Affinities and nostalgia are what drive the vintage Airstream enthusiast.  Not only is an Airstream RV pretty to look at and admire, but for many people the sight of an Airstream represents something more. 

Created in the 1930s, a time affected by depression and then by war, the Airsteam trailer was a means for people to escape their troubles and enjoy the simplicity of life.  The Airsteam design was so popular back then that the Airstream Company was only one of just a few trailer companies to be a success during those financially difficult times.  That success has carried on into modern day.   

Just as the Airstream was a beacon of hope and possibility back then, the vintage Airstream today is looked at in the same manner.  For those who are passionate about the large, shiny, aluminum capsules, they will tell you that this particular type of RV represents something more.  What that something is, is different for each of us.  For some it’s freedom and adventure, the ability to be on the open road, with no schedule and no responsibilities.  For others it triggers feelings of home, such as comfort and security; they have a familiar place to relax and retire for the evening.  For others it is cooking smores on the campfire, watching your daughter master riding a bike, meeting new friends, connecting with old ones at the same campgrounds and perfect family photographs.  All those experiences are ones that are cherished forever. 

While we may not be able to sum up exactly what it is about a vintage Airstream, any time one passes by our eyes follow it and we sigh.  Overall a beautiful old Airstream makes us long for simpler times, treasured memories and the ability to seek more of the good stuff. 

Fortunately, we are not alone in our feelings.  Once you are in the Airstream world of RVing, you will find that there are many Airstream aficionados out there.  They may currently own a vintage, or simply be an admirer of the oldies but goodies.  Either way, you can connect with your Airstream peers by touring or by joining organizations such as the Vintage Airstream Club (VAC).  The VAC considers a vintage Airstream to be anything older than twenty five years.  They join discussion groups to get tips on anything from finding accessories for their vintage Airstream to troubleshooting those quirks that come with owning an older RV to finding the next vintage RV rally.  As with any passion, it certainly helps to talk to people who have a similar interest to keep your enthusiasm high.  There are even classifieds so a person looking to buy a vintage Airstream has a good place to look for one.

When a vintage Airstream enthusiast “rescues” and restores an old Airstream in need of attention, the results are hard earned with a large amount invested in labor and parts.  However, the results are impressive and the effort admirable.  For those who have restored a vintage Airstream there is a great sense of pride.  They have taken something that may have perhaps been considered useless or unwanted and turned it into a gem.  You have worked hard on something and can see that your efforts have resulted in a great accomplishment. 

When it comes to vintage Airstreams, there seem to be two different kinds of owners.  There are the “purists”, those individuals who are dedicated to the true vintage Airstream.  They maintain original parts and any changes that need to be made are done in an as accurate a restoration as possible.  Then there are those who can’t help but add some newer, non-vintage luxury items into their remodels.  Some may chose to completely change the layout.  They may upgrade the cabin’s cabinets or install a television.  Whichever category you may fall into, the ownership of an old Airstream is something to enjoy.

So while there may not be many of us who can claim to have seen the hard knocks presented in the 1930s and the emergence of the Airstream, we are fortunate that the quality and classic good looks of the vintage has allowed it to live on into modern day.  The old Airstreams allow us to partake in times that are simpler, more relaxing and will be treasured for more than a lifetime.   

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