1966 Streamline Travel Home Overview
The 1966 Streamline Travel Home is a rare aluminum-bodied RV, known for its largely original condition. Built on a Ford chassis, it boasts a powerful Ford 428 FE V8 engine.
History of the Streamline Trailer Company
Founded in El Monte, California, the Streamline Trailer Company produced both trailers and motorhomes for several years. Though not as famous as Airstream or Winnebago, Streamline created highly-collectible aluminum RVs in the vintage motorhome community.
Key Points:
- Origins: Streamline was founded by James Victor “Pat” Patterson after he left the Curtis Wright Company, which previously manufactured travel trailers.
- Production: Streamline’s travel trailers featured a distinct design with gold anodized trim and riveted aluminum shells, making them recognizable in the RV community.
- Ownership: In 1967, the Travel Home division was sold to L.K. Newell, who continued production in Oklahoma until the late 1970s.
The Travel Home Model
The Travel Home debuted in the mid-1960s, showcasing a blend of trailer design with a conventional one-ton Ford chassis. Some specifications included:
- A common model size of 30 feet
- Powered by a 330 cubic inch Ford V8
- Amenities like heated air conditioning, a 35-gallon holding tank, and a generator
Despite offering various floor plans, including a unique rear porch version, the model struggled to achieve strong sales, with an estimated 70 to 80 units produced.
Recent History
This specific 1966 Streamline Travel Home has a unique backstory:
- Previous Ownership: Originally used in California and Arizona, it was later relocated to Washington, where it sat for over 20 years.
- Current Condition: Purchased from the original owner’s son, it has since undergone significant mechanical updates. While it is functional, the interior requires refreshing for a complete restoration.
Interior Details
Inside the Travel Home, you’ll find:
- Original features including a convertible sofa, booth dinette, kitchenette, and a bathroom
- Kitchen appliances from Magic Chef, a CB radio, and a vintage Sanyo cassette stereo
Availability
The 1966 Streamline Travel Home is up for sale in Morganton, North Carolina. For more details or to register to bid, you can visit the listing here.
Visuals
For a closer look, here are some images of the 1966 Streamline Travel Home in various conditions:
(Additional images available in the original post.)
Conclusion
The 1966 Streamline Travel Home represents a unique piece of RV history with its distinctive aluminum design and classic lineage. Whether for vintage collectors or retro enthusiasts, it’s a fascinating option worth exploring further.
