Identifying your vintage Airstream

Airstream production and model naming was inconsistent, especially between the multiple California and Ohio factories.

Model names and serial number format wasn't standardised until 1965, In the early years it was all a bit hit and miss so identifying early trailers can be a minefield

Not all trailer models were made at all the factories, some were made for only a year, and it was rare for the model name to appear on the trailer until the '60's. Many of the model names were recycled in later years.

Airstream experimented with layouts & built custom trailers to further confuse the issue.

Many model names were just marketing ploys, and never existed on a nameplate. The 1950's 18 footers and 22 footers were notorious for this. For identification it is best to talk of year and length.

When the serial number format was standadised in 1965 it became much simpler to identify the trailers. Although this is not an exact science the following does provide a guide to working it all out. But, be aware of the fact that some trailers where not given serial numbers until they where sold so the number may not reflect the year of build in some cases. Also some trailers where registered incorrectly by local authorities again causing trailers to be wrongly identified.

1966

(Example): SO227541

1ST Position S (California) J (Jackson Center, OH.)

2nd Position I (International Model) O (Land Yacht)

3rd & 4th Position Length

5th Position Model Year

6, 7, 8th Position Sequential Production Model. (Over 500 Double Bed, Under 500 Twin bed.).

Example will read:-  S = Calafornia; O =  Land Yacht; 22ft; 1967; Double

So this example is a 22ft Safari Land Yacht with a fixed double built in calafornia

1967 /68

(Example): I267J158

1st Position I (International Model) O (Land Yacht)

2nd & 3rd Position Length

4th Position Model Year

5th Position S (California) J (Jackson Center, OH.)

6, 7, 8th Position Sequential Production Model. (Over 500 Double Bed, Under 500 Twin bed).

Example will read:-  I = international; ; 26ft; 1967; J = Jackson Center; Twin

1968 – 1980

(Example) I29B4J1082

Ist position:- I = international; E = Ecella; L = Landyacht

2nd/3^rd position =Length

4^th position = floor plan:-

A = Center bath, Twin bed; B = Center bath, Double bed;

D = Rear bath, Double bed; T = Rear bath, Twin bed

5^th Position = Year

6^th Position = Assembly Plant:- J = Jackson Center; S = Santa Fe Springs or Ceritos, C.A.

Last digits = sequential serial number; 3 digits puts it 60's ; 4 digits 70's

Example will read:- I = International; 29ft; B = Center bath with Double; 4 = 1974 (because there are four digits at the end) J = Jackson Center; four digits at the end make it a 1970's trailer

So this example is a 1974 Ambassador International with a center bath and double bed built at Jackson Center

Please note:- this is a guide only and has been worked out from personal expeirience and the limited information that is available. No claim is made for the acuracy of the information contained in this article and no liability is accepted for mis-interpretation or the failure of this guide to acuratly identify any Airstream trailer