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Old 01-18-2013, 09:11 AM   #1
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1961 16' Bambi
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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?
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Old 01-18-2013, 09:18 AM   #2
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1961 Bambi
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Old 01-18-2013, 09:21 AM   #3
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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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Old 01-18-2013, 10:10 AM   #4
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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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Old 01-18-2013, 11:35 AM   #5
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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.

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Old 01-18-2013, 11:37 AM   #6
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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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Old 01-18-2013, 12:41 PM   #7
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I concur!

Quote:
Originally Posted by markdoane View Post
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.
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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Old 01-18-2013, 01:25 PM   #8
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Early 70's 27' with rear bedroom is real nice.

A
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Old 01-18-2013, 02:34 PM   #9
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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.
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Old 01-18-2013, 04:15 PM   #10
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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,
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Old 01-18-2013, 05:23 PM   #11
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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.

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Old 01-18-2013, 05:41 PM   #12
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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.
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Old 01-18-2013, 05:55 PM   #13
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The 66 Tradewind....but I am a little biased ; )
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Old 01-18-2013, 06:01 PM   #14
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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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Old 01-18-2013, 07:04 PM   #15
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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.

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Old 01-18-2013, 07:16 PM   #16
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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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Old 01-18-2013, 08:02 PM   #17
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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.

Stef.... we should talk. I might be interested in a swap
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Old 01-18-2013, 09:25 PM   #18
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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.
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Old 01-18-2013, 10:07 PM   #19
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Stef.... we should talk. I might be interested in a swap
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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Old 01-18-2013, 10:14 PM   #20
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Talking 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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