In a landscape filled with polished aluminum and graceful curves, the 1955 Airstream Commodore Vanderbilt occupies a category all its own. It was a transitional year for Airstream—model names were shifting, lineups were evolving, and tucked into that moment of change was a rare 30-foot trailer built in the Ohio plant. Only four were ever produced, making surviving examples especially uncommon. (Featured in issue 83 of the Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine. Back Issues | Subscribe.)
The Gulley family’s Commodore Vanderbilt spent decades off the road before being brought back to life—literally from the frame up. A brand-new chassis, fresh subfloor, renewed running gear, and carefully restored systems transformed this long-stored trailer into a reliable traveler once again. But rather than modernize or redesign, the Gulleys honored its heritage. The original shell and layout were preserved, and the trailer was rebuilt as closely as possible to the original, with period-correct fixtures and finishes. The result is a 1955 classic revived without losing its identity.
Why This Model Stands Out
The 1955 lineup was a period of flux for Airstream, and factory records show that the Ohio-built 30-foot trailers—this rare 1955 group included—fell within a very small serial-number range (O-5043 through O-5075). With so few produced, it’s no surprise that only a handful remain today.
For the Gulley trailer, the restoration went far beyond “making it towable.” Safety and longevity were addressed with a new frame and subfloor, but its character was carefully protected. The footprint, the craftsmanship, and the mid-century charm all remain true to what Airstream built in 1955.
A Bridge Between Eras
The Gulleys didn’t just restore this trailer—they resurrected it. Their Commodore Vanderbilt is now a rolling connection between Airstream’s past and present: visually vintage, historically significant, and fully capable of real-world travel today.
And its rarity can’t be overstated. Only four examples of the 30-foot 1955 Commodore Vanderbilt are known to exist, two of which belong to the Gulley Collection. The model is so historically important that one was loaned for display during the Airstream Heritage Center’s grand opening year.
As the top-of-the-line Airstream of its era, the Commodore Vanderbilt also featured a floor plan found on no other model. Its name pays tribute to Cornelius “The Commodore” Vanderbilt—an ancestor of Neil Vanderbilt, one of Wally Byam’s close friends.
This beautifully revived trailer represents a remarkable piece of Airstream history—an original 1955 vision given new life and ready, once again, to shine on the open road.
What the Restoration Required
• New frame and subfloor – The entire structural foundation was replaced for strength and long-term reliability.
• Rebuilt running gear – Axle, suspension, and towing systems were refreshed to modern-safe standards while keeping vintage-appropriate components where it made sense.
• Original feel preserved – The layout, cabinetry, and overall aesthetic were kept intact, maintaining the authenticity that makes early Airstreams so special.
• Thoughtful updates – Modern necessities were added with a light touch, ensuring the trailer still presents as a true 1955 model both inside and out.
This remarkable 1955 Commodore Vanderbilt Airstream is currently available for purchase.
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