At our last unit meeting a regional WBCCI officer announced that Airstream had agreed to build 50 anniversary trailers that would commerate the 50th anniversary of WBCCI.
Apparently Airstream is looking for ideas as to what to build and the regional officer was requesting that we provide feedback. Most of the suggestions were for a grandious tri axle monster with lots of gingerbread.
A couple of us there thought what better to build than a trailer that really goes retro to the original design and length of the caravan trailers. Maybe using exterior paneling techniques used on the older units.
Anyway here is your chance to put in your ideas. My feeling is this forum may generate some more interesting ideas that what will be coming from the rank and file.
So give it a shot. We know the International President lurks out here. Let's throw out some ideas!
Regards,
Jack
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Jack Canavera
STL Mo. AIR #56
'04 Classic 30' S.O.
'03 GMC Savana 2500
Even though we bought a 34', I think a great example of redoing a 1954 Flying Cloud would be one cooooool commemorative example that would likely sell better than CCD does.
It sounds like Airstream has a wonderful idea! As a Vintage enthusiast, my first-choice vote would be for something along the lines of the 25', tandem axle Caravanner that had the wide-open floorplan that lent itself to entertaining while on the road - - it also offered panoramic windows on all sides (my second-choice vote would be for the classic rear-bath Overlander 26' floorplan). Both the Caravanner and Overlander models had rather long histories with Airstream - - it appears that production of the models started sometime in the 1950s and continued through the late 1970s. Four features that I would love to see on such a coach would be a return to the "door-within-a-door" accompanied by at least one old-fashioned jalousie window next to the door (these are both features of my Overlander that I genuinely miss on my Minuet), a stand-alone drop-leaf dining table with front lounge (convertible sofa), and a traditional large, comfortable rear bath. In keeping with the Caravanning/Rallying aspect, the windows should be of the large, operable variety similar to those found in the more Vintage coaches.
It will be interesting to see what Airstream does with this idea - - hopefully, they will have one on-display at the WBCCI International Rally in Springfield.
Kevin
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Kevin D. Allen WBCCI (Lifetime Member)/VAC/Free Wheelers #6359 AIR #827
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban (7400 VORTEC/4.11 Differentials)
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre/1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (8.2 Liter V8/2.70 Final Drive)
Last edited by overlander64; 10-20-2004 at 07:35 AM.
Sounds like a really good idea. I like the retro idea, but maybe incorporate modern conveniences and floor plans. Not sure what could be done along those lines since there has been so little changes since the late '60's.
Personally, I thought it would be such a great idea to retrace some of the international (i.e. European, Asian, and African) caravan routes from 50 years ago, but 21st century politics get in the way...not to mention the instability that is happening in many of those countries. But I would love to go on some of them if I had the time and the money. But retirement is at least another 20 years away. Maybe things will be different for a 75th aniversary caravan.
A model that captures the essence of an Airstream and reminds of it's past. The 54 flying cloud is pure airstream. Also a return to using ship names or types like schooner. Also very lightly built. How about they just rehab some old timers.....
or... AS of the future. Carbon fiber frame with titanium shell.
__________________ Let those who can play, let those who cann't watch....
Yeah, bring back the tambour doors. I really miss them.
I know they were a pain sometimes to operate and didn't come about until the 60's, but they were unique to Airstream products and they did keep the overhead lockers, drawers and cabinet doors items secure behind them. Nothing could spill out into the floor while going down the road.
I'm agree with everything except the whaletail. I like the whaletail, but it was kind of an excursion into a deadend design element. I would rather see the more common 13 segment.
I'll wait for the 2009 Tradewind Anniversary Edition!
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