The world of camper trailers has exploded over the last few months as consumers continue to resist taking to the friendly skies to get to their next far-off destination. R/Vs and motorhome sales have skyrocketed, with many dealers actively seeking out used models for consumers who don’t want to take the full plunge but would gladly snatch up a lightly used model. Of course, the truly stylish among us will still opt for the classic Airstream regardless of any cultural upheaval, and this desirable Caravel “Land Yacht” model is attracting some serious bidding action. Find the 1968 edition here on eBay in with bids to $25K and no reserve.
The seller notes he hasn’t taken this Airstream down to the studs for a major restoration, but he has substantially updated it. The Land Yacht designation was typically assigned to travel trailers featuring the highest levels of luxury, but any hint of its original materials and fixtures have been replaced with new furnishings and other decor.
The seller notes the previous owner began the rehab and he took it all the way, including all new fixtures, utilities, cabinets, and furnishings. The floors were also updated with weak spots repaired and new vinyl plank flooring installed above, along with all new plumbing, electrical, and gas lines. Check out the cabin – doesn’t that look like a nice place to spend a weekend removed from society?
Despite looking fairly compact from the outside, the design of the Airstream – like most of its products – makes incredibly good use of a limited footprint. The listing notes that the interior featuresa multi cooker or a portable grill and that there’s a microwave stowed under the sink. There’s also this sharp fold-out sofa bed, measuring 48”x 72”, and a dinette that drops to a bed.
The counters all look super clean and fresh, and the same goes for the cushions and pillows. Even on hot days, occupants will be fairly comfortable thanks to a roof-mounted 13,500 BTU Attwood A/C unit. From where I’m sitting, the seller has done an incredibly thoughtful job of determining what the next owner would want in their travel trailer.
The list of improvements doesn’t end there, with the listing noting that there’s a new 30 gallon fresh water tank and pump along with a cassette-style toilet. The shower features a custom made pan with fully waterproof walls and floor, topped off by a white raptor liner coating. The body does have some dings and dents and the seller notes that he started brushing down the aluminum skin but you’ll have to strip away the clear coat if you really want the shine to pop through. Overall, very minor gripes for what looks like a vintage Airstream that has had a lot of thought put into the final build. I’d love to own a trailer like this, and hole up in it whenever the mood struck.
Very nice Airstream, unfortunately for me, at 6’4″ the bed is just a wee bit short, LOL!! GLWTA!! :-)
At 6ft 4in ANY bed is just a wee bit short for you Moparman.
The interest in vintage trailers has been years in the making, Covid just accelerated and amplified the trend. The attraction is likely to last well beyond our current troubles.
I generally like vintage transportation related items, however, I would not consider a trailer from this era or earlier. By the late-70’s trailers had become substantially larger with more and better amenities. They tend to sell for less money than the current high bid of this featured trailer and can be towed by full size pick ups and SUV’s. If someone is looking for a trailer they can use on a regular basis, the decision should be pretty obvious.
Steve R
If I were looking for a travel trailer I think this would be a great buy. Take a look at what $25k will buy as a brand new trailer and the moment you pull it off the lot you automatically have depreciation from your $25k investment. Buying a vintage trailer that has been refurbished to a high standard, as this one looks to have been, once you hook it to your truck, its still worth $25k.
I agree with you. I have a 1950 Spartan Royal Mansion. Almost perfect condition! I doubt the majority of 2020 trailers manufactured today will be around in 70 years. Most are made with particle board and pulp wood covered with plastic veneer.
“The Land Yacht designation was typically assigned to travel trailers featuring the highest levels of luxury…” that’s a negative, Ghostrider. Highest trim level was the International. I have had a ’67 Overlander Land Yacht for 34 years. It is not luxurious even by 1967 standards. And that part about “repairing” the floor? Yeah, many a flipper has tried that line. The words you’re looking for are “shell-off restoration”, otherwise you’re in for some expensive surprises. No doubt this thing has had some cash dropped into it, but the buyer is about to drop some more. Axle has a limited lifespan.. When was it last replaced? Was the roof reinforced before that 14×14 hole was cut in it to install that massive AC unit?
@Engident. Why would the axle need replacing as it’s only 53 years old, and I’m sure, has done very limited mileage in comparison to a 1967 automobile? Just asking. As for the aircon unit, as you say, let’s hope the roof was reinforced before installation.
It uses a torsion axle, with 4 rubber rods that wear out. There are no springs. See diagram, not necessarily the exact axle but the idea is the same. https://lh6.ggpht.com/_wsa0BGpYZXE/S9qHbhAxZuI/AAAAAAAABgU/hJu8QMkVOrw/s800/tde1.jpg
Thanks for that info. Engident. We live, and learn, every day of our lives. Very interesting even though it looks a trifle basic..
Fantastic camper. Brings back memories of an Airstream my grandparents had in the 1960s.
ken tilly UK, of course it’s a “trifle basic”. It’s a CAMPER. It amazes me how folks want to go “camping” but take along all the comforts of their luxurious home. Camping to me, here in Michigan, means sleeping in a tent, cooking over an open fire, bathing in the lake or river. Now that’s “basic”.
Hi Kenn. I meant that the axle was a trifle basic, not the Airstream. If I could download a picture of my first camping trailer that was really as basic as you could get, but my wife and kids loved it. It was a fold up but from there we went to a full 15ft caravan with a side tent. Now we were camping in luxury!