Fans of the travel trailer will want to see this rare model Airstream on display.
Mid Century Modern is known for its organic shapes, simple lines, and materials like wood contrasted against metal and fabric. Several of these elements made their way into Airstreams, an American travel trailer brand known for its trailers’ distinctive round shape and polished aluminum material. Today, retro Airstreams are coveted collectors’ items. But now one of the first, original models has been recovered for all to enjoy.
The Clipper #1 model was added back to the Airstream Heritage Center in Jackson Center, Ohio. Lost for 88 years, the Clipper #1 had been designed and built by Airstream founder, Wally Byam himself. Clipper #1 was also the first rounded, riveted aluminum travel trailer produced by Airstream, making this recovered trailer a rare find for many reasons.
An American Icon
Airstream travel trailers took off in the atomic era. “As the Boomer generation began, families were riding that post-war high and hitting the road as our new Interstate highway system was developed,” explains Bob Wheeler, President and CEO of Airstream, Inc. But the Airstream was a product of the war too, as Airstream founder, Wally Byam had to shutter his factory during the war and enter the aviation industry instead. “When he opened Airstream again after the war, he brought back invaluable experience with riveted design, aerodynamic forms, and manufacturing knowhow,” Bob says.
Clipper #1 was the very first Airstream. Wally created it in 1936, and the model helped shape the iconic Airstream design, which has become synonymous with the freedom of the road. “Clipper #1 is the vision of Wally Byam made real,” Bob says. So, it was important to have the Clipper #1 available at the Airstream Heritage Center. “I’ve heard people say that Airstream travel trailers look like they could have been designed a hundred years ago or a hundred years from now,” Bob says. “They are this beautiful design paradox—both timeless and modern.”
The Discovery
After World War II, the Clipper #1 model was lost to history. But in 2017, it was rediscovered in Mexico City by a collector. The trailer had aluminum panels crumpled by a fallen oak tree and a dilapidated interior. The collector’s name was David Gulley, and despite the model’s poor appearance, David began to suspect what it was.
David purchased the model and transported it to Silver Lady Restoration in Oklahoma, where a team of Airstream historians was able to examine the trailer. “Along with Airstream historian Joe Peplinski, the team examined rivet patterns, measurements, and exterior component placement,” says Bob, “and then compared them to the extensive photographic record of Clipper #1.” All this research established what the team suspected. “Though this Clipper was in terrible shape, it was, in fact, the world’s first riveted aluminum Airstream.”
The trailer was then restored back to its former glory. The project was led by Rick and Rose Larson of Silver Lady Restoration. The Clipper’s frame was rebuilt, and the team saved everything they could, including almost all the original aluminum panels, several walls, the aluminum bed frames, the sink and icebox, and even the trash receptacle. “Using the same tools and methods used in 1936, the team rebuilt the Clipper,” Bob says. The team rebuilt the interior by relying on original interior photos. “For pieces that could not be preserved, exact copies were created using the original pieces as a template. All in all, the restoration took 40 weeks.”
A Collector’s Dream
The museum also houses two other rare Airstreams. Clipper #1 now sits beside the 1938 Clipper (nicknamed “Old Grand Dad”) and The Gulley Collection’s 1941 Clipper (nicknamed “Old Grandma”). These three rare model airstreams are three of only twelve Clipper models known to still exist. “We hope visitors experience these exhibits and leave feeling inspired for future travel and adventures of their own,” says Bob. While the Heritage Center offers a glimpse into the past, visitors can also look ahead to the future of Airstream. Production tours are available where guests can see Airstreams built in America’s heartland.
Can’t get enough of vintage Airstreams? Check out how one has been converted into a hotel’s food truck or even find Airstream Christmas ornaments! And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube for more Atomic Ranch articles, house tours, and ideas!
