This 1955 Airstream Overlander/Cruiser has a serial number of 6589, built in California. It features the distinctive “whale Tail” rear end and is supported by a twin axle with newish wheels.
The body is in excellent shape, with only one small depression in the rear end which can be popped back out. The frame is straight and solid, and the trailer has been recently pulled over 6000 miles coast to coast (and back), so it’s ready to be towed to its new home.
Some quick notable facts:
• While both inner and outer shells are in great shape, the outer shell leaks in heavy rain. You don’t notice when you are inside, except the floor edges in certain areas will get wet, rotting out the base floor. This means it will require a complete rebuild to be weather ready and usable as an RV.
• Contains many original features, including the Dixie stove, the gas lamp, a Marvel fridge (compressor works, but fridge needs reconditioning), kitchen sink and counters, and the closet area with the fridge cutout. The rear full bed is a rare layout, usually it’s two twins or a bathroom in the back.
• New construction was started in the interior before leaks were understood. New parts installed include new black and grey waste tanks as well as 70 gallons of potable water tanks under the framed out front dinette area. The kitchen was plumbed with an on-demand hot water heater and a shore water inlet. The parts are brand new and can be repurposed or reinstalled when rebuild is complete.
• The axles and brakes are original, and while this trailer pulls nicely on new(ish) wheels, the brakes are non-functional. To pull with brakes, both axles will need to be replaced along with hubs and brakes.
• Sold with a complete bill of sale and ownership documentation (going back 26 years). Never titled — typical for a barn-find Airstream trailer of this era. Serious restorers will have no difficulty establishing title in their state.
Some History:
This Airstream was purchased used by the previous owner in 1992 in Prescott Valley AZ from a RV dealer. It was hauled only 30 minutes away to the urban experiment of Arcosanti, a community built project designed by Paolo Soleri. It was parked and used as a housing unit for students and residents at Arcosanti until the current owner purchased it in 2000 and moved it to California. It was used as a spare bedroom and ceramic studio for many years before being brought to the east cost in 2019 when interior renovations began with the idea of restoring its use as an RV. Sadly during its first trip (in a mid construction state) it was discovered that the outer skin was leaking, which meant any work on the inside would only be temporary. Since its return to the east cost it has been in RI and VT awaiting its next incarnation. The pictures in the snow show its current condition, in needs of a good scrub and wash.
- Please Note the new owner will need to arrange shipping themselves which can be done when you check out via the ebay "secure purchase" process, or you can get quotes from sites like https://ship.uship.com/lp/rv/ . If you want a quote prior to bidding, the pickup zip code is 05346. The trailer weighs <3000lbs and is in towable condition (without brakes). It's 26' from tongue to tail (24' + 2' tongue)
