1964 Airstream Tradewind

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

“Hand-built like a fine yacht, the Tradewind is your passport to adventure.” The 1964 Airstream Tradewind is a classic 24-foot travel trailer that exemplifies the golden era of American road travel. Manufactured in Santa Fe Springs, California, it was part of Airstream’s mid-century lineup, known for its sleek aluminum shell, aerodynamic design, and durable construction. The Tradewind was positioned as a mid-sized model, offering a balance between spaciousness and towability, making it a favorite among adventurous families and retirees alike.  

This model featured both twin and double bed floorplans, with a well-equipped galley, dinette, and bathroom, all designed with Airstream’s signature space-efficient layout. The 1964 version retained the iconic riveted aluminum body and polished finish, which not only gave it a futuristic look but also enhanced its durability and weather resistance.  

The Tradewind was part of Airstream’s broader mission to promote freedom and exploration, aligning with founder Wally Byam’s vision of encouraging people to “live riveted.” Today, the 1964 Tradewind is a sought-after vintage trailer, cherished by collectors and restoration enthusiasts for its craftsmanship, nostalgic charm, and enduring legacy in American travel culture. 

Highlights 

• Featured in a BMW Roundel Magazine June 2022 and Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine Jan/Feb 2024 

• Iconic riveted aluminum shell with nine windows, a skylight, and two fans for light and fresh air 

• Custom mahogany cabinetry in keeping with Airstream’s Land Yacht branding 

• Shell-off rebuild included new marine plywood floor on rust-proofed steel frame 

• All-new propane, plumbing, and electrical systems 

• The chassis number (S024420293) decodes as:  

  • S – Santa Fe Springs, California, Plant 

  • 0 – Trim Level “Land Yacht” 

  • 24 – 24’ Tradewind 

  • 4 – 1964 model year 

  • 2 – Twin Bed 

  • 0293 – Production Sequence Number, Model Specific 

Features 

• Last model year with popular door-within-a-door 

• Spacious galley with a propane stove, oven, sink, and refrigerator/freezer 

• Convertible dinette area 

• Composting toilet does away with “stinky slinky” 

• Wardrobe closet and dresser for abundant storage 

• 12V and 110V electrical systems 

• New equipment includes: 

  • Refrigerator – Dometic RML 8555, Product 00921132044, SN 60500001 

  • Range – Atwood RA-1735 SSPSA 

  • On Demand Water Heater – Precision Temp RV-550 NSP 

  • Water Pump – Pentair/Shurflo 4008 RV Revolution By-Pass Pump 

  • Toilet – Nature's Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet 

  • Kitchen Sink – Elkay LFR1515 

  • Kitchen Faucet – Elkay LKGT1041CR 

  • Heaters – Olympian Wave (3 & 6) Catalytic Safety Heater 

  • WiFi – WiFiRanger EliteAC Pack FM, WFR ID 793868 

  • Television – Furrion 24" LED HD TV FEHS24T8A 

  • Entertainment Center – Furrion DV3100 Entertainment System 

  • CO & LPG Alarm – Atwood LPCO 

  • Smoke Alarm – BRK Model FG250RV 

  • Sway Control – Reese Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control 26102IN 

  • Electrical System – (from bestconverter.com) 

    • Batteries – Lifeline Deep Cycle AGM, GPL-4CT, 6-volt, 220 Amp-hour 

    • Converter – Boondocker BPC4-60 Converter/Charger with Distribution Panel 

    • Inverter – Samlex Pure Sine Wave DC-AC Power Inverter PST-1500-12 

    • Surge Protector – Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C 

    • Main Fuse – Blue Sea PN5117 Class T Fuse 225A 

    • Transfer Switch – Parallax Power Supply ATS 301 

    • Monitor – Bogart Engineering TM-2030 

    • Shore Power Connection – Furrion 

Known Imperfections 

• Linoleum under welcome mat is discolored 

• Low water pressure in shower 

• Small dings and patches in exterior skin that retains 1964 look and patina; Airstream did not use coated aluminum in 1964, so trailer could be readily polished by next owner if shinier finish is desired 

• Belly pan is new and insulated, but ends one cross member short of the end of the trailer to allow access to drain plumbing 

Included 

• Hitch, ball, and anti-sway bars 

• Cable and connectors for electrical hookup 

• Crank for four built-in stabilizers 

• Documentation for all systems 

 Ownership History 

The consignors have owned this 1964 Airstream Tradewind since 2016. They state, “We renovated this vintage Airstream trailer in 2020, have enjoyed touring America in it ever since, and are now selling it to make room for new projects. We chose this trailer to renovate due to its size, layout, and condition. At 24 feet (including 3’ tongue), this trailer is easy to tow and park, and spacious for two people. It tows easily because it is streamlined, it is stabilized by a weight-distributing anti-sway hitch, and it is lightweight at 3,800 pounds (when new it weighed 3,500 pounds empty, renovation added electronics as well as more and better cabinetry). Large windows front and rear, with no obstructions between them, allow good visibility in the tow vehicle’s rear-view mirror. The layout made for good living: kitchen and dining up front, a full bath at the rear, and sleeping quarters in between. We kept this general arrangement but improved it by replacing two single beds with a convertible double bed and a lot more storage. We also got rid of two very small upper bunks (this 24-footer originally slept six!), but we retained the convertible dinette so this trailer can still sleep four comfortably. The layout also featured a lot of windows, a sunroof, and the popular door-within-a-door, so the interior is full of light and fresh air (we added two ceiling fans).” 

“The condition of this trailer was ideal for renovation. The steel frame and aluminum shell were both straight and sound, and a new axle had been fitted. Listeners of the Vintage Airstream Podcast may remember this trailer because Rob Baker of The VAP sold it through a lottery to raise money for a charitable cause of his. We bought it from the lucky lottery winner, then towed it home to Michigan where we gave it a complete shell-off renovation. All systems are new and have been thoroughly tested by more than 10,000 miles of travel since the renovation.” “We applied to this renovation the skills we’d developed designing and building furniture and doing body-off restorations of vintage sports cars. And we worked to a high standard because we renovated this trailer for our own use.” 

Additional Notes 

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.  

Contact: Craig Zimmerman Phone: 586.707.5811‬ email: cszimmerman@hagerty.com