Wally's 1955 Bubble for sale?!

[say.no.evil]

I'd also be interested in hearing how they handled the 220/110 difference.

I have resolved this through a variety of means- I use a combo of 220/110 converter for electrics that I want to stay in the trailer, and run an extra cord, like an extension, up through the trailer to run my 220v appliances, fans, etc, in the trailer as I need to buy them at Carrefour.

Its also easier than people think to change over the outlets- which is all thats necessary, the wiring will work- if you're comfortable with 50 year old wiring- and the lights work.

I'm just curious what Wally did way back then, converter, all gas- which would require an adapter for the European fittings- or did he change over the outlets or input plug.

Maybe thats a good one- WWWD. What Would Wally Do?

[PeeWee]

Originally Posted by say.no.evil

I'd also be interested in hearing how they handled the 220/110 difference.

I have resolved this through a variety of means- I use a combo of 220/110 converter for electrics that I want to stay in the trailer, and run an extra cord, like an extension, up through the trailer to run my 220v appliances, fans, etc, in the trailer as I need to buy them at Carrefour.

Its also easier than people think to change over the outlets- which is all thats necessary, the wiring will work- if you're comfortable with 50 year old wiring- and the lights work.

I'm just curious what Wally did way back then, converter, all gas- which would require an adapter for the European fittings- or did he change over the outlets or input plug.

Maybe thats a good one- WWWD. What Would Wally Do?

For pictures and 1954 -1955 production specs, Wally probably had a 2 or 3 cubic refer, furnance, and stove. One picture shows a small generator on the tongue. I never saw the unit but can speculate from the picture I placed on the forum and by Airstream's 1954 catalog.

[Roamin Cat]

Yikes! After seeing how this all turned out, I really should have asked for a finders fee

Wow!

['55 Airlight]

Originally Posted by PeeWee

George Washington slept here! How many times we have heard this cliche. This particular Bubble, is a Wally slept here. It had one use and one use only, his scouting of the 1956 European Caravan. This was in 1955.

If you wish, the only trailer that was ongoing for Wally was the gold trailer. He used it from the Spring of 1957, until the end of the African Caravan. Now that is truly an icon of value.

There have been many trailers that "Wally has slept in", but do they have the value that a Cadillac that Elvis drove? I don't know.

I have just now uploaded the catalog pages ( to "Early Airstream R&D") from a few years ago when X251 Bubble was at auction.
Michael

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by '55 Airlight

I have just now uploaded the catalog pages ( to "Early Airstream R&D") from a few years ago when X251 Bubble was at auction.
Michael

Uploaded where? Please provide a link.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

I wonder if there is any realization that this auction was in 2008 and the X251 is now in the UK.

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by Frank's Trailer Works

I wonder if there is any realization that this auction was in 2008 and the X251 is now in the UK.

I did. It was blogged about here a little bit after going to the UK, but no updates in a long time, and can't find those old post at all now:
http://99point7percentpure.blogspot.com/?m=1

But did find this report proving the chassis is made of magnesium:
http://99point7percentpure.blogspot....sults.html?m=1

Then there is this web site suggesting X251 may be available to rent:
http://www.vintageairstreams.co.uk/a...lers-for-hire/
&
http://www.vintageairstreams.co.uk/u...-of-airstream/

Oh, and here is a link to the original auction posting:
http://www.goodingco.com/vehicle/195...ubble-trailer/

['55 Airlight]

Originally Posted by 66Overlander

Uploaded where? Please provide a link.

I posted to a thread on "Airstream R & D" but now the auction catalog pages are also here.
Michael

['55 Airlight]

Originally Posted by Frank's Trailer Works

I wonder if there is any realization that this auction was in 2008 and the X251 is now in the UK.

Thanks for supplying the year, Frank. I'd forgotten. Do you know the settled auction price?

M

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by '55 Airlight

Thanks for supplying the year, Frank. I'd forgotten. Do you know the settled auction price?

M

The selling price was $55,000 according to the link I provided above to the auction posting and re-pasted here:
http://www.goodingco.com/vehicle/195...ubble-trailer/
That posting may suggest the auction was in 2009, not 2008, though.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

I only stated 2008 because I have photos of it in my yard dated January 3 2009. I also posted about the X251 on my blog at the end of that month.