[A/S] Airstream Article

<<Auto shows are mostly about what's new and hot. But a small oasis in
the sprawling 2011 Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place is reserved for
true connoisseurs of the iconic.

Yes, we're talking about the instantly recognizable Airstream
recreational trailer, encased in the same gently rounded, airplane-grade
aluminum frame that has been the travel trailer brand's hallmark since
the first one was built in California some 78 years ago.

Airstream founder Wally Byam's motto was "Let's not make changes, let's
make only improvements." Most of the improvements over nearly eight
decades have come on the inside of the trailers, where, amazingly,
almost all of the modern conveniences of today's home are found in a
very compact space.

Take the classic Airstream Flying Cloud, built to be pulled by a
mid-sized or larger sports utility vehicle or truck. The 25-foot-long
Flying Cloud sleeps six, comes with stove, sink, microwave, coffee
maker, a full bathroom, walk-in shower, flat-screen TV, and we could go
on. But you get the idea. The Flying Cloud lists for $56,900, according
to John Dresselhaus of Airstream of Chicago in Joliet, a principal
dealer for the trailers in the Chicago area.

A smaller version of the Flying Cloud, called, cutely enough, the Bambi,
is pegged to appeal to travel trailer renters, who might want one just
to pop out of the city for a weekend at the Wisconsin Dells, or maybe to
take in the Kentucky Derby. Even though it has a smaller footprint, the
Bambi comes with almost all the conveniences found in the Flying Cloud —
just packed even more tightly inside.

With the economy rebounding, Dresselhaus said sales have begun to pick
up for Airstream trailers. Sales at Airstream of Chicago were up 40
percent in 2010 over the previous year, and Dresselhaus anticipates a
similar upswing in 2011.

Over time, Airstream trailers have proved to be remarkably sturdy and a
good investment. About 68 percent of all Airstreams ever made are still
on the road, and according to Dresselhaus, owners who can bear to part
with their travel trailer can trade it in after 10 years and get back a
large chunk of their initial outlay.

Airstream's marketing is pitched toward those who like adventure —
"restless spirits," as the slick brochures put it. But there's another
important reason Airstreams are selling well. "People get to sleep in
their own bed when they travel," said Dresselhaus. Sweet.>>

>From Chicago Sun-Times <suntimes.com> Feb 14, 2011

------------------------------------

To unsubscribe from this group, go to http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/AirstreamList/ and unsubscribe. To suspend delivery while traveling, simply change the delivery option to No Mail-Web only.

This site is not sponsored by or affiliated in any way with Airstream Inc, Thor Inc, or the WBCCI.

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AirstreamList/

<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional

<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AirstreamList/join
(Yahoo! ID required)

<*> To change settings via email:
AirstreamList-digest@yahoogroups.com
AirstreamList-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
AirstreamList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/