1980 Airstream 25' Front Kitchen Caravelle
1980
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Auction Estimate:
$40,000-$80,000
VIN:
425K0J1478
Description
This fully restored and functional 1980 Airstream 25’ “front kitchen” Caravelle is one of the most rare and unique travel trailers to be manufactured by the Airstream Corporation and is offered for sale with No Reserve. New for the 1980 line up, the Caravelle trailer in its various lengths was designed to fit a perceived gap in their line up to meet their goal of “an Airstream for everyone.” It is estimated that only 150 Caravelles of various…
This fully restored and functional 1980 Airstream 25’ “front kitchen” Caravelle is one of the most rare and unique travel trailers to be manufactured by the Airstream Corporation and is offered for sale with No Reserve. New for the 1980 line up, the Caravelle trailer in its various lengths was designed to fit a perceived gap in their line up to meet their goal of “an Airstream for everyone.” It is estimated that only 150 Caravelles of various lengths were produced. Of that number, the 25’ “front kitchen” was by far the least produced version and was a last moment addition to the line up. Airstream production records of this period are almost non-existent. Based on estimates within the Airstream community, this 1980 25’ Airstream “front kitchen” Caravelle is one of the only two known to be in existence in the United States. Restoration work was completed in 2012 at a cost in excess of $112,000.
The story surrounding this travel trailer is extremely unique. 1979 Airstream marketing for the 1980 lineup does not mention the “front kitchen” 25’ model. Based on extensive research and inquiry by the owner during restoration, it is believed this model was a last moment experiment of left over of 25’ chassis sitting at the factory. A simple two sided; one page handout flyer was the only marketing material ever produced for this model. An original of one of these flyers is included with the sale.
Stepping inside this Airstream is an amazing step back in time. During the restoration an extreme amount of detail was taken to maintain the authenticity of this trailer. The open floor concept is spacious and creates a warm, inviting feeling and is an excellent environment for socializing. The multitude of windows allow for plenty of natural light and outdoor views on all sides. Furnishings include wraparound draperies, dark wood grain cabinets, and upholstered cushions. No expense was spared in restoring the authentic look and feel of this camper, right down to the original 1979/80 Motorola sound system.
The trailer has had a complete, totally professional, restoration. The overriding goal was to keep it as authentic and original wherever possible, including decor, while bringing it up to 21st century standards. The trailer was completely gutted so that the interior was totally exposed. All furnishings, fixtures and appliances, as well as the interior skin, were removed for later replacement. All original wiring, plumbing, and insulation was removed and replaced with modern material, including batt insulation inside Reflectix which was affixed to the inside of the exterior shell. The frame was scraped or sand-blasted as necessary, coated with POR-15, then finally epoxy-painted. The exterior shell was polished, since, in 1980, Airstream was still using the heavier Alcoa aluminum which was able to take a polish, and it was fully polished again a few years ago.
Two new Henschen/Axis, now Dexter, torsion suspension axles, de-rated from 3,500 lb rating to 2,500 lb for a better ride, were installed, as well as new Michelin tires on Alcoa aluminum rims. A new spare tire rack under the front kitchen carries a fifth tire. All new, slightly larger, gray- and fresh-water tanks were specially fabricated and installed under the flooring between the chassis frames. The black water tank was found to be in excellent condition and was retained.
Following rewiring, plumbing, and reinsulating, the interior walls were replaced, Marmoleum was laid on top of the plywood floor, and the furnishings, fixtures, and appliances were replaced exactly as they had been during original manufacture. The double bed was slightly enlarged and improved. The bathroom fiberglass fixtures, namely the shower floor pan, sink, and related surface areas were coated with an automobile epoxy to match the original.
All new cushions, upholstery, and curtains were made keeping in mind the original decor and color concepts. The fixtures remained in keeping with the motif. Appliances were retained, as they were in excellent working condition.
The existing curbside Zip-Dee awning was renewed with Sunbrella fabric, and street-side and rear awnings were added with matching fabric. The front window guard had transparent plexiglas installed so that the tow vehicle driver can use his inside rear-view mirror to view straight back through the trailer.
All exterior light fixtures, signal lights, tail, back-up, license plate, clearance, door overhead, and “scare” lights have LEDs, and interior light fixtures have LED replacement bulbs. Although this trailer originally did not come with an air conditioner, Airstream made structural and electrical provisions in the roof for them in all their trailers, which was done on this Caravelle. Also installed were two Fantastic Fans in the roof, which provide either inward or outward airflow with temperature controllable fan operation. Rain sensors can activate automatic closing and opening of the vents when the trailer is unattended.
The trailer has two, thirty-pound,7.1 gal, Worthington aluminum vertical LP gas cylinders. A catalytic heater was added to complement the original Suburban propane heater. Two Optima AGM batteries were installed. The electrical wiring includes through-hull rooftop terminals for solar panels should someone decide to add them. For shore power, a Progressive Dynamics Power Converter with Charge Wizard was installed and allows continuous external 120VAC input while maintaining the batteries.
This 1980 Airstream 25’ “front kitchen” Caravelle is an extremely rare example of RV’ing history. Restored to the highest degree, it is fully functional for camping enjoyment while at the same time being one of the most rare models of Airstream in existence. Sold with a registration
1980 Airstream 25' Front Kitchen Caravelle
Lot #:
077
No Reserve:
NO RESERVE
Auction Estimate:
$40,000-$80,000
Sold For:
$53,900.00
Year:
1980
Make:
Airstream
Model:
Caravelle 25'
Body Style:
Travel Trailer
VIN:
425K0J1478
Exterior Color:
Aluminium
Consignor Ratings*
Body:
Excellent
Chassis/Frame:
Excellent
Tires:
Excellent
Coachwork/Interior:
Excellent
Electrical:
Excellent
Paint:
Excellent
Overall Condition:
Excellent
*The following ratings were provided by the consignor, based on a scale of ‘Poor’, ‘Fair’, ‘Good’, ‘Very Good’ or ‘Excellent’. (Excellent = 100% restored)
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