by Chris Jefferies
Airstream Europe has announced a brand new addition to its iconic range of silver bullet tourers in the form of the five-berth International 685.
Due to be launched at the NCC Motorhome, Caravan and Camping Show in February, this model will offer a slice of classic Americana that is big enough to accommodate larger families.
The 685 is the first European Airstream caravan to feature a bunk bed arrangement and the triple bunk in this model is certainly out of the ordinary.
Instead of simply stacking all three bunks on top of each other, the middle bed is set at a right-angle to the other two, resulting in more headroom for all the youngsters in the back.
Better still, the bathroom door can double up as a solid dividing door when opened by 90 degrees, meaning that parents can enjoy added peace and quiet in the front of the tourer.
A family affair
As you would expect from an Airstream, the build quality of this tourer is unrivalled, with Italian-made aluminium alloy framed beds that are at least six-feet long.
A convertible double bed in the front end, a nearside kitchenette and an offside bathroom complete this unique layout.
This new model has been five years in the making and was designed in reaction to customer feedback from larger families, following the launch of the International 684 in 2006.
Michael Hold, sales director for Airstream Europe, said: “The interest over the years in a large family-orientated European Airstream has always been there and now we can deliver a travel trailer that comfortably fulfils the requirements of a family of five.”
Any aspiring Airstream owners will need a seriously heavy-duty towcar though, as you can expect this twin-axle caravan’s MTPLM to be in excess of two tonnes.
What’s more, the new family-sized Airstream will not come on the cheap – prices start at an eye-watering £59,980.
However, if this is within your price range, then you can place your order now for spring delivery, or if you’d prefer to wait until you can see one for yourself, then head to the NCC Motorhome, Caravan and Camping Show, which runs from February 14th to 19th at the London Excel Centre.
Airstream has been nominated for the CaravanTimes 2011 Heritage Award. To vote for your favourite tourer, caravan park and dealer, and be entered into our prize draw to win an Amazon Kindle, click here.
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