The amazing history of Airstream (and the best ones to stay in)

How Airstream took over the world's campsites

Airstream hasn't been dubbed 'the Rolls-Royce of trailers' for nothing. First choice for rich glampers and A-list movie stars alike, the venerable Ohio-based firm makes some of the world's coolest and most luxurious RVs. Since its inception in the 1930s, there have been myriad styles of Airstream and today, you can rent some of the coolest designs overnight for a retro experience with a touch of modern luxury.

Read on to explore the story behind the brand, the best vintage models and the Airstreams you can sleep in today...

1929: the first Airstream prototype

In 1929, Wallace Merle Byam ('Wally'), an advertising executive and keen adventurer, built the first Airstream trailer – a teardrop-shaped canvas and Masonite shelter attached to a Ford Model T chassis. His inspiration was his wife Marion, who was fed up camping in draughty tents. It had sleeping space, an ice chest and a stove.

1931: Airstream officially founded

A year later, Byam published a DIY guide to building a trailer, which sold like hotcakes. Requests for him to construct RVs came flooding in and he opened a small factory in Culver City, California, USA. The Airstream we know today was born out of this operation in 1931 when there were just 50 trailer manufacturers around. In the following five years, this exploded to 400 businesses building trailers to meet the demand, but when the Great Depression and the Second World War hit, the vast majority closed down. Airstream is the only one that remains today.

1932: the Airstream Torpedo

The fledgling firm completed its first factory-produced model, the Torpedo, in 1932, and launched two larger models soon after, the Silver Cloud (pictured) and the Airlite. A couple of years later, Wally Byam adopted the name Airstream, a perfect moniker for the company's teardrop-shaped trailers that cruised down the road 'like a stream of air'.

1934: the competition

During the 1930s, William Hawley Bowlus, an engineer who worked on the famous Spirit of St Louis aeroplane, created the Road Chief – an aerodynamic Streamline Moderne-style trailer in gleaming aluminium.

1936: the first aluminium Airstream

Bowlus' aircraft-inspired RVs failed to sell so in 1936 Byam stepped in and bought up Bowlus' inventory. Byam reconfigured the Road Chief, creating the iconic Airstream Clipper, and put his marketing and advertising skills to good use. Sales of the Clipper went through the roof, despite the trailer's hefty £940 ($1,200) price tag – that's equivalent to around £20,683 ($26,400) today. The interior of the 1936 model was designed to be cosy and comfortable, with leather seating, solid wood cabinets and a cocoon-like ceiling.

The 1940s: wartime hiatus

Production ceased during the Second World War. Aluminium was required for the war effort, so Byam closed his business and focused on making aeroplanes instead of trailers, teaming up with aeronautical firm Curtis Wright to produce fighter aircraft.

1948: refined design

Once the war had ended, Byam re-established Airstream. Applying the aeroplane design skills he learned during the war, Byam created the Curtis Wright Clipper in 1948. The upgraded Clipper was an overnight success, selling in the thousands. In 1950, Byam created the Flying Cloud, which is still produced today.

1958: the world's first self-contained trailer

The firm outgrew its Californian headquarters by the 1950s and in 1952 Byam opened a larger factory in Ohio. With sales buoyant throughout the decade, Byam further refined his RV line-up and launched 'the world's first self-contained trailer' Airstream International in 1958. The 150,000-square-foot (46,000sqm) Ohio factory is still operating today, with new models coming off the production line every few years.

The 1960s: a proud legacy

Byam died of a brain tumour in 1962, leaving behind his super-successful trailer company that had become known the world over. Art Costello, one of Byam's right-hand men, took over the reins. As America's most luxurious trailers, Airstreams featured the latest modern conveniences, from air conditioning to refrigerators, but they underwent a major redesign in 1969 to give them the smooth, bullet-like edges we know today. That same year, the company – such was its renown – was chosen to design and build a mobile quarantine pod for the returning Apollo 11 astronauts. It was created to prevent the unlikely spread of contagions from the Moon.

The 1970s: an established American icon

The hippie counterculture of the late 1960s and early 1970s popularised RV-ing and house-trucking, and from this point, Airstream began to attract a younger, cooler clientele who became known for customising their vehicles. By the late 1980s, the Airstream trailer had become an American icon, making Money magazine's '99 things that, yes, Americans make best' list in 1987.

1994: an adventure stalwart

The basic design of the Airstream was tweaked in 1994. Its first major update in almost 30 years added around 5.5 inches (14cm) to the length and saw the interior remodelled entirely. They became bigger, more comfortable and better-performing. Today, that design has prevailed to inspire the newest models. Airstream now produces 13 different models of trailers, RVs and motorhomes, making it a modern travel stalwart.

Today: modern machines

Airstream's current roster of road tripping vehicles and trailers includes this single-axle travel trailer, named Bambi (the nickname its historic single-axle trailers had been unofficially monikered). It has a small double bed inside plus a convertible diner, a kitchenette and an outdoor shower and it has built-in air conditioning and heating – all within just a 16-foot (5m) aluminium build.

Today: modern machines

At the other end of the spectrum, the company's Globetrotter model comes as a 30-foot (9m) trailer with an extensive kitchen, lounge seat dining area, USB outlets, climate control and rear-view cameras. For an even bigger trailer, the Classic is 33 feet (10m) in length and comfortably sleeps up to five people.

Today: modern machines

In February 2022, the company announced the research and development of its brand-new concept: the eStream, a fully electric and innovative new RV model that's designed to be better for the environment, with cutting-edge technology using a battery-powered drivetrain. It will have a rear-bed and a convertible dining area, and the total floor plan is set to be 22 feet long (6.7m).

The Airstreams you can hire for your holiday

You don't have to invest your savings in an Airstream to experience this kind of nomadic luxury, though. They have become a popular offering from glamping sites and accommodation providers all over the world. Autocamp parks in California offer some of the most stylishly decorated vintage Airstreams in the US, while in Britain, there are plenty of static Airstreams to hire for a weekend away. Here are some of the best Airstreams you can rent...

Brook Meadow, Leicestershire, England, UK

For an idyllic taste of the UK's Airstream glamping scene, check out this supremely cosy and compact Silverbird Airstream in Leicestershire. Not only is it a cute little bolthole for a romantic weekend away, but it's also situated on the lovely Brook Meadow campsite which has been nominated for a Visit England Excellence Award.

Aurora, Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK

The Isle of Skye is home to this perfectly placed Airstream trailer, overlooking Fiscavig Bay. Equipped with a record player for long afternoons on the decking, it's a wildlife lover's dream. From the nearby beach you could spot minke whales while the comfy chairs on a private deck are great for sipping Scotch whisky and looking out for white-tailed eagles.

The Vintages Trailer Resort, Oregon, USA

The Vintages is retro camping heaven, with 10 mid-century trailers and five brand new ones gracing its parking spots. Come here to be transported back to the 1950s, take a lounger by the pool, hire a bike to cycle around local vineyards or simply soak and relax in the luxurious bathtub in the trailer. Some have private decking, while all come with soft white robes to spend your days in. This is Americana at its finest.

The Airstream, Cornwall, England, UK

Nothing says ‘comfortable Cornish adventure’ like a weekend in The Airstream, just north of Penryn. Situated roughly 20 miles (32km) from Newquay Train Station and offering splendid river views, couples here can soak up the scenery of St Michael’s Mount, just 21 miles (33km) away, before making the most of the warm weather and the property’s barbecue facilities. If recreational fishing is your thing, there’s plenty of it to be done in this part of the world.

Ofland Escalante, Utah, USA

A slice of Americana located on Scenic Byway 12 – an All-American Road – Ofland Escalante (formerly known as Yonder Escalante) is a luxury RV park with several vintage Airstreams for snoozing in. You won't want to sleep in too late, though, as there's lots to do around here. Hike through the slot canyons of Upper Calf Creek, go horseback riding in alpine forests or try canoeing at Wilde Hollow Reservoir within the Escalante Petrified Forest.

AutoCamp Zion, Utah, USA

Surprisingly well-equipped, the swish interiors of the Airstreams at Autocamp rock a minimal mid-20th-century feel. With an emphasis on luxury, the trailers feature queen-sized beds and walk-in showers. Guests here also receive complimentary Ursa Major beauty products. Mainly found on the east and west coast of America, the US is home to several AutoCamp locations with four situated just in California. Elsewhere in the country, AutoCamp Zion in Utah is a great base from which to explore the state's epic and otherworldly terrain.

1974 restored Airstream, California, USA

This restored 1974 Airstream, located in the surfers' paradise of Carpinteria in the Golden State, is all you need to make your California dreams come true. The 33-foot (10m) vehicle boasts a fully equipped kitchen, a well-stocked breakfast nook and a lounge area with a smart TV.  At one end of the Airstream, you'll find a double memory foam bed, while at the other, there's a stylish seating area where you can kick back beneath that spectacular metal roof. Outside, a shady wooden deck with a gas fire pit is the perfect place for dining alfresco.

Joshua Tree Airstream, California, USA

If you’re seeking the ultimate desert retreat, look no further than this fabulous refurbished 27-foot (8m) Airstream near Joshua Tree National Park (at an AutoCamp location). With its incredibly sleek interior, this Airstream is more reminiscent of a 5-star hotel than a tiny home on wheels. In addition to a queen-size bed at the rear and a couch which converts easily into a secondary single bed, the Airstream offers a refrigerator with a freezer, a gas hob, oven, microwave, Nespresso coffee machine, toilet and shower, as well as all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay. Don't like sitting still? Enjoy some desert hiking and rock scrambling.

Big Bertha, Croglin, England, UK

Big Bertha, as this 1973 Airstream has affectionately been dubbed, truly lives up to her name with a sleeping capacity of up to six people. Situated in the northern English countryside overlooking Croglin Beck, the Airstream Airbnb has been sleekly renovated to afford all the comforts of a true glamping experience. The Airstream includes a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and dining area, which also converts seamlessly into another bed if required. The interiors are finished to a high standard, with cosy soft furnishings which complement the light wood panelling that runs throughout the space.

Funky French Airstream, Lanrodec, France

Nestled in the French countryside, this authentic 1969 Airstream is located on the outskirts of the Avaugour forest and the Meur wood. Inside, the vintage Airstream has been kitted out to the very highest standard of modern luxury. The compact kitchen comes fully equipped with a hob, oven, microwave and sink, as well as a fun splashback and blue cupboards reminiscent of the vehicle’s 1960s origins. Remarkably, the tiny Airstream can sleep up to four, with a cosy alcove bed and a couch that folds out into another bed.

Black Moon, Texas, USA

This sleek black Airstream, located within Terlingua Ranch in Texas, has been dramatically remodelled for optimal comfort and style. Black Moon, as the Airstream has been dubbed, is an Argosy travel trailer dating from the late 1960s, which has been reconfigured to include a stylish, minimalistic interior with a queen-size bed and convertible sofa. The Airbnb listing states that there's no wifi at the site, meaning that this unique retreat offers the perfect opportunity to disconnect, soak up the natural surroundings and embrace a slower pace of life off the grid.

Airstream Alfresco, Texas, USA

Situated in Fredericksburg, eight miles (13km) from Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Airstream Alfresco is an excellent starting point from which to set out and explore Texan terrain in the most outdoorsy way possible. With its free wifi, luxurious fireplace and flat-screen TV, there’d also be no shame in taking some time to kick back and relax here. Fancy some tennis? Be sure to check out the excellent on-site court.

Blossom Farm, Wales, UK

If you’re in the UK and looking for some chillout time near the coast, it doesn’t get much better than Pembrokeshire in Wales. With its on-site hot tub, stunning sea views and gorgeous interior (and exterior, of course), a visit to the American Airstream on Blossom Farm in Tiers Cross should be at the top of your glamping trip shortlist. Thrill-seekers and roller coaster enthusiasts here should head for Oakwood Theme Park, 15 miles (24km) away, while history buffs make for the famous St David’s Cathedral, found 20 miles (32km) away.

Frankie The Silver Bullet Airstream, New South Wales, Australia

With a name like Frankie The Silver Bullet, this excellent Airstream in Katoomba, New South Wales, is (almost) impossible to resist. It’s got all the luxurious features you’d expect, is located just over two miles (3.2km) from Katoomba Scenic World and will almost certainly shoot right to the top of your ‘favourite places you’ve ever stayed’ list. There’s plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in this corner of Australia including cycling, fishing and hiking. Other attractions nearby include the Three Sisters Cable Car and the Museum of Fire.

Airstream by the Sea, Nosara, Costa Rica

What happens when you take an idyllic Airstream and drop it in the heart of paradise? That’s essentially what you’re looking at with Airstream by the Sea, situated in Nosara, Costa Rica. Located just 2,297 feet (700m) from Guiones Beach, a sublimely beautiful stretch of sand loved by surfers and yogis alike, adventurous types will relish staying here. All the amenities you’d expect are on hand and there’s even a table tennis table for when you get bored of those gorgeous ocean views (it won't happen quickly).

Now take a look at the best place to stay with your RV in every state