Funny you should mention the aviation connection,check out this blurb on Glenn Curtiss. An early aviation pioneer who later partnered in the Curtiss-Wright aircraft company, Glenn Curtiss invented the fifth-wheel hitch-and trailers using it. He promoted their popularity as luxury RV's in the late '20s and '30s utilizing a light weight,aircraft type, dope and fabric-covered construction. His Florida firm and his Detroit Aerocar Co. were among the earliest manufacturers dedicated entirely to RV production with multiple regional production locations. Curtiss Aerocar Land Yacht Company My fathers trip to Florida after WWII meant that I would spent most of my life building Mobile Home Parks in Ohio and Campgrounds in Florida. Here is our last park in Florida appropriately seen over the wing of a Curtiss P-40.
The aluminum skinned travel and camper trailer industry was a direct result of the ungodly amounts of surplus aircraft aluminum sheet and structural material that became available at the end of WWII with the cancellations of war contracts. Perhaps the Spartan Aircraft and Trailer Company was the pinnacle of this industry and lasted through the early-60s. I have a 47 Kit Kamper Trailer, the teardrop with the kitchen out back and a single entry door. Needs restoration, which pretty much means 3 sheets of 3/4" plywood and some time to do it.
I forgot the brand name but my brother had this rare traiiler, looked a lot like a Sparton. Seems the company was founded right after the war by laid off aircraft engineers and fabricators. Even rented a hanger from the plant they use to work at to build the trailers in. Did real well for a while selling a real quailty trailer for a real resonable price... till they were caught "acquiring" their materials from their landlord next door!
Wonder of they 'logged' a lot of miles in on this thing... My new dream machine. Beautiful in every way, for it's purpose. More pictures, please? In and out?
There is also the Cortez as an early innovative motorhome. Built by Clark Lift Truck using FWD from GM.
That 37 Aero star and International truck are about 10 miles from me.. I see it all the time.. Rick ==============================================
I remember these from when I was a "pre-teen" walking through our local mall, thought the were the coolest. Don't think I knew anything about power-to-wieght ratios back then.
Cool 58 F-100. I think if you are inside you can rest well and have a motor home while travelling around the world. It is good for camping.
i think i may win with this one.... i got this in an email yesterday and thought ya'll might wanna drool over it. quite possibly the coolest camper EVER!
Anyone got some pics of old cars/trucks with home made conversions? They can be so tacky ...yet somehow I feel I should build one from a field find
I just bought a 1970 27' Air Stream, call it the 'chrome pinecone', restoring it. Bought it from the original owner, who was in his late 80's. It just needs a little love. My 37 Ford Truck is still waiting though.
Taken in Toowoomba, S E Queensland, in 2009: American import: Australian 1960's fibreglass van: Modern 5th Wheeler on 1940 Dodge Ute:
Gotta love those old Scotty's, my parents owned one like your's back in the 60's and we spent many a weekend camping in southern Missouri in it. Thanks for the memories.....joe
The Jalopy Journal
