes 'like a stream of air'" On January 17, 1936, the Airstream Trailer Co. introduced the first model 'Clipper'. And the legacy is travelling forth with king's grace.
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