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THEN AND NOW: How the Airstream evolved from an aluminum trailer to a modern tiny house on wheels

THEN AND NOW: How the Airstream evolved from an aluminum trailer to a modern tiny house on wheels

Frank Olito

The Airstream has changed throughout the years.Courtesy of Airstream

Airstream has been operating in the US since the 1930s and changed dramatically over the years.
The Clipper was Airstream's first model, which slept four people and cost $1,200.
The Safari model was first introduced in the 1960s as a trailer with a bathroom and lounge area. The model was resurrected in the '90s.
Today, the Airstream models are much smaller and use smartphone technology.

When shopping for a trailer or RV, you're guaranteed to come across an Airstream for sale.

Since the 1930s, Airstream has been a prominent name in the industry, overcoming the Great Depression, World War II, and changing consumer needs. Throughout its decades-spanning history, Airstream has created several models, adapting to the times.

Here's how the Airstream has evolved throughout the years.

Before Wally Baym founded the Airstream company, he was making trailers of plywood and hooking them to cars.

Baym with his trailer in '30s. Courtesy of Airstream

Baym loved to travel and to camp with his wife, but she hated sleeping on the ground, so he experimented with ways to build a trailer hooked to his vehicle. In the very beginning, he crafted his trailers out of plywood. The model became known as the Torpedo because of its teardrop shape.

The first official Airstream was the Clipper, which was made out of aluminum.

Airstream in the 1903s. Courtesy of Airstream

Baym found that making his trailers with aluminum was better for travel because it was less wind resistant. In the '30s, he said his trailers drive down the road "like a stream of air," birthing the company's famous name.

The first model was the Clipper, which cost $1,200, and could sleep four people. It came with a dining table that converted into a bed and a self-sustaining water supply. The floor plans were completely customizable.

In 1947, Baym introduced the Airstream Liner, which was 22-feet long.

Airstream Liner and Baym. Courtesy of Airstream

After World War II, Baym started working on the Airstream Liner, which he billed as "the world's largest, fastest, easiest towing trailer coach." He took the liner on the road and traveled all over Europe with the van.

Toward the end of the '50s, the International Line was introduced, which had battery power and tanks.

The International. Courtesy of Airstream

The Flying Cloud was a popular model in the International Line because it focused on interior comfort. It came with a refrigerator, two sinks, and a flushable toilet. The model was also designed to have more storage space than ever before.

The Bambi model was introduced in 1961 as a smaller option for Airstream consumers.

The Bambi. Courtesy of Airstream

During the '60s, Americans were interested in smaller cars, so Airstream had to adapt to the changing times. Instead of pushing out another large model that the new cars could not tow, the company released Bambi — a small trailer with a single axle.

During the '60s, the Safari model also became popular for its large bathroom and lounge area.

Inside a '60s Airstream. Courtesy of Airstream

In a Safari Airstream, the entire back end of the trailer was reserved for the bathroom.

Airstream created its first motor home in the '70s called Argosy.

Argosy Motorhome. Courtesy of Airstream

In 1974, the Argosy Motorhome was introduced, which was designed for full-time living. Still made of aluminum, the motor home model became famous for its large windows in the back of the vehicle.

Like most things in the '80s, the Airstream models became bigger and flashier.

Airstreams in the '80s. Courtesy of Airstream

In the '80s, Airstream sold the Excella, which had three axles and measured 34-feet long. Inside the Airstream, you'd find luxury furnishings that reminded you of home.

Additionally, the Land Yacht was also introduced in the '80s and was shaped like a rectangle. In fact, it earned the nickname "Square Stream."

In the '90s, the company reintroduced the Safari model, which was aimed at attracting younger buyers.

The Safari trailer in the '90s. Courtesy of Airstream

In 1998, the Safari was considered a medium-priced Airstream that was designed to attract the younger demographic. The interior was decorated in European-style, which helped make this model extremely popular in the '90s.

At the turn of the century, Airstream partnered with Mercedes-Benz to recreate the sprinter van.

Airstream sprinter van. Courtesy of Airstream

In 2004, Airstream created the Interstate Touring Coach, which launched a partnership with Mercedes-Benz. The motorhomes were able to seat people and have room for a kitchen and bathroom.

Recently, the company launched two smaller trailers for easier travel: the Basecamp and the Nest.

The Nest. Courtesy of Airstream

The company found that people these days do not want to tow a large trailer anymore, so they created two smaller versions to adapt to the needs of the consumer.

According to Airstream, the Nest has a "colorful and airy interior" that "brings in the beauty of the great outdoors as light pours in the windows. Nest is the answer for those looking to find a peaceful getaway, to recharge, and relax in comfort."

Today, Airstream has officially adapted to the world of modern technology.

Airstreams now have smartphone technology. Courtesy of Airstream

Airstream now boasts its technology, which includes Smart Control Technology where owners can control the temperature, lights, and awning from an app on their phone.