Is this 1954 Airstream Flying Cloud the world's most beautiful caravan?
This Flying Cloud was built in California, 57 years ago
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Friday, 09, Dec 2011 12:19
by Chris Jefferies
For more than half a century, Airstream Caravans has been the make to aspire to for many caravanners worldwide, and this fantastically restored gem from the 1950s wonderfully captures why the brand remains so desirable.
The Orvis Timeless Airstream, as it has been renamed, is a renovated Flying Cloud trailer from the 1950s, which retains much of the vintage charm but also includes several modern luxuries.
Restoration experts Timeless Travel Trailers have done a fantastic job of creating a design that is at once classic and modern - a truly fitting testament to this fine old Airstream.
On the exterior, the polished aluminium bodyshell is immediately striking but the interior design is, if anything, even more impressive.
A fine history
Originally built in 1954, this particular Flying Cloud was one of only 150 to be made that year at the Airstream factory in Los Angeles, California.
Over the past 57 years, it has been in almost constant use, including a spell as a hunting lodge near Goose Lake, Oregon.
Despite a thorough restoration job, the renovators have decided to leave some of the minor scratches, bumps and imperfections on the surface to retain some of its unique character.
What's more, copper panelling on the interior and distressed oak flooring bring both warmth and retro style to the nose end of this distinctive tourer. As a result, we are told that this caravan is in "better-than-new" condition.
Marvellous modern touches
Despite the vintage feel, there was no holding back when it came to fitting the finest modern conveniences and technological wizardry on board.
A 19-inch Jensen flatscreen HDTV has been flush-fitted into the wall opposite the living room area, while a Blu Ray player has been hooked up as well. Electrics are provided by a 12V system, while LED lighting helps keep your overall battery consumption levels down.
The plush front-end sofa is finished in leather and complimented by a solid wood central table, and the interior doors are made out of solid hickory wood.
In terms of appliances, there is a Wedgewood hob, a Thetford toilet, a Norcold fridge/freezer, as well as Atwood water and central heating.
As you might expect, all this luxury adds quite a bit to the total weight, so something along the lines of an American-style pick-up truck will be needed to tow this 2,700kg tourer.
The online auction for this highly-desirable caravan will close on Sunday 11th December, and the highest bid currently stands at $88,000 (a little over 56 grand in British monies). But potential bidders should be aware that shipping it back to the UK from its current home in Colorado will be your own problem.
Have you ever seen a more beautiful caravan that this? What would your ideal tourer look like? Share your thoughts in our community forum
Vital Stats:
- Price: from £56,052 (reserve not yet met)
- MTPLM: 2,722kg
- Internal Width: 7'0"
- External Length: 22'3"
- Berth: 4
- Axle: Single
Update: This auction has now closed, with the winning bidder paying a staggering $157,000
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