The Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine in print and/or digital
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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.
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THE FORGOTTEN GOLD AIRSTREAM
Our "Gold Airstream" trailer turned out to be in Modesto, only 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 its unique features:
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The "Other Gold Airstream" as found.
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Most of the restoration will be inside.
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Filming Ultimate Restoration documentary.
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