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1967-Caravel · 02-26-2007, 06:35 AM

Trying to figure out what model my friends 1961 Airstream is. The outer nameplates does not say what model it is. The trailer is a single axle about 22ft. long from tongue to bumper. The vin no. is #22DSS0566 and hoping some of you Airstream gurus can help out. I've looked on the net but can't find a trailer like his yet.

yukionna · 02-26-2007, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1967-Caravel

Trying to figure out what model my friends 1961 Airstream is.

How do you know for sure that it is a 1961. Just curious.

InsideOut · 02-26-2007, 07:00 AM

The serial number seems to indicates that it is a 22' California-built double, either a Safari or a Flying Cloud...it looks like it has/had bunks by the window configuration on the curbside. The lack of a name plates could indicate that it was a Custom. It's definately a different one ~ but then they are all unique...some are just uniquer (that's a word, right?

) than others!

Can you post any additional pictures?

Shari

1967-Caravel · 02-26-2007, 07:53 AM

He has the clear TX title that says it is a 1961 model.

1967-Caravel · 02-26-2007, 07:54 AM

When you walk in the trailer it has the kitchenette on the right and on the left is a small double bed with a bunk bed above it.

1967-Caravel · 02-26-2007, 08:13 AM

The trailer has the nameplates just doesn't say what model it is like my Caravel has the "caravel" nameplate

CanoeStream · 02-26-2007, 10:24 AM

yukionna -- Airstream's FAQ VIN section comes up short for a lot of years. The Vintage Airstream photo archives offers a more complete log of VINs. Looking up and down from 1961 shows that the serial production number of 0566 falls right in the 1961 range. Take a look at the '61 Safari and the '61 Flying Cloud pages. The VIN samples are at the top left of each page.

The wheelwell shape is quite specific to California; the bathroom is also streetside. The VIN decodes at 22 = length, D = double bed, S = Santa Fe Springs. I'm not clear what the other S signifies. The Flying Cloud page actually gives the range of serial production numbers -- from 0419 to 062. I think the 062 is a typographical error and should have a 4th number; eg, 062X. The number on this trailer is 0566, so falls right in the middle of the production. I like Shari's analysis because this is a very curious Airstream that doesn't resemble the window/door layout in any of the sample pictures. Note that the 1961FlyingCloud2 VIN may have been produced only four units after the Airstream in this thread. Custom? You betcha ... maybe.

Steven? Is there any emblem or logo beyond the VIN plate? I'll add another vote for pictures. Thanks for this interesting thread!

1967-Caravel · 02-26-2007, 10:52 AM

Heres some more pics

GreatPumpkin · 02-26-2007, 11:11 AM

I'll vote with the above replies...

Mid-year produced. California plant. Serial number range is within the limits for a '61. Custom/Safari model.

The lack of a third window on the streetside, the over/under bunk windows on the curbside, door placement, the door handle all speak "custom" (anyone else notice the door handle - not your typical '61).

GreatPumpkin · 02-26-2007, 11:16 AM

Is that a patch on the rear curbside?

1967-Caravel · 02-26-2007, 11:26 AM

No it is not a patch panel....... it is the access panel for storage and holding tank.

GreatPumpkin · 02-26-2007, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1967-Caravel

No it is not a patch panel....... it is the access panel for storage and holding tank.

I'm referring to either side of the access panel. To the left of the access door appears to be newer aluminum (or just shinier) also to the right of the access door, there appears to be a vertical seam above the wheel well.
I've highlighted what appear to be seams (non-original)

InsideOut · 02-26-2007, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreatPumpkin

anyone else notice the door handle - not your typical '61.

It is typical of the late 50's though so not totally foreign.

I find the suicide door of the Flying Cloud but the front placement of the door like a Safari interesting too.

Shari

1967-Caravel · 02-26-2007, 12:21 PM

I see what your talking about. Not really sure whats going on there without looking at his trailer again. Heres another pic of that area

flyfshr · 02-26-2007, 01:44 PM

What a beauty!! I really like this era of Airstream and I would also love to see pictures. The patch, or shinier area, may have been a fresh water tank repair or replacement because of the fill tube, kind of odd though, to be on the curbside. I vote for the Flying Cloud model because the Safari typically had the extended seats at the booth that each convert to a single bed ahead of the door thusly moving the door further back towards the wheelwell. Who knows, it seems every trailer from this era was different and unique. CA built trailers of the vintage typically didn't include the model name metal emblem by the entry door. Designation was noted by the interior layout and the length as noted in the serial number. Anyhow you look at it, its a beauty!!

Brad
FF

1967-Caravel · 02-26-2007, 02:01 PM

The front table with seats on both sides to the right of the door also folds down into another bed. It seems most of you are baffled exactly what it is also. We've looked and have not found another with the same window configuration, etc. to compare it to.

1967-Caravel · 02-26-2007, 09:19 PM

more pics

flyfshr · 02-26-2007, 09:45 PM

That has the same galley cabinet as mine with the exception of the area in front of the stove top. Mine has a drop in stove top where this one has a combination of stove and cook top as do all of the '60 models I've seen from the CA plant. Looks to have been the same dark treatment on the finish too. From what I can tell, the bathroom is the same as well. My original 110 volt water heater was in the bathroom cabinet though. Really like the Ogden water purifier next to the sink. Really retro!!

Keep those pictures coming. Love 'em!!

Brad
FF

05ModPod · 02-27-2007, 12:03 AM

My guess would be that she is a Flying Cloud with a bunk bed option rather than the Jalouse windows by the door.

Also someone had a question on what the SS stands for: Santa Fe Springs

The serial number is at the flying cloud end rather than the Safari - and typically the California models in 61 did not have the model emblems (bummer cause I wanted one for my Overlander)

61 was a changeover year too if I am not mistaken and they were all trimed out with brass edges on the inside and had some of the "International trim level" upgrades. But Fred the historian can tell you the scivy on that one.

Whatever she is - she sure is pretty - love her stacks!

1967-Caravel · 02-27-2007, 06:43 AM

As far as that blackish dark stain on the wood goes he did that himself and not original. The wood was originally a brown stain colored but he went with a thin layer of blackish stain then sanded down the edges and other areas to give it a "distressed" look. I tried to talk him out of it but it didn't look too bad when he was finished with it.