Global Nomad
Names like Globe Trotter, Overlander, Caravaner, Safari and Land Yacht conjure up travelling the world as an explorer and evokes a romantic image of discovering new lands on a nomadic journey. This journey was the singular dream of one man and the result became an American Icon.

The man was Wally Byam: his dream, to build the perfect travel trailer. One that would "move like a stream of air". One that would be light enough to be towed by a standard automobile. One that would provide first-class living accommodations anywhere in the world. The first Airstream trailer was born over seventy years ago. And with it was born yet another dream, a dream of new freedom, new places, new experiences, and new friendships. It was a dream so powerful, so enduring that it did far more than create a new way of travel; it created a new way of life shared by thousands.

To the Future and Beyond
The Airstream philosophy has always been and will always be "Let's not make any changes - let's make only improvements!" Every inch of an Airstream has a functional purpose. There is no planned obsolescence. This is as true of the 2003 models as it was of the first Airstream to see the light of the open road. The classic Airstream of the thirties is no museum piece. Still in use today, it is as sturdy and modern in appearance as the first day it swung into traffic. As a result, an Airstream is always "in style" - conceived and constructed as a lifetime investment in happiness.

Today the Airstream has taken the wonderful initiative to recognize that there is a whole new crop of caravaners just waiting to explore their world. With the current and documented trend in cultural nomadism the timing was right to introduce a new series of trailers that appealed to this younger and somewhat "hipper" audience. Taking on San Francisco architect and designer Christopher C. Deam to accomplish this task was no accident. In 2000 Deam had collaborated with laminate company Wilsonart to create a new interior for a 1946 Globetrotter that featured clean uncluttered lines and minimal but functional features. The trailer was exhibited at the ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) in New York that year and drove off with an editors award.

Airstream CCD interiors are designed with the values of a designer who believes in design that is direct, honest and unadorned. Deam's quest to make his design "essential" is characterized by the reduction of design elements, gracefully revealing the enduring beauty that ultimately rests in the utility of design.

Special attention has been given to color, surfaces, upholstery, and arrangements to provide an atmosphere of easy relaxation. Overhead compartments are closed with backlit, translucent, Plexiglas sliding doors. Flooring materials are easy to clean and care for. The ideal blend of form and function, without sacrificing either. Keeping a dynamic lifestyle in mind, many features have been incorporated to make daily activities enjoyable and convenient - available with flat-panel televisions, modern galley tops, work areas, storage space, Internet hook-ups, ample closets and much more. Everything is accessible, easy to care for and easy to clean. Above all, dicor and design have been superbly harmonized to achieve maximum comfort and the luxurious feeling of "now".

As a testament to Airstreams long tradition of design and manufacturing excellence, Airstreams can be found in both the Smithsonian Institution and Henry Ford Museum. NASA selected an Airstream trailer to house the first astronauts back from the moon and still uses Airstream motorhomes as an integral part of the space shuttle program. As another example, John F. Kennedy chose an Airstream as his mobile presidential office. Today, Airstreams can be found in the lobby of MTV, on movie sets, and on display at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Airstreams appeal is as strong as ever. The Wally Byam Caravan Club International (WBCCI) is 10,000 member-strong and holds nearly 1,500 rallies annually. Airstreams are regularly seen in movies and on television. They can be found at Airstream-only campgrounds, used as traveling medical facilities, and of course, cruising into the sunset.

Over 60% of all Airstreams ever built - including some built from the original five-dollar plans - are still rolling down the highways. Airstreams have survived millions of miles across some of the roughest roads in the world and Airstreamers have enjoyed the freedom to go where others only dream of traveling.

Airstreams are truly an American legend to be enjoyed for years to come. www.airstream.com

Christopher C. Deam / Airstream International 2003