First Airstream Produced in Jackson Center - 1953 Flying Cloud

[66Overlander]

I visited Jackson Center on Thursday and saw what is purported to be the first Airstream built there, serial number O0001! It is a 21' Flying Cloud, but doesn't follow the traditional O3XXX serial number sequence usually attributed to 1953 Flying Clouds made in Jackson Center. So is it a 1952 or 1953 Jackson Center made Flying Cloud? Maybe this is a new one for the VAC history books.

The story was that Airstream was recently able to buy this trailer and is planning to start the restoration this winter.

[Wayne&Sam]

I posted photos of this last month, after my trip to the mothership. I thought they said it was a '58 but someone here corrected me and said they thought it was a '53.

I thought that was an interesting toilet location too.

[Wayne&Sam]

Here's a closer shot of the serial number:

[moosetags]

Very neat old AS. Thanx for posting the photos.

[digger bear]

I think that one belonged to the Kentucky WBCCI unit for a long time (way before I joined). One of the members told me it was pretty much gutted. They tried to sell it back to AS and they had no interest at the time. Im glad it finally made its way back home! Ill try to remember to ask about it at our next gathering.

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by digger bear

I think that one belonged to the Kentucky WBCCI unit for a long time (way before I joined). One of the members told me it was pretty much gutted. They tried to sell it back to AS and they had no interest at the time. Im glad it finally made its way back home! Ill try to remember to ask about it at our next gathering.

Not sure we are talking abouit the same trailer. As you can see from the interior photo, this one has the interior fully intact (not gutted) and it even appeared to be in reasonable shape. Even the old "Byam Burner" kerosene heater was still there, although it was laying on the floor rather than attached to the closet wall.

On the other hand, the tour guide made it sound like the owners of this trailer contacted Airstream to see if they were interested in it, so that part of the story seems correct.

[66Overlander]

UPDATE: RJ Dial has informed me that this trailer is not a Flying Could after all. Instead it is a 1952 Byam Traveller and my photo's of it will soon be added to the Vintage Airstream Photo Archives.

Apparently the give away clue was the serial number. According to RJ, there were 4 Travellers built, O-0001 thru O-0004. The serial number plaque on this one is interesting in that it only lists the California factory location, yet is it stamped with an Ohio serial number starting with an "O".

Also, the interior floor plan was the same as a "bathroomless" Flying Cloud of that era, although this one apparently had a toilet added later in an unusual location between the twin beds as you can see from one of the photos.

[Journalist]

At least it's now in capable hands. Looks like the old girl had been ridden hard and put away wet.

Originally Posted by 66Overlander

this one apparently had a toilet added later in an unusual location between the twin beds as you can see from one of the photos.

That could make for some not so pleasant surprises in the middle of the night for the wife.

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by 66Overlander

UPDATE: RJ Dial has informed me that this trailer is not a Flying Could after all. Instead it is a 1952 Byam Traveller and my photo's of it will soon be added to the Vintage Airstream Photo Archives.

Apparently the give away clue was the serial number. According to RJ, there were 4 Travellers built, O-0001 thru O-0004. The serial number plaque on this one is interesting in that it only lists the California factory location, yet is it stamped with an Ohio serial number starting with an "O".

Also, the interior floor plan was the same as a "bathroomless" Flying Cloud of that era, although this one apparently had a toilet added later in an unusual location between the twin beds as you can see from one of the photos.

Well, now VAC Historian Frd Coldwell has responded and he believes this trailer is not a Byam Traveller, which should be shaped like a canned ham and which would have had a serial number starting with a double "O" ("OO"). Instead, this may just be a prototype for a Flyiing Cloud, maybe used to train the new employees in Jackson Center.

In any case, it is an interesting trailer.