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01-18-2013, 09:11 AM
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#1
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Colonial Airstream NJ
Airstream Dealer
1961 16' Bambi
1997 19' "B" Van Airstream 190
Millstone Township
, New Jersey
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 578
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The most sought after Airstream Vintage Trailer
Many people have their opinions on which vintage trailer is the best- either the one they own or one they dream of owning and constantly search for.
My personal favorite has always been the 1968 Airstream Caravel and I have spent over 10 years searching for the perfect one. 1968 was the last year of the classic style body and the only year with the front angled dinette. It has attracted celebrities, artists, architects and Airstream fanatics. Recently a show aired on HVTV showcasing many refurbished Airstreams which were 1960’s Caravels.
Which model year & size do you believe is the most sought after for function, style and rarity?
__________________
Patrick Botticelli - Colonial Airstream 595 State Hwy 33 Millstone Township, NJ 08535 - 1-800-265-9019 www.colonialairstream.com
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01-18-2013, 09:18 AM
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#2
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Site Team
2002 25' Safari
Dewey
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15,606
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__________________
Richard
Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
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01-18-2013, 09:21 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
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I am of course biased, but I would have to say the 1964 Bambi II. Reason: They were made in limited numbers and only made one year before they morphed into the Caravel. That said I do like the interior layout of the Caravels over the Bambi II.
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MICHAEL
Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
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01-18-2013, 10:10 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1966 22' Safari
1954 22' Flying Cloud
Saline
, Michigan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 854
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Not sure if it's the most sought after or coveted, but an early to mid fifties Flying Cloud whale-tail is the most sought after and still unfound treasure we have been looking for... Help!!
Barry & Karen in Mi.
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01-18-2013, 11:35 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1974 Argosy 20
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Kooskia
, Idaho
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,591
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Shees, in all the Airstreams I have owned, one was a whale tale '54, one a Bambi (II, I think) and I had a perfect '68 Caravel. Do I know how to pick them, or what? LOL.
I now own a virtually stock factory original '71 Caravel but my favorite of all is my '74, 20' Argosy, highly modified and set up for me and me only.
The best Airstream is the one you have that you like.
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01-18-2013, 11:37 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
, Minnesota
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,721
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This question has come up every couple of years since the Airforums started, and the final choice has always been the 1959 Tradewind.
If you don't believe me, just ask Brad.
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01-18-2013, 12:41 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
1959 26' Overlander
Powder Springs
, Georgia
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 671
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I concur!
Quote:
Originally Posted by markdoane
This question has come up every couple of years since the Airforums started, and the final choice has always been the 1959 Tradewind.
If you don't believe me, just ask Brad.
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That year is the best, definitely!
We like the extra 2 feet for the 5 of us though. So, my vote is a '59 Overlander. Shocking, I know!!!
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~Lynnetta
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01-18-2013, 01:25 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
St. Catharines
, South Western Ontario
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,367
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Early 70's 27' with rear bedroom is real nice.
A
__________________
Airstreams..... The best towing trailers on the planet!
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01-18-2013, 02:34 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
1956 22' Flying Cloud
1953 32' Liner
1955 22' Safari
Valley View
, Texas
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,971
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Thats a tough question
They all have great points about them. But, for overall fun and utility I like my 56 Flying Cloud the best. My Caravel was perfect...and did everything but it was just "that much" to small for what I wanted. The Bambi I had was not as nice overall as the Caravel. I had a 95 21ft Sovereign I thought would be a "modern" Caravel...but not what a felt comfortable with...hence the 56 Cloud. It was exactly like the Sovereign but a bit smaller....it felt good. The size goes with what I want...small and maneuverable.
__________________
"If it can't be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled or composted
then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production."
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01-18-2013, 04:15 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,800
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The best Airstream ever yet to be made for me would be a mid-50's era 13 panel (really cool) 30' Sovereign, great burch wood cabinets with a 1966 Overlander bathroom (unseen toilet) and 1966 "L" shape front couch area (room to party) with 1966/67 frameless windows installed (sleek look) all the way around.
That's may "Someday" traveler before I die.
Enjoy,
__________________
Paul Waddell
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01-18-2013, 05:23 PM
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#11
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Moderator Emeritus
1964 26' Overlander
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre
Anna
, Illinois
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,705
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The most sought after Airstream Vintage Trailer
From my observations at rallys and here on the Forums, I would consider the 1961-1963 Bambi and the 1964 Bambi II to be the most sought after of the Airstream trailers. In the Argosy camp, I would consider the 1977-1979 Minuet 6.0 and 6.7 Metres to be the most sought after with the Argosy 20 (1972-1977) being a close second.
Kevin
__________________
Kevin D. Allen
WBCCI (Lifetime Member)/VAC #7864
AIR #827
1964 Overlander International
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre
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01-18-2013, 05:41 PM
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#12
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4 Rivet Member
1977 31' Sovereign
Fresno
, California
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 434
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I'm sure this one will get some eyes rolls. Especially since out '77 Sov. 31' is probably one of the least desireable Airstreams, but ours, with the rear bedroom, seems so right for us. I love it and I haven't seen any (in our price range) that I like better. Just don't show me any of those new wide bodies.
__________________
Cheers,
Cara, John & Johnny
Jet, Our silver stow-a-way
1977 31' Sovereign "The Mod Pod"
2006 Ford F-250 Super Duty
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01-18-2013, 05:55 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
1966 24' Tradewind
Chicago
, Illinois
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 530
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The 66 Tradewind....but I am a little biased ; )
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Happy Trails!
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01-18-2013, 06:01 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
2010 25' FB Flying Cloud
Currently Looking...
Laramie
, Wyoming
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 829
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Hands down.....'56 Bubble Whale Tail. Totally cool. Totally impractical. But our Bambi II is just a step above it. Fine for travel but not too good for living.
Like many others we're with our 4th and 5th Airstream. It's a disease!
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Antique Pedaler
2021 Caravel 20 FB
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01-18-2013, 07:04 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
1962 22' Safari
1957 22' Custom
1963 16' Bambi
Vacationland
, Maine
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 956
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First time vintage buyers WANT Bambi's which sometimes will take many years to find and purchase.
Early sixties are my favorites and some of the best built vintage trailers anywhere. 1962 is a great year with the best floorplans, windows and hardware detailing.
I believe the pre 1958 13 panel Caravanners, flying Clouds and Customs are now the most sought after vintage models at this time. But that is just my opinion.
Gary
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wbcci #3363
VAC - Region 1 vintage Club rep
New England unit
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01-18-2013, 07:16 PM
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#16
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Moderator
1968 17' Caravel
Battle Ground
, Washington
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,253
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I applaud your recognition of the excellence of the 68 Caravel I love the floorplan of ours, and the roomy bathroom, and all the warm wood inside. It's small enough to park anywhere, and easy to tow. No complaints here. I didn't choose this trailer on purpose, I was actually looking for a minuet, I wanted those big front windows, but the Caravel was what came up for sale when I was looking, and it is pretty nice, and I'm glad to have it.
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Stephanie
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01-18-2013, 08:02 PM
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#17
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Site Team
1964 26' Overlander
1964 19' Globetrotter
OlyPen
, Washington
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,926
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stefrobrts
I applaud your recognition of the excellence of the 68 Caravel I love the floorplan of ours, and the roomy bathroom, and all the warm wood inside. It's small enough to park anywhere, and easy to tow. No complaints here. I didn't choose this trailer on purpose, I was actually looking for a minuet, I wanted those big front windows, but the Caravel was what came up for sale when I was looking, and it is pretty nice, and I'm glad to have it.
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Stef.... we should talk. I might be interested in a swap
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01-18-2013, 09:25 PM
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#18
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Rivet Master
1997 30' Excella
1961 26' Overlander
1954 22' Flying Cloud
1981 28' Airstream 280
San Antonio
, Texas
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,436
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I would have to say our "54 Whale Tail Flying Cloud, with our '73 Agosy 20' right behind it. But, then again, I am biased.
__________________
Bruce
WBCCI# 9259 AIR# 38927 TAC-TX 14
Stop Littering-Spay & Neuter-- Adopt From Rescue
No amount of time will erase the memory of a great dog.
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01-18-2013, 10:07 PM
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#19
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Moderator
1968 17' Caravel
Battle Ground
, Washington
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,253
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Janet
Stef.... we should talk. I might be interested in a swap
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After ten years, I think I'm too attached now! But then, your minuet is probably in better shape than the Caravel, I know how much work you guys have put into it!
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Stephanie
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01-18-2013, 10:14 PM
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#20
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New Member
1961 16' Bambi
BANNING
, California
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 1
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1961 bambi
[QUOTE=overlander64;1250597]From my observations at rallys and here on the Forums, I would consider the 1961-1963 Bambi and the 1964 Bambi II to be the most sought after of the Airstream trailers. In the Argosy camp, I would consider the 1977-1979 Minuet 6.0 and 6.7 Metres to be the most sought after with the Argosy 20 (1972-1977) being a close second.
you got it right.
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