Lights, camera…auction
Riveted together, this is a riveting piece of camper heaven, built to last. Since the Airstream first arrived on the highways in 1954 it’s been turning heads ever since; it’s distinctive streamlined sleek silver bullet style in striking aluminium strutting its stuff across Route 66 and down the Pacific Coast Highway like no other.
Ever fancy a piece of the American Dream? Well then, this stunning Airstream Safari Land Yacht travel trailer could be all yours.
It goes under the hammer at auction in Killenard Golf Club in County Laois next Tuesday, June 19th, with an estimated price tag of anywhere between €30k and €50k on this Lot 436.
You are not just buying a travel trailer – more commonly called a caravan this side of the pond – but a piece of history, a window to the world and the possibilities of a lifetime of adventure.
Now I’m starting to sound like a salesman, but honestly this pitch is from the heart after getting a sneak preview of this Airstream beauty parked up in the somewhat surreal setting of the Seve Ballesteros Golf Resort at Killenard, Portarlington, surrounded by hundreds of other lots from the sell-off of the fittings of the landmark Dublin pub, Café En Seine.
While it is bizarre for anyone who has ever enjoyed a visit to the illustrious Dublin venue to see its entrails strewn across the auction hall as they await new homes, the Airstream is a sight to behold.
Riveted together, this is a riveting piece of camper heaven, built to last. Since the Airstream first arrived on the highways in 1954 it’s been turning heads ever since; it’s distinctive streamlined sleek silver bullet style in striking aluminium strutting its stuff across Route 66 and down the Pacific Coast Highway like no other.
This model (1971 retrofitted with solar panels) is as all Americana as the US of A, apple pie, milk shakes, hot dogs, Chantilly lace, the girl next door, ice cream sundaes and as your mind drifts you would not be at all surprised to see Elvis, Marlin Monroe or James Dean step out on to the tarmac as if descending from the heavens in a Gulfstream.
This Airstream is not just nostalgia though, it is the real deal in long legged and long lasting travel trailer models which have stood the test of time where others have long cashed in and parked up.
The interior too is impressive with a red and white colour scheme reflecting off the sparkling ceiling and sidewalls as if you have just stepped on to a Hollywood studio film set diner, your co-stars to arrive anytime…
It comfortably sleeps four in a double-bed conversion up front with two single-bunks down the back. In between, all your mod-cons kitchen, shower/loo, sleek overhead lockers in black and chrome to match the floor tiles, ample storage, great headroom, a lounge/dining area and as this is America, of course a TV.
Who says there is not a silver bullet to take away the stress and make all your dreams come through? This one has road trip, adventure, endless possibilities, fun and funky times written all over it. (I think I saw one just like it in the Trailer Park zone of the Electric Picnic in Stradbally last September), but this was a delightful and enjoyable opportunity to get up close and personal with this fabulous American icon of the open road.
It is estimated to fetch between thirty and fifty thousand Euro, we will keep you posted on what it goes for.
Viewing of the Airstream (and all the other items from the Café En Seine auction) runs from today Friday, June 15th through to Sunday from 10am to 6pm daily and from 8.30am the morning of the auction which takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday next, June 19th and 20th.
The auction is being handled by Victor Mee Auctions Ltd – 00353 4755076 or 0035386 8342806.
Update: The Airstream (1971) sold at auction for €37,000, so happy camping for someone in their piece of Camper Heaven.
