George, a member of the Beatniks Car Club in Southern California, collects all types of vintage campers, cars, and bicycles. His business partner, Lupe Rodriguez, helps locate, transport, and repair the vehicles.
George’s Caddy camper remains largely original and is used regularly. These unusual campers were created from Cadillac hearses and ambulances during the 1950s.
Another camper in the collection was converted from the fuselage of a B-17 bomber during the 1950s. Several riveted aircraft patches run along its sides, covering damage reportedly sustained in battle.
George refurbished the camper as a tribute to his father and other family members who served in the armed forces. A bomber-style mural painted on its side was inspired by his mother. The cabinet knobs are made from .25-caliber cartridge cases, and the interior features old cage-style lights from a submarine.
George also re-creates World War II trench art and enjoys incorporating military memorabilia into everyday objects. One example is a lamp made in the style of vintage trench art. Another is a camp stove supported by legs made from large-caliber shell casings.
This one-of-a-kind camper is another example of the imagination and creativity found throughout the vintage trailer hobby.
