Most endearing features of Airstream

[Outta Here]

There are many items in this world that have such solid design characteristics that they become "classics". When I think of something "classic", I think of items that are so consistently well-designed that they can always be relied on to do what they were intended to do. In the case of Airstreams, I think that boils down to easy towing and comfort.

[TravelsRUs]

You also can't discount the cumulative nostalgia factor associated with these Airstream trailers. When you've grown up with memories, associated your coming of age with those images, and had your heartstrings tugged by movies and television shows, the enduring appeal increases all the more.

[pauluptime]

At the end of the day, they're all just old trailers. Some were built better than Airstream.
Byam was just a better salesman. The fanatical cult thing gets a little out of hand with some folks.

I agree - but we must admit the fundamental Airstream design has made the brand a true icon that continues more than 76 years later, and that takes more than good salesmanship. Similarly, I have an old Corvette and like our Airstream it too has been updated and retrofitted through hours of custom, expensive parts and personal labour. The Corvette (another undeniable icon of design) was also never that well made.

Still, if you're going to put the effort into restoring something, you might as well start with an icon as your base because when you're done there is great satisfaction and practical usability. That it retains value is just further testament of working from a design that plain ol' got it right.