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Saved From The Barn: 1954 Airstream Flying Cloud

This 1954 Airstream Flying Cloud is a rare 13-panel “whaletail” design that saw limited production when new. The seller located the iconic camper trailer in an Oregon barn, where it had slumbered for years. Prior to that, it saw a stint as a guard shack outside of a mine in Oregon, and somehow escaped becoming a homeless encampment under a bridge. It has undergone 700+ hours of restoration and is listed here on eBay for $43,900 or best offer.

I won’t even pretend to be an expert on what makes one era of Airstream more desirable than another, but the seller does explain how the 13 panel design on the front of the trailer was only produced from 1954-1956. The design was altered to be much less labor intense – and less attractive, overall – by using a seven panel design beginning in 1957. The seller lives in Pennsylvania, but the trailer is located in Florida.

Inside, he explains he didn’t pursue a total gut of the interior, but rather focused on making needed improvements without eliminating every trace of the Airstream’s past. The trailer was never equipped with a bathroom or shower, so no failed plumbing and soaked panels to deal with. The seller did make select use of appropriate decorations to capture the in-period vibe of Americana the Airstream hailed from.

The trailer is set up in a Florida R/V park with numerous decorations to make it an unmissable camper in a crowded lot. Note the period Oregon license plate that was found on the Airstream when it was discovered, hanging on the cabinet. Having spent time in a high-end R/V park in Florida, I can honestly say this looks like an excellent way to get through the dreary days of winter. Find another one!

Comments

  1. Avatar stillrunners

    Wow with all the drama surrounding it’s previous life – somebody should have been arrested before this one was saved. Nice but out of my price range.

    Like 4
  2. Avatar David Rhoces

    out of any sane persons price range

    Like 15
    • Avatar ken tilly UK Member

      I would much rather have the Dodge Super Bee on the previous offer for not much more money.

      Like 0
  3. Avatar Gaspumpchas

    I thought cool and tacky- perfect for this grey hair! For almost 44 large you could buy a great RV or trailer with all the amenities, and have some coin left over. Geez. Good luck to the new owner!
    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 14
  4. Avatar Classic Steel

    So one is saying i could sell my 240 k almost paid for house and get a old dodge charger and this tiny house
    with little money left or available to give my soon to be divorced wife after purchase 😂💰💰💰💰💰💰

    Hmmm no…

    Like 8
  5. Avatar On and On Member

    $44k? Not even a down payment on a rusty wasted Porsche Speedster. Chump Change for that crowd. Personally I’ll keep my 401K and S.S. kicking off enough to feed me and sweetie pie. There’s a ton of drivable really nice low milage campers up in Wisconsin. Ford, Chevy, or Chrysler drivetrains. Take your pick and have a shower and toilet to boot.

    Like 5
  6. Avatar Bmac Member

    It’s not even polished, 44k I’ll pass thanks.

    Like 5
  7. Avatar Jeff

    Wow – very nice trailer – look at that shape!

    Like 1
  8. Avatar leiniedude Member

    Cool trailer but I need a shower and toilet. Just throwing this out there, I see a lot of rigs come through here that I do not see on the early access. This camper I would remember for sure. The Rolls Monty and shorty Seville today also. Any one else or have I lost my mind?

    Like 1
    • Avatar On and On Member

      Do you really want me to answer that question?

      Like 1
      • Avatar leiniedude Member

        LOL! Anybody but you Gregg!!!!!!!!! Take care Bud!

        Like 0
  9. Avatar Bob McK

    I do not know the value of an old Airstream. Sure do love it, but I can’t afford that kind of cash. Good luck to the new owner!

    Like 1
  10. Avatar Robert L Roberge

    I know I’ll be shot by some RV’rs but Airstream, Avion and Silver Streak lovers have done the same with these as the VW Micro bus folks. They are neat but, damn, they aren’t made of gold. The bottom of the market is gonna be mighty painful for a lot of these collectors, someday.

    Like 4
  11. Avatar DAVID KENIRY

    😲i have a👍69 travco
    1 owner 33,000 mi mdl 270 22′
    318. i’m installing 727
    overdrive, header’s, weind 4
    barrel stove & bathroom
    never
    used as per owner & i believe it
    it still has tp still in original
    wraper marked 1970 . he & his
    better half purchased in 69
    inglewood, ca.😎

    Like 0
  12. Avatar Comet

    Tear it up with a chainsaw and ball peen hammer, lay it on it’s side and drag it down the road. Then, double the price and hitch it up to that fake patina’d Chevy short box pickup.

    Like 2
  13. Avatar Mark Evans

    When I saw it with all the palm trees & lighting I thought WOW. When I saw it on the Jeep, I thought that this Pig really needs the lipstick.

    Like 0
  14. Avatar Terry

    Love the snow tires.

    Like 0
  15. Avatar John

    And the 2×4 repairs underneath.

    Like 1

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