Iconic Airstream Trailers

Airstream History

Airstream was founded by Wally Byam, who build caravans in his backyard in Los Angeles during the late 1920s. Byam even published a magazine selling “how-to” kits to customers wishing to build their own trailers. The first trailer of the brand was Airstream Clipper introduced in 1936, which was essentially built in 1925. Since then, Airstream trailers have been on the road with their iconic aluminum designs.

Hollywood and Airstream

From the very beginning, Airstream has been popular among celebrities. Tom Mix and Barbara Stanwyck were Airstream owner from these years. Today, some celebrity owners are Matthew McConaughey and Sean Penn.

Airstream in Deserts

In May 1955, an Airstream travel trailer was delivered to the Nevada desert to participate in an atomic bomb test as a part of a Federal Civil Defense Administration study.

Airstream and Space

In the late 1960s, fearing that astronauts might bring an unknown from the moon, it was decided that they should be quarantined when they return. Airstream was selected to build quarantine facility. About 20 years later, an Airstream trailer, the nicknamed Astrovan, was again selected to transport Shuttle Era astronauts out to launch pad.

Airstream as A Funeral Coach

One of the most interesting versions of Airstream trailers should be funeral coach version. It could transport 14 family members, a casket, and up to 20 baskets of flowers between the funeral home and church.

And Iconic Design…

An Airstream Bambi model is part of permanent collection New York’s Museum of Modern Art.

Airstream Heritage Center, which will be opened late 2021, will feature more interesting facts about Airstream history.