After attending the Buellton Vintage Trailer Bash for several years in a modern trailer, Doug and Sue Owen fell head over heels for the vintage trailer scene. When they invited friends Mike and Debi Brockett to join them one year, things took a quick and exciting turn. Within just a few weeks, Mike and Debi found a vintage trailer of their own—and in doing so, they inspired Doug and Sue to finally bring their own backyard project to life.
For years, Sue had dreamed of having a vintage trailer parked in the backyard—something charming she could use as a playhouse and garden art. That dream came true when a friend spotted a 1963 Bee Line Hornet on Craigslist and immediately gave the Owens a call. Doug wasted no time contacting the seller and bought the trailer as a surprise for Sue.
For over a year, the Bee Line served as a playhouse for the Owens’ grandchildren. But after returning from another inspiring rally, Doug and Sue decided it was finally time to restore the little trailer to its former glory.
In just four months, they completely tore down, reinforced, and rebuilt the 13-foot trailer (with a 10-foot box). One unique feature is the trailer’s drop floor, measuring just over 3 feet by 3 feet and 9 inches deep—giving Sue (at 5’7″) enough headroom to stand inside comfortably. Doug, at 6 feet tall, still has to stoop a bit, but he’s more than happy to make that trade-off for the charm and fun of camping vintage.
With their Bee Line Hornet now fully restored, the Owens are happily cruising up and down California, showing off their tiny trailer at rallies and making new memories in the vintage camping community.
