“This trailer is definitely not for the PURIST!” says the ad, meaning if you insist on a faithful restoration, look elsewhere. Frankly, it’s hard to imagine wanting to live to the standards of 1951, when this 28-foot Spartan Spartanette Tandem was built. Instead, this offering here on eBay is for a custom restoration by William Ward of Vintage Trailer Coach Restoration in Chico, California (the travel trailer’s current location), and it’s gorgeous. The Buy It Now is $85,000, and the current bid of $75,100 doesn’t meet the reserve.
The seller says this polished aluminum trailer “will be the envy of any campsite or trailer rally,” and that’s not hyperbole. It gleams inside and out, and is ready for show or go. I’ve written about these Spartan Trailer Company coaches before, and included this bit of history:
Spartan, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, began by building airplanes, including Navy trainers during World War II. The company was acquired by oil tycoon J. Paul Getty, who pivoted it to making aluminum travel trailers and mobile homes (using lightweight, aerodynamic skills gained via the airplane business) after the war was over. The doors were shut in 1962, but the Spartan School of Aeronautics endures to this day.
According to the vendor this time, Spartans were “high-end travel trailers for wealthy clients. They soon earned a reputation as the ‘Cadillac’ of the industry,” with price tags akin to that of a small house.
So it’s a historically cool trailer, with everything new. Walnut panels line the interior, the appliances (including a dishwasher) are high-end stainless units, and there’s a large dinette that converts to a king-size bed. That complements the queen-sized bed in the sleeping quarters. There’s lovely cabinetry throughout, a new toilet, and new shower.
The electrics, which include LED running lights and 30-amp service, are all new, as are the polished propane tanks, axles, and brakes, trim and decals, hot water heater, air-conditioning, windows, gaskets, and screens. There’s a new awning, too.
We haven’t run out of new stuff. All the plumbing was renewed, as well as the upholstery, curtains, lighting, and flooring. Dig that cool vintage clock (below). Even the coffeemaker looks new.
This trailer meets the current historical moment. Sales of high-end trailers have soared in the pandemic because it’s a way to tour the country without having to deal with on-the-road bathrooms, hotel rooms, and restaurants. My friend Don, a college dean, bought something like this, though not similarly vintage.
So does this trailer have appeal? Actually, we know it has appeal. Can you afford it? It’s not going to go for a song.
No, I can’t! And even if I could, I’d go crazy obsessing over how to keep it sparkling clean! Really beautiful restoration, and that exterior…”It’s so bright, I’ve got to wear shades!!” LOL!! GLWTA!! :-)
Get a pair of cheap sunglasses.
For that price,it should come with a case of sunglasses.
I’ll bet the neighbors at the campground are happy to see it being
towed away on a hot,sunny weekend.
Your comment reminded me of my childhood ! The old couple who lived across the street from us had a large front yard. My bedroom was facing the street, and my bed against the window. For a number of years every summer one of their family would show up in a large Airstream and park in their front yard . Every morning the sun would hit the trailer and wake me up with a blast of sunlight to my face ; it would light my whole room ! .Whenever I see an old Airstream it brings me back to those old days.
This is a very nice trailer with well thought out and executed upgrades. The next owner will get what they paid for, a unique and comfortable luxury trailer.
Steve R
Saw a similar one at the SEMA show a few years back.
Incredible workmanship and attehtion to detail.
Cool piece!
I love how the backend with the 2 windows reminds of a childhood memory – Rosie the robot maid on the Jettson’s Good memories.
I really, really like that old clock on the wall. They just don’t make ‘em like this anymore. (Lose the whitewalls though…)
Yes they do. Search “mid century atomic wall clock” and you will find dozens of brand new variations most ranging from $60-150.
Steve R
I agree that the clock is way cool. You can find lots of mid century clocks like this at specialty antique shops. Saw a few already this year out west…… I’d love an old trailer but this is too nice for me to enjoy…………..
Hey Gregg, I think the buffed out( or chromed?) LP tanks are a plus. My old man had that type of square bar hitch, and it rode like a Mack truck( the old kind, not these cushy VOLVO Macks of today) I wouldn’t want to pull it with the drivers of today. And of course, in typical me fashion, what is so special about a shiny old travel trailer to the tune of $80 grand?
Hey Howard, I was thinking the same thing about the LP tanks. I’ve been keeping my eyes open up in Hayward for an old barn find small pull behind to add to the lake house for guests.and close-by camping………I’m out in Palm Springs now for the winter and don’t miss the cold and snow one bit…….it’s making me think differently about my next move……hmmmm.
As for the tires, they look cool sitting still but, it would be a chore and a half to keep them clean. So, for me, I’d go with black walls for the driving, and leave them on when parked.
You’re saying that you would change tires every time you drove it, and every time you parked it?
Spartan began building planes in 1928, way before WWII.
Hell no. A restored original interior, with new insulation, wiring etc, and some tasteful modern upgrades, would be the way to go, and probably at half the asking price. Not this blinding mirror-finish exterior and boring bland beige interior.
TERRIBLE!
kind of generic interior I think it comes with a gallon of sun screen just so you can stand next to it.
These old trailers are spectacular; I’d use this one until it needed re-restoring, if I was a wealthy man. Just gorgeous. An old Spartan, or an old Airfloat… I can’t decide which is more appealing.
Cool rig, certainly attention grabbing. Looks to be a high quality build but the main area does not look very comfortable for just lounging, looks a little stiff. Would definitely have to add some cigar den vibe to it, just a tad. Needs warming up, too Spartan as is.
I own a ’49 Spartanette. I was lucky enough to find it in a trailer park, 1/2 mile from my house, and only 3 spaces from where I was born! It is fully intact, as the owner was waiting for someone who wasn’t looking to gut it, and repurpose his Spartan. My trailer is painted. Polishing and maintaining the finish on aluminum to this degree, is a never-ending task…but, undeniably beautiful! I have seen many Spartan trailers with the interior deteriorated to such an extent, only a new rebuild such as this is feasible…so, I don’t judge. Same with older Avion and Airstreams. If done well, with taste, and a pile of cash, they can emerge like this one.
For 85 large you could stay at 5 star resorts.
I would always be afraid some moron would back onto it, and then I would have to go to jail.
A very sought after new piece of equipment included, and underscored by the author, is the device that heats hot water. Don’t leave home without one.
It’s terrific. I’m not sure about the effort to keep the aluminum shiny but the interior is wonderful. Very well done by the restorer.
Should have spent a little less on Chrome and a little more on upgrading the dual purpose bath/shower. The modernized everything else and left a bathroom that would be outclassed by a pop-up today.
Interestingly the new interior in some ways reflects the plain plywood interiors so common in early trailers…..so in that way it’s sort of historically consistent if you’re a nut for originality as I can be. Thankfully there’s no Formica ! I think it will wear aesthetically over the years much better than many auto styles. Brown and yellow green plaid from the early seventies anyone. :)
Of course what period correct rig would you use to tow it? A COE? I’m looking at you HoA :)
Hi Mw, well, I’m a conventional man, and my last truck, an ’85 Peterbilt 359 daycab, I was going to mount a camper on the back. I saw a guy in Fl. that did that, but decided, I spent 35 years in those tincans, I didn’t want that in my retirement. Kind of funny you mention cabovers, they are all the rage now. I could see someone mounting this camper on the back of a KWhopper, like this. Be a lot better than pulling it.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/430516045620860945/
Never was a trailer guy, this is the exception to the rule, it’s totally cool, show piece, I think I’d be afraid to use it
Sweet! I love the cabinetry! But, too rich for my wallet.
Absolutely gorgeous!
75k Thats where 2 fools met one for offering that much and the other for not taking it. Wow