THE DREAM TRAILER
In 1956 Wally Byam, the inventor of the Airstream trailer, collaborated on a trailer design with his wife, Stella. The floorplan that they came up with was christened “Stella’s Dream Trailer.” “Stella’s Dream Trailer” went into production during the first quarter of 1957. When Stella’s Airstream came off the production line at the Jackson Center, Ohio factory it was far more than a typical Airstream. It was clad in beautiful gold anodized aluminum. It will be forever known as, “Stella’s Gold Airstream.” That trailer is now on display at the factory where it was built.
Until now this was thought to be the only “gold” Airstream in existence. In the Summer of 2017 I was contacted by what I thought was a misinformed individual selling an Airstream with a gold stripe. When I could not convince him that there was no such model of Airstream he provided me with the serial number to the coach.
With a little research we discovered that we had found the only other “gold” Airstream that had been long lost and forgotten. The trailer was special ordered from the factory by the President of Airstream in 1961. His name was Art Costello.
Until now this was thought to be the only “gold” Airstream in existence. In the Summer of 2017 I was contacted by what I thought was a misinformed individual selling an Airstream with a gold stripe. When I could not convince him that there was no such model of Airstream he provided me with the serial number to the coach.
With a little research we discovered that we had found the only other “gold” Airstream that had been long lost and forgotten. The trailer was special ordered from the factory by the President of Airstream in 1961. His name was Art Costello.
|
|
|
THE FORGOTTEN GOLD AIRSTREAM
We acquired this one-of-a-kind Airstream because of a random phone call from a local picker. He had stumbled on the trailer that was less than a couple of hours from our home. The owner had passed away and the family was liquidating his estate. We jumped at the chance to rescue this trailer after noting it's unique features.
- The layout is like the TradeWind model but with dual axels (Just like the Stella Trailer). Production models of that year were single axle.
- Gold metal-flake fiberglass bath tub.
- Jalousie windows stacked one above the other, just forward of the door. Likewise, on the port side. More like the windows used in models several years later.
- One exterior panel, just above the center belt line, that wraps around the entire trailer, is gold anodized just like the “Stella Gold Trailer.”
The "Other Gold Airstream" as found.
|
Most of the restoration will be inside.
|
Filming a documentary of the Golden Caravan Airstream Restoration
|
BE A PART OF AIRSTREAM HISTORY
The forgotten gold Airstream will receive a complete restoration. It will be restored as it would have looked in the 1960's. The goal is to travel across the country in the Airstream to the Jackson Center, Ohio Airstream factory. Sponsors will be featured in our social media efforts surrounding the build and the journey to Ohio and on to the museum in Elkhart, IN. The trailer will also be featured in the VCT and other magazines. Sponsors may even opt for a showing of the trailer at one of their own events.
We are currently filming the restoration of this trailer for "Ultimate Restorations". The show will be a documentary on the acquisition and restoration of our one-of-a-kind Airstream. We are seeking sponsors financial or product support in exchange for brand placement in the media surrounding this project. If you would like more information on sponsoring this project financially or with product/material donations, contact Paul: cell (916) 572-8554 or email vintagecampertrailers@gmail.com
We are currently filming the restoration of this trailer for "Ultimate Restorations". The show will be a documentary on the acquisition and restoration of our one-of-a-kind Airstream. We are seeking sponsors financial or product support in exchange for brand placement in the media surrounding this project. If you would like more information on sponsoring this project financially or with product/material donations, contact Paul: cell (916) 572-8554 or email vintagecampertrailers@gmail.com
GOLDEN CARAVAN ROAD TRIP
On June 10th, 2019 we will start our five week tour of the USA.
Our confirmed schedule is below. We hope to see you along the way.
Minden, Nebraska. Pioneer Village. June 14-16, 2019 Make your reservations to camp with us.
Jackson Center, Ohio. Airstream Factory. June 21-22, 2019
Elkhart, Indiana. RV Hall of Fame and Museum. June 28-29, 2019
Gillette, Wyoming. Cam-Plex Event Center. July 11-13, 2019 Make your reservations to camp with us.
We have many stops along the way if you have suggestions or campgrounds/lodging available, let us know.
Our confirmed schedule is below. We hope to see you along the way.
Minden, Nebraska. Pioneer Village. June 14-16, 2019 Make your reservations to camp with us.
Jackson Center, Ohio. Airstream Factory. June 21-22, 2019
Elkhart, Indiana. RV Hall of Fame and Museum. June 28-29, 2019
Gillette, Wyoming. Cam-Plex Event Center. July 11-13, 2019 Make your reservations to camp with us.
We have many stops along the way if you have suggestions or campgrounds/lodging available, let us know.
