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ALANSD · 09-12-2003, 09:50 AM

Thanks to Bob Wheeler at Airstream for the update on the production of a new Airstream "Classic" styled motorhome.

I am happy to report that progress on a new design is being made, trying to satisfy the image of the Classic Motorhome, while allowing for the extra storage space and some of the other features requested by present owners who ( through this web site and others) participated in a survey.

I am told that 18-24 months is the projected production date for this exciting new product.
I know that everyone of us here is looking forward to seeing what they come up with.

I suggested that a homecoming rally for Classic motorhomes be held at the plant to introduce the new member of the family, and some consideration is being given to that idea.

swebster · 09-12-2003, 05:36 PM

I'm really looking forward to seeing what a modern version of our treasured Classic will look like. I'll be at the RV industry show in Louisville this December..I'll make sure to hang around the Airstream booth and do some snooping.

59toaster · 09-12-2003, 05:51 PM

I want a classic MH now. You MH guys are making me jealous! Well now that the classic is coming back I can look foward to getting one when I retire in another 30 years LOL.

I did see a box Airstream MH today in Cartersville GA. Just didn't look "Airstream".

71tradewind · 09-13-2003, 10:28 AM

There are photos of the Classic MH on the cover of this months Blue Beret .It looks good !

swebster · 09-13-2003, 04:58 PM

59Toaster...I bought AS MH now with 30 years still left till retirement (plus or minue a few) because they are an affordable, high end, quality, reliable motorthome with great support (through this forum and other sources), relatively inexpensive to maintain and repair and a great rig for the DIY owner. Plus they look really cool.

I won't be ready for the new Classic until I retire. Till then I'll drive my "classic" Classic.

Buy one now....you know you want to! Come over to the dark side!

toddster · 09-14-2003, 01:18 AM

I'd love to see pics of the new classic motorhome. What is "Blue Bert"???

71tradewind · 09-14-2003, 02:22 AM

the Blue Beret is the WBCCI news letter

thenewkid64 · 09-14-2003, 05:17 AM

I found it interesting that the Blue Beret had those pictures of a no longer built coach. The one shown is a diesel pusher 94? I think that there were less than 20 made. The current owners have taken excellent care of it as it looks like new.

I am wondering what the new one will be like.

71tradewind · 09-14-2003, 06:01 AM

My mistake I thought that was the new one !

LuvSub · 09-14-2003, 07:50 AM

Just a little tidbit about the upcoming Classic Motorhome. While at WBCCI International in Vermont, one of the Airstream managers mentioned that the design of the coach was was being done by both Airstream and BMW's design firm. Should yield some interetsing results...

I was also able to tour Airstream's new Class C. It had a Mercedes Benz engine and the interior was exceptional (though small for $76,000).

I think these moves, as well as the new series of trailers, is all part of their attempt at bringing in new, younger, affluent customers versus the traditional retiree.

ALANSD · 09-14-2003, 04:21 PM

gotta love that info. I have seen the Freightliner - Mercedes small motorhome, and thought it to be mighty nice, although a bit small for more than 2 people.
A new shiny aluminum riveted classic with
good storage- an option for a creatively designed interior that doesn't look like my Grandma's living room, and good driveability on a chassis that will hold up...all sounds good to me.
I am happy to have my 82 garner the attention it gets from people who can't believe its that old.

MaShep · 09-15-2003, 11:29 AM

Is this the new Mercedes rig you are mentioning? I did a search and this is all I found. Would like to see pictures.
http://www.hoekstraspecialty.com/non...te/xplorer.htm

thenewkid64 · 09-15-2003, 12:45 PM

Here is a link to Colonial RV

They have it on their site.

There is also a thread Here on the forum discussing it too.

ALANSD · 09-15-2003, 04:59 PM

one pulled in next to my spot at a Charleston,SC county campground. Very nice looking rig, and the owner was in love with the thing. It had all the right options, and he said ran about mid 60,000. Only three times the price of an average Airstream Classic

CanoeStream · 09-15-2003, 07:20 PM

I was just on airstream.com and the following was the topic of the right-side "Rivet Bit" when I refreshed the screen. First is the text accompaniment and of course I will paste the jpeg exactly as seen:

"The Airstream Interstate
With a Mercedes-Benz drivetrain, the all new Interstate offers exceptional power, performance, and economy - contained in the most petite of our fleet."

hhuber · 09-15-2003, 08:08 PM

Can't help but wonder what Wally would think.

Heidi

ALANSD · 09-16-2003, 09:39 AM

I was told the Mercedes was the same platform as the delivery vans used by FEDEX and others, the Freightliner nameplate was to give it some distinction, and not make FEDEX look too snooty using MB Vans. The Airstream looks just the same..it needs some rivets or something to make it Wallyized.

vajeep · 09-16-2003, 11:11 AM

The VA A/S dealer told us that the Freightliner badge was used to save on some sort of tax. The dealer did have a different brand of m/h built on the same platform and it seemed to work well.

Abe

jpurdy · 09-16-2003, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vajeep
The VA A/S dealer told us that the Freightliner badge was used to save on some sort of tax. The dealer did have a different brand of m/h built on the same platform and it seemed to work well.

Abe

would the name Freightliner make it a domestic vehicle???

thenewkid64 · 09-16-2003, 01:24 PM

By making it a Freightliner I would bet it changes the DOT requirements for the chassis. It could also have to do with the GCVR maximum number that DOT allows.

I am just guessing, but having had 1 ton trucks, they get a break on part of the liscensing fees, vs a standard passenger vehicle.