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1955 Airstream Bubble Whale Tail
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Meet Ruby, a time capsule of Airstreaming in 1955. This rare trailer has been professionally restored to her original factory condition in every detail. While her history is unknown, there are a few unusual details that strongly suggest that she participated in one of the 1950"s Wally Byam"s Caravans to Central or South America.
Professionally appraised in 2022 by Polk Associates at $71,300.00.
Acquired by the present owner in 2003, Ruby then had a shell-off floor replacement and professional body work including panel replacement, window replacement, and a new axle and wheels. The interior was professionally restored to its 1955 state with appliances and fixtures sourced from 1955 Bubbles and the woodwork was replicated by a professional cabinetmaker. All of the cabinet hardware is either original to the trailer, new-old-stock, or correct modern reproductions. Upholstery and curtain fabrics were custom-designed for this trailer based on 1950"s fabrics, and handwoven by the present owner.
In 2022 Ruby underwent further extensive restoration; stripped down to her shell, all seams were sealed inside and out, new Rockwool insulation was installed, and local areas of the floor were repaired. The interior shell was freshly painted with Zolatone-look paint and the interior was reinstalled as it had been before this work.
Ruby presents the authentic 1955 camping experience: Bubbles are surprisingly roomy and have a supremely comfortable and functional floor plan with a full-time bed and a full-time dinette. Bubbles of Ruby"s floorplan [there were two floorplans available] have an icebox, sink, 4-burner propane stove and Panel Ray propane furnace. There is a toilet and black tank but no shower. Bubbles originally had a fresh-water tank with a hand-pump faucet and no electric water pump; an electric pump was added to the trailer in 2022. Interior lighting is 12-volt electric, 110 electric, and propane; the 1955 roof vent has a 12-volt fan. [Note that there is no refrigerator, oven, water heater or grey tank, and the toilet is flushed with a pitcher].
For complete details of all components, more photos, or for information on possible caravan history, please contact me!