1949 Airstream Trailwind Travel Trailer
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Artifact Overview
This familiar riveted, aluminum-skinned trailer was introduced in 1936 by trailer manufacturer Wally Byam. As tourism flourished after World War II, the Airstream gained a reputation as the quality leader in the travel trailer industry. Its popularity spawned well-organized caravans to famous travel destinations across the country.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Travel trailer
Date Made
1949
Creators
Place of Creation
Location
at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America
Object ID
87.178.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Aluminum (Metal)
Glass (Material)
Plastic
Rubber (Material)
Color
Silver (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 8 ft
Width: 7.4 ft
Length: 18 ft
Inscriptions
Plate at left of door: 5059 / AIRSTREAM / 1755 NO. MAIN ST. / LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA
Under rear window: AIRSTREAM
Specifications
Make & Model: 1949 Airstream Trailwind travel trailer
Maker: Airstream, Inc., Los Angeles, California
Features: icebox, sink, propane stove, Byam-designed space heater, double bed, vinyl couch, electric or propane lighting
Height: 8 feet
Width: 7 feet 4 inches
Length (of body): 16 feet
Overall length: 18 feet
Weight: 1650 pounds
Price: $1,995
Average 1949 wage: $3,000 per year
Time you'd work to buy this trailer: about 8-1/2 months
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