Vintage Bambis vs other small AS's

[Rog0525]

As a new owner of a vintage 18' Caravel, I just gotta ask why the big demand for vintage Bambis? I see wanted ads all over the place for old Bambis.
What was it about them that makes them so much more popular than other small models?
Thanks in advance for any enlightenment.

Rog

[Stefrobrts]

My husband and I were just discussing that this weekend. I think it's because the new little AS are called Bambi. Some people who are just looking into getting a small vintage trailer think all the little ones are called Bambi, after all, the current little ones are. Plus it's a cute name.

Personally, I wouldn't trade my Caravel for a Bambi, I have seen both now, and I much prefer my layout, with it's complete bathroom in the back.

BTW, are you the Rog' who was dinking around with bigger trailers while looking for a little one? If so I must have missed your post where you finally found a Caravel.

[Rog0525]

Was me who bought and sold 3 bigger irresistable AS's while in search of my little one. I guess I am just a sucker for a pretty face. But it turned out well, I made enough to pay for the Caravel, the folks who bought the others are happy and I enjoyed working on them. It's all good.

Rog

[Stefrobrts]

Good for you. I thought you did a nice job on your Overlander. I'm glad you were able to turn a profit. I've found that to be a real trick with old cars. It's a game I decided I'd better stop playing while I was ahead (or not too far behind, actually). I don't blame you for picking up the others. Who could resist an AS that needs a home?

Enjoy your new toy!

[Rog0525]

TYVM Steph for the kind words about the '60 Overlander. I spent major time and $ on it but I was happy that it found a good home in Colorado. I have been in touch with the new owners and they
are enjoying it. I'm sure they won't mind me posting the pic below.
I don't know how others feel about their AS's but I've gotten kinda attached to each one I have owned and am very glad that all have found good homes.

Rog

[Rog0525]

This '57 Custom was transformed from lawn ornament to temporary cabin for a very nice couple in Wisconsin.

[Stefrobrts]

The Custom looks much happier in it's new local Be sure to pass the picture of the Overlander along to Shari. No doubt she will want to see the pole awning (see her Vintage Awning thread for more details).

[InsideOut]

Thanks! I actually have spoken with the folks who bought this trailer...they are coming to the VAC Rally in La Veta so I'll get to check out the awning there! COOL! Thanks Stephanie ~

Shari

[85MH325]

Hi, Steph & Rog...

Having had a '61 Bambi I was exposed to the "Bambi" culture for a couple of years. I think they're popular with the folks who are new to Airstreams and are looking for a small trailer. The unititiated see all small Airstreams as "Bambis" I'm sure many, many A/S owners who have Bubbles, Caravels, GTs and other 20' and smaller Airstreams are asked how they like their "Bambi". I think it's a matter of name recognition among the general public as much as anything.

The prices for vintage Bambis have as much to do with the limited production (842 if I remember correctly) int he three production years of the Bambi and this unrealistic public demand for them. I read somewhere that someone estimated that there are less than 500 of them left. Interestingly, I don't think that the prices for vintage Bambis have gained too much in the past three years since the reintroduction of the Bambi, but I think that Caravels and GTs have appreciated respectably.

Roger

[Rog0525]

Have you spoken to Tom or Lynn? They are super nice folks and dealing with them was my pleasure. I haven't heard from them since I asked them to adopt me several weeks ago but I'm sure they are considering the offer.

Rog

[InsideOut]

Yep...I spoke with Lynn, haven't met them yet, but they are planning on attending the La Veta Rally in August. I'll be sure to check out their awning ~ and say "hi" to your trailer for you

So Rog, can we twist your arm to attend?

Shari

[Rog0525]

With a name like that, you can't be all bad. Thanks for your input.
If my Caravel just had solid wood cabinetry, I would be happy as a fly in stink. But I am otherwise happy with it. I cannot fathom why anyone would buy a SOB when so many vintage AS's are available and I suspect that your reply is right on the money.

Rog

[Rog0525]

Shari, you will never meet nicer more congenial folks than Tom and Lynn. I would be delighted to meet them and you at La Vita.
Where the heck is it? I think I owe Tom a beer for the poor winterizing job I did on the Overlander.

Rog

[Forrest]

Rog,

I think the demand for the vintage Bambi is that they can be towed by just about any full size car or mini-van or average sized SUV. The vintage Bambi is easily 1,000 lbs. lighter than the current Bambi. For instance my '66 Globe Trotter is about a foot longer than the '03 Bambi, but is about 900 lbs. lighter. Airstream has'nt given weight the same priority since the early 70's. Plus, the new Bambi costs so much more that a decent vintage model. The argument has often been made that it makes no sense to buy new when a restored vintage trailer is more towable and better than half the cost.

Forrest

[InsideOut]

Love to have you join us! And the beer would be on us...New Belgium Brewery provides a keg of their Fat Tire Beer in honor of their Airstream "Abbey"

VAC Rally Info

Shari

[Rog0525]

Well, I have to be honest. My '95 Jimmy 4.3 Vortec got the trailer home but the hills in Pittsburgh were a major strain, The Caravel is 3290# dry and should not present a prob here in the flatlands of Michigan but I would hesitate about towing it through steep hills or mountains. Judging from what I have read on these forums, I should probably be looking for a heavier/more powerful tow vehicle.

Rog

[Rog0525]

So Shari, do I get fries with that? I'm there dudette,

Rog

[InsideOut]

No fries...but you do get Chili!

Shari

[Rog0525]

Where the heck are you guys? I know you read these posts but I don't see where you've joined. OK, here's my offer in addition to adopting me. I'll pay for your membership here. Such a deal , how can you refuse? I trust that you are taking good care of Miss American Pie and have recovered from your white water accident. Hello?