[VAC] Re: 1952 models?

[wescott50@xxxxxxxxx (Bill Scott)]

Good questions Sarah.  I have often wondered why there aren't more 1950
and 1951 models.  I know of only 2 or 3 people that own a 1950 or 1951
model.  In 1952, as far as we know, The Jackson Center plant was under
construction, and the Calif plant made only 4 models, and the numbers
were limited. Those models were;
Cruisette,  15 feet, 1420 lbs dry, $1495
Flying Cloud 21 feet, 2400 lbs,    $2895
Cruiser,  24 ft, 6 in  3200 lbs,      $3795
Liner,    33 feet.    4520 lbs,         $5200

In 1951, Wally was on a European Caravan, and in 1952, a Central
American Caravan.  I don't know the exact dates, but there was a War
going in Korea, and a recession at home.  There may have been an
aluminum shortage for building all the new jet aircraft.   I have never
heard it discussed, but Wally may have shortened the building season in
1950, and 1951 to allow for all the reasons above.  Things may have
turned around in 1952, when the decision was made to open the new plant
in Ohio.  There is little known about what transpired in 1950 and 1951,
but I do know, that very few Airstreams from those years still exist.
Maybe some old timers, or historians, that were around then, will chime
in and give us the low down.

Bill Scott
Charter Member and Membership Chairman
Washington DC Unit,  WBCCI   #3221
Our Homepage;  http://www.servintfree.net/wbcci-dc/