I am always amazed when I go through old files and uncover wonderful treasures that take me back to an earlier time, or provoke thoughts of how far Airstream has come since its early days.
This time, it's a photograph taken in 1984 of a very iconic trailer: a 1936 Airstream Clipper. A note attached to the photograph says it's the prototype for Wally Byam's Airstream Clipper models.
There are many experts who can - and will - qualify this photograph. Over time, I've learned about the Bowlus, a predecessor of the Airstream trailer, as well as certain Airstream configurations.
The experts (I won't even come close to suggesting that I am one) belong to the Vintage Airstream Club, or the VAC. The VAC is a sub-unit of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International. In addition to the VAC, there are numerous other experts throughout the world.
The first Clipper competed directly with the Bowlus. There were many structural changes, with increased floor space and cabinets in Wally's new product, which was similar in some ways to the original Bowlus design.
If you've ever seen a photograph of a Bowlus, you'll notice a resemblance to the Clipper in this photograph. The primary differences: the Bowlus had a front-entry door, while the Airstream is entered from the side; but even the doors themselves bear a strict resemblance, position nonwithstanding.
There is no doubt that Wally Byam's first few Airstream Clippers were progressive, until he found a commonality that pleased him and could become the marketable product he was looking for. He had a knack not just for knowing what people wanted, but how to deliver a product that was equal parts unexpected and innovative.
I will leave the above commentary for the experts to dissect, but I found myself intrigued by the photograph and believed it to be worth sharing.
Here are the comments that accompanied this wonderful picture.
- Built in July 1936 by Wally Byam in Los Angeles
- Early prototype, prior to production
- 19' in length, single-axle, two beds, icebox, two-burner range, water tank pressurized with bicycle pump
- All seven (7) side windows have self-storing screens
- Window in door opens
- Three (3) large roof vents
- Pot-bellied stove and chimney for interior heating
- Full hanging closet, numerous storage drawers, small writing desk, fold-down table
The trailer has been restored to original condition by present owners who found trailer in Ontario, Canada.
The 1936 unit tows beautifully due to aerodynamic front and rear design. Owner used trailer for birding, traveling thousands of miles each year.
Today's Airstream trailers feature multi-powered refrigerators with freezer compartments. No longer are you looking for an ice house to pick up a 25-pound block of ice.
Just think about how far we've come since those days. The advantages of today's technology are inconceivable to most people living in the present day. With today's forced-air gas furnaces and HVAC units cooling the Airstream, a trailer with a wood-burning potbellied stove is unbelievable.
Unlike the 1936 Airstream cousin, today's Airstreams have the comforts of home. With a marvelous array of conveniences and amenities, today's Airstreams are better than ever.
by Dale Schwamborn
