Visit our Popular Forums

jbsails · 10-28-2009, 09:24 PM

Hello All...

I just purchased what appears to be a pretty collectible original and straight fifties Airstream. Not quite certain what I have here, and any insight would be most appreciated.

The only number I have to ID is on the starboard side of the hitch
and is: 5-136

Here is a link to a slideshow of photos.
http://s769.photobucket.com/albums/xx335/SanDiegoAirstream/Airstream%20Flying%20Cloud/?albumview=slideshow

The prior owner sold it as a Flying Cloud 22'. However, I believe it is longer and thusly am not convinced it is a FC.

Thank you!

Best,
JB

pbearsailor · 10-28-2009, 09:36 PM

My guess would be that it's not an Airstream. Endcaps are different. Don't know much about them, but I think it is an Avion.

cheers,
steve

silverleeper · 10-28-2009, 09:37 PM

My first guess is a Silver Streak. Your trailer is one size up but take a look here. http://www.tincantourists.com/photop...hp?photo=13396

**Stefrobrts** · 10-28-2009, 09:43 PM

I looked at a Silver Streak that had all aluminum cabinets, which is what yours looks like it has.

Lets see if an expert pipes up and confirms what it is

jbsails · 10-28-2009, 10:10 PM

Thanks for the comments so far. Wow...I would have never thought it was not an Airstream. I am really curious now.

Thanks all....

tallytwo1994 · 10-29-2009, 01:39 AM

Tom Patterson's web site has lots of info on the Silver Streak.
Tom's Trailer Section Frameset Page

Looks like it could be a mid 50's. Take a look at the trailer ads.
Carol

pinktrailer · 10-29-2009, 05:22 AM

I know that it's not an Airstream, but looking at your inside picture of the dinette area, except for the squareness of the front, it is very similar to my '53 Airstream Clipper. It must have been built very close to the same time, as the aluminum overhead cabinets, cabinet hardware, dinette table, fluorescent light fixture, hehr front and side windows are almost identical!

My trailer was built in Ohio, starting in November 1953.

me208070 · 10-29-2009, 05:55 AM

Good trailers but Airstream is like a Harley, the brand that has endured.

ventport · 10-29-2009, 05:58 AM

I second the Silver Streak, take a look here: 1955 19 Ft. Silver Streak Jet

jbsails · 10-29-2009, 07:51 AM

Thanks to you all for the assistance. In reviewing Tom's Vintage Trailer site as linked above...I was able to review the Silverstreak brochures from the early fifties. If you look at the photo below of my trailer:

http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx335/SanDiegoAirstream/Airstream%20Flying%20Cloud/FrontCurbsideQtr.jpg

And compare it with the brochure image of the 1952 and 1954 Silverstreak Clipper, I think there is a match.

http://www.tompatterson.com/Silverstreak/Brochures/1952/P1.php (See the Clipper "with shower")

http://www.tompatterson.com/Silverstreak/Brochures/1954/P3.php

Any other comments or insight would be warmly welcomed!

Thanks again...

JB

silverleeper · 10-29-2009, 08:06 AM

Looks like you found it. I not positive but if you look at the serial number 5-136 it's probably a 1955 and number 136 off the line. What a great trailer. Please keep us posted on your restoration.

tallytwo1994 · 10-29-2009, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbsails

Thanks to you all for the assistance. In reviewing Tom's Vintage Trailer site as linked above...I was able to review the Silverstreak brochures from the early fifties. If you look at the photo below of my trailer:

http://i769.photobucket.com/albums/xx335/SanDiegoAirstream/Airstream%20Flying%20Cloud/FrontCurbsideQtr.jpg

And compare it with the brochure image of the 1952 and 1954 Silverstreak Clipper, I think there is a match.

http://www.tompatterson.com/Silverstreak/Brochures/1952/P1.php (See the Clipper "with shower")

http://www.tompatterson.com/Silverstreak/Brochures/1954/P3.php

Any other comments or insight would be warmly welcomed!

Thanks again...

JB

FYI, the people I know who have owned both a SS and an Airstream have always said the SS is superior in construction.

Carol