Pre-War 1930-1939
Around 1930, Wally Byam established his first Airstream factory in Culver City, California, launching a line of trailers that would evolve significantly over the decades. His earliest creations were wood-framed trailers with artfully painted masonite skins, named Torpedo and Silver Cloud. Despite their popularity at the time, very few of these early models have survived. A heavily modified Torpedo continued to make appearances at vintage Airstream rallies for years, but sightings of other wood-framed Airstreams are rare, typically found only in photographs.
By 1936, inspired by Hawley Bowlus’s earlier innovations in riveted trailers, Wally introduced the Clipper—a pioneering model with subtle curves, distinctive cateye front windows, and low fender skirts. Its unique design made it instantly recognizable among Airstream enthusiasts. These late 1930s Airstreams are exceedingly scarce today, making them sought-after among collectors and historians alike.
Post-War 1946-1950
World War II halted production in the travel trailer industry, including Airstreams, until 1946. During the war, Wally Byam briefly worked with Curtis Wright Industries in Los Angeles, building trailers. After leaving Curtis Wright in 1946, Wally revived the Airstream brand with renewed vigor, focusing on increased production and enhanced marketing efforts.
The first post-war Airstream model, the 1947 22-foot Liner, featured a distinct design marked by a single oval window in the front and another in the rear. These trailers, along with others from the 1940s, are recognizable for their wide front doors and slightly smaller dimensions compared to later Airstreams. Structurally, they share the riveted construction characteristic of all Airstreams but are notable for being built on a center pipe frame chassis rather than the later box channel ladder frame. Today, these late 1940s Airstreams are more commonly found at vintage rallies and shows, offering enthusiasts a glimpse into the early post-war era of travel trailers.
