Airstream bubble (1956)

Sale price: US $20,000.00 Make an Offer

Condition: Seller Notes:
Used
“very good used condition, please see item description”
Year: 1956 VIN : 317
Slide Outs: None Make: Airstream
For Sale By: Private Seller Model: bubble
Leveling Jacks Included: No Type: travel trailer
Water Capacity (Gallons): None Length (feet): 16
Air Conditioners: None Sleeping Capacity: 2
Awnings: None Vehicle Title: Clear

Sebastopol, California, United States

Vehicle description

This rare 1956 Airstream Bubble is California built, with 13 panels and the very desirable whale tail. One of the most sought after models that Airstream made, the Bubble is only 16" in length, under 1800 lbs, and a dream to tow. I have been asked to put this one up for auction by the current owner, who purchased it about four years ago. We have no information on its history, nor records of what has been done to it in the past.
The overall condition of the trailer is good. The body is very nice with a few minor dings/dents as can be expected of a trailer this age. The tires are good and all the exterior lights work. Other than having the bearings checked as a precaution, it is ready to tow. It does not appear to have working brakes. It has a current CA registration and PTI plates.
The interior is partly original, but there have been some modifications to the layout. It would not be all that difficult to return to the original design, with the full size bed in back and dinette across from the door. The dinette may have been removed to accommodate the larger bathroom, which includes a shower pan, hand sink and toilet. The plumbing has not been tested, although a new toilet was recently installed. Some expense was put into electrical upgrades; what those consisted of has not been determined. It has a refrigerator and stove, as well as an icebox. The owner thinks the fridge may run on both propane and electric, but only used it briefly on electric. The heater has not been tested. It does not have a water heater or 12 volt system. There is a fresh water tank on board, but is is not connected, The floors appear to be solid. At some point, a cheap laminate floor was installed over the original linoleum. The flooring either wasn"t laid correctly, or buckled in a few areas for other reasons, but it is usable as is. This trailer could use some obvious upgrades as well as TLC. If you have questions about it, I will try to answer them the best I can. It is strongly advised that interested parties consider making a trip to Sonoma County, CA to inspect the trailer themselves. The current owner paid over $40,000 for it, signt unseen, without knowing anything about vintage trailers beforehand. It has never been taken out since it was purchased, and was only used as a bedroom for a short period of time. The stove, shower and toilet were never used. The reserve is substantially lower than what the owner paid, and judging by other Bubbles that have come up recently for auction, this will be a great deal for someone.
This 56 Airstream Bubble is sold in as-is, where-is condition, with no warranty, either expressed or implied. It will likely be listed locally as well, so we reserve the right to end the auction at any time. A non-refundable PayPal deposit of $1,000 is due within 24 hours of the close of auction. Full payment must be made within 3 days by wire transfer. Title and Airstream will not be released until all funds have cleared the bank. Trailer must be picked up within 14 days of auction close, unless acceptable arrangements are approved by the owner,
Good Luck Bidding!