Definition of 'Vintage'

[aircooled4]

Why do 'we' define vintage as 25 yrs old or older? Im of the thinking that anything post 1969 lost some character (Some of you are gonna jump me for that comment!) Our 71 just seems to have more laminate and plastic than does our 67. Just not what Id consider vintage... Let the jabbing begin!

[funkill]

Originally Posted by aircooled4

Why do 'we' define vintage as 25 yrs old or older? Im of the thinking that anything post 1969 lost some character (Some of you are gonna jump me for that comment!) Our 71 just seems to have more laminate and plastic than does our 67. Just not what Id consider vintage... Let the jabbing begin!

When I bought my '73 AS, the PO told me it was considered a "vintage trailer". I was surprised but happy! It just sounds so much cooler than an "old trailer".

Course, I was told that my family heirloom furniture is not "antique" but instead, "vintage". In that sense I was disapointed to be vintage.

[Dakota's Dad]

Well... I see it as that you have to have a "rolling" number, or else you will get to a point where for instance in 2070ad a 100 year old trailer will not be "vintage" because it was built in 1970. It's probably true that in some peoples eyes, the post '69 era is not as "nice" or has as much character, but it is still an "old, vintage, classic" airstream, IMHO.

I have seen this kind of debate in a couple of my hobbies.. it's funny sometimes how people think about their idea of whats right.. The same guy using a compound bow thinks the new guys on the block being allowed to shoot crossbows aren't "archers" but don't understand how someone shooting a recurve feels the same way about them.. and don't get me started about the attitudes of some of those that only hunt with stick bows and cedar arrows we built ourselves.

and then there are in-lines vs cap locks vs flint locks vs match locks vs "handgunnes" debate in the black powder world...lol

and Mustangs... sheesh, don't even go look around there.

[Nuvite-F]

Originally Posted by aircooled4

Why do 'we' define vintage as 25 yrs old or older? Im of the thinking that anything post 1969 lost some character (Some of you are gonna jump me for that comment!) Our 71 just seems to have more laminate and plastic than does our 67. Just not what Id consider vintage... Let the jabbing begin!

When the Vintage Airstream Club was formed, one faction was in favor of defining "vintage", for the purpose of club membership, as Airstreams built up to 1962, the year that Wally Byam died.

I think you will agree that if they had done so, the VAC would be a lot smaller than it is!

"More than 25 years old" seems to be a widely accepted definition of "vintage" in a lot of fields, not just Airstreams.

[utee94]

Originally Posted by Dakota's Dad

and Mustangs... sheesh, don't even go look around there.

No kidding, there are actually some people who think the mid 70s Mustang II should be considered alongside the original ponycars as "classic Mustangs!"



-Marcus

[purman]

jab, jab, jab.......

I have a 68' and I understand what you mean about the interior. But then I stripped mine out because I like the lighter color of Maple. and wanted to add bunks and a dinette.

They are built better. in my opinion....

So is mine still a vintage AS even when the inside is up to date???

Personally I don't like the look of the inside of the 70's trailers. man those groovy colors.

But some people love them, and I'm Ok with that, but if I get one it's getting a remodel.

So, if you have a 1984 or older trailer it is vintage.... Just doesn't seem right does it.

I could see having all the 1970's trailers in but the 80's??????

[hampstead38]

Ah, the AMC Pacer... true "vintage."

[purman]

Originally Posted by hampstead38

Ah, the AMC Pacer... true "vintage."

AMC Javelin, now that is true vintage....

[Tom Nugler]

Originally Posted by purman

Personally I don't like the look of the inside of the 70's trailers. man those groovy colors.

You mean the orange shag carpeting and plastic "walnut" cabinets?
The look of the real ash wood and linoleum floor in the Globetrotter really screamed vintage.
After the exterior is stabilized on the Tradewind there will definately be real wood installed on the inside.
Personally I think the natural materials are the make or break point. It doesen't have to be a restoration, just something with a little warmth and personallity.

Tom.

[nmbosa]

Originally Posted by purman

I could see having all the 1970's trailers in but the 80's??????

I don't know. While I'm quite proud to own a 50 year old trailer, some things are vintage earlier than others in my book. For example, while I'm not even sure if MH's are ever considered vintage, I was reading a thread today about an 87' 345 MH and it already looked kind of "vintage" to me. Those rigs are just cool IMHO.
Norm (vintage class of 88')

[dlb435]

Vintage is fine with me for anything over 25 years. The UK uses the term "veteran" and I thinks that's fine too. But there is always the golden age of any product line. With AS it was the 50's to the mid 60's. I had a 72 and loved it. I've now got a 2008 and we like this trailer too.
Still, a 1950's AS all polished up and well maintained is a real joy. You just can't duplicate that and everybody knows it.

[silverback]

Riddle me this... what's the difference between vintage and classic?

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by silverback

Riddle me this... what's the difference between vintage and classic?

By WBCCI Intraclub definition:

"Vintage" means any Airstream - including Argosy & MoHo's, as long as it's 25 years or older.

"Classic" means any silver, non-wide body trailer made by Airstream. The "classic" iconic Airstream - no age limitation.

There was also a options package called "classic" in the '90's+/-...but that's different, that's a label the Airstream Company used.

Shari

[Boondocker]

Vintage is simply a term related to the year a trailer was made. Not old, not new, just the year. All trailers have a vintage. Having said that, it is widely understood that late 60s units are the best vintage.

[purman]

Originally Posted by Gen Disarray

Vintage is simply a term related to the year a trailer was made. Not old, not new, just the year. All trailers have a vintage. Having said that, it is widely understood that late 60s units are the best vintage.

I might have to agree with that. say the late 60's,, --maybe say-- --like -- 1968

[safari65WI]

adj.

1. Of or relating to a vintage.
2. Characterized by excellence, maturity, and enduring appeal; classic.
3. Old or outmoded.

Which of these describes you?

[Becky B.]

According to my kids, #3 would describe me. According to my husband, I hope it's #2!
The vintage thing: Had the 70's trailer, hated the plastic.
Have the '86 trailer, love the oak! (only 2 more years till vintage!) Never had a 60's, but maybe someday....a bambi!!!

Originally Posted by safari65WI

adj.

1. Of or relating to a vintage.
2. Characterized by excellence, maturity, and enduring appeal; classic.
3. Old or outmoded.

Which of these describes you?

[markdoane]

My opinion:
Anything over 50 years old, 1959, is true vintage.
Anything built after 1969 is Beatrice.
Anything built after 1979 is "used".
Anything built after 1989 is "just broke in".
Anything built after 1999 is still new.

[drag'nwagon]

This is horrible...I was built in '69.

That being said the "groovy" 70's lounge look that we have in our '74 is cool, but the 50's is really where its at for "VINTAGE".

[Grand Master]

For me, vintage is 7 panel or 13 panel years (1963 or older).

The classic (vintage) Airstream shape started to morph beginning in 1964.

Mike