What's this? Drive-by photos

[nesvt]

Spotted this yesterday as I was towing my 2008 Safari Sport back home. Took some quick drive-by photos. Looked big, aluminum skin, rounded front windows, missing glass... but very cool. Any ideas what it is?

[Frank's Trailer Works]

Spartan(better than Airstream)

[nesvt]

thanks. Now I'm Googling and checking other photos.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

I think, I know that trailer. I think it is one a client sent me photos of. I am not 100% for sure though. I think it is a 49 Manor.
Think is the operative word here....

[erock53]

"Better than an Airstream?" Frank.. Say it ain't so. I would bet $ that it leaks!

Eric

[Frank's Trailer Works]

What's better than a Cadillac? A Dussenburg, a Royles,...
I hate to admit it and will surely take flack, but all those who have worked on them, will soon support my opinion.

[Mrs.Mod]

Hello all,
Cool Spartan but better than an Airstream? Not in my book. I don't think a Spartan carries the same stigma as an Airstream.
An Airstream makes your heart flutter when you see one. It is loveable and familiar like a Harley-Davidson, a '57 Chevy, a pair of Ray-ban Wayfarers, and Coca-Cola.
Something about Airstreams (and the like above) make you say 'Oh Yeah'
What are some of your lovable, familiar items?

[Frank's Trailer Works]

MrsMod, not trying to make fun of you in any way, but stigma is a negative thing. It is a sign of disgrace. I think you meant iconic appeal. Just because something has more iconic appeal does not mean it is a better quality product. Abercormie and Fitch has great appeal to the kids out there. They way out sell Brooks Brothers. Who makes the better quality shirt? Do you get my point? Quality and iconic appeal are not the same thing.

[Mrs.Mod]

You're right, iconic appeal. Forgive me, it's early for me and that post was before my first cup of coffee.
And when I said better, I wasn't so much talking about quality although it is very important. Perhaps I should have specified that I was really only talking about my own personal preference. When ever I deal with anything vintage (I'm also the owner of a pair of classic cars), I don't rely on quality. After 30+ years, nothing can be without it's problems. I assume the worst and hope for the best.

Also, thanks for correcting my word usage. I'm a bit of a stickler with grammer and such. I'm always correcting my husband so he'll be glad to hear someone finally stuck to me!

[Frank's Trailer Works]

ah, it ain't yur fault for wantin to do good. I due to.

[pbearsailor]

I love my Airstream and most likely she will always be the one for me.

But, Spartan's do make my heart flutter.

cheers,
steve

[streamquest]

I've got to take Frank's side on this one. Regarding build quality, there is simply NO comparison between a Spartan and an Airstream, or a Curtis Wright, or a Silver Streak. Is a Spartan as warm and fuzzy looking as those others? Not in my opinion.

Spartan was a very highly regarded manufacturer of very high end private planes back in the 1930's (before anyone was building aluminum trailers). The company was owned by J.P. Getty, and was dedicated to producing products that would only be affordable to those of very substantial wealth (Howard Hughes owned one). The Spartan "Executive" is THE iconic image of what the future of flight would be. Built in 1935, it cruised at 200 mph!

Simply put, that Spartan DNA carried through into the trailers that the company ultimately produced. They were a product of the same management, factory, and construction methods that had previously produced what was arguably the world's finest private plane. A casual look at a Spartan will reveal enough frame sections and rivets to build several Airstreams. If you ever get to see the inside of a Spartan with the interior panels removed, you would swear that you are in an airplane. You can walk on the roof of a Spartan with little concern for damaging it.

Try that on a vintage Airstream.

[streamquest]

I just came across this youtube of a 1953 Spartan "Double Ender". First, turn down your volume; but check out the shots of the interior framing mid way through the video. Remind you of an airplane???

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kkkn1pvTA1k

[Eric H]

Originally Posted by 62overlander

Spartan(better than Airstream)

I'm with Frank! (but I love my Airstream too)....

Here's my Spartan (dream trailer): http://www.airforums.com/forums/f417...tan-85550.html

This is a good link for Spartan pics and links: Spartan Aircraft Trailercoaches


And STREAMQUEST, I totally agree. My Spartan is much much more sturdy than my airstream. My airstream is a 1974 and my Spartan a 1947 but my Spartan had LESS frame issues then my Airstream. The skin is much thicker and more tightly riveted. The ribs on the inside are not only much closer together than the airstream but are also much thicker. It still tows nicely though.

There is something really great about airstream, there is no argument there, but where airstreams are cute spartans are regal (I'm only referring to the early spartans). The lines are the spartan seem much more deliberate and thought out.

Not trashing airstreams here! Just commenting on the craftsmanship and design of the spartan.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

Originally Posted by 62overlander

I think, I know that trailer. I think it is one a client sent me photos of. I am not 100% for sure though. I think it is a 49 Manor.
Think is the operative word here....

I was incorrect in saying "I think"...
I should have you some interior photos in a week or so, It will be here in Baltimore very soon.

[Skatiero]

Cool! There is a very very similar Spartan in similar decrepit condition close to us-- the owner used it as a construction trailer years ago, and it has sat in his sideyard for a gazillion years. When we remarked on it he asked us if we were interted in it-- but we have neither the money nor the time. It is pretty darned cool, though! They have tiny little short tongues, too-- and really cool wondows.

[slowmover]

I'm currently at an RV park in South Texas where a 1953 Spartan resides. With the original owner aboard. Towed in that same year, and they've been here ever since. By report the interior is still mainly original. I'd say that test is unlikely to be bettered (or repeated).

[FC7039]

The very first trailer I wanted to buy was a Spartanette. It was all the birch.

Spartan put more into their trailers than Airstream back in the late 40's early 50's.

Airstream was very utilitarian then and only "caught up" later in the 50's, but, Spartan was going away by then.

[nesvt]

Drove by again this weekend. Doesn't look like it has moved.

[clicknathan]

We found one of these way back in the woods when I was a kid growing up. It was trashed, busted out windows, old newspapers yellowed and all over the floor, and this rusty Cheerwine cooler / ice box of some sort. I haven't thought about that in years! What a great find it was though for a few kids (we were all around 8 - 12) to have their own hangout far away from anywhere most adults were willing to go.

Thanks for the memory!