Last of the Giants: 1992 Airstream 350LE
A design as familiar as an Airstream motor home can leave you convinced every model you see is a vintage example, with its origins traced back to the late 70s to mid-80s. Consider us surprised to learn that this Airstream 350LE here on eBay is actually a 1992 model, and represents likely one of the last ones to roll off the assembly line with its stacked front headlights, gently curved hindquarters and familiar three-axle chassis.
The best part about older designs that stick around for decades is eventually, the easily-updated components of the vehicle receive modern touches while the vintage look you crave stays affixed in the costly-to-change sheetmetal. This Airstream 350LE was bought by the seller solely because it was a late-production example, to the point that they purchased it in Florida and shipped it to Southern California. The shipping bill for that had to have been extraordinary. The interior presents well, with the gauge cluster and steering wheel bordering on “sporty.”
The best part about this Airstream is that it appears to have been loved and also stored somewhat carefully since its arrival in California. The seller says that the previous owner kept it parked under a carport in Florida and the interior cabin spaces present well with no funky odors or stains present. From here, it does look enormously well preserved, with all fixtures present and wood finishes that exhibit very little wear. Even the lampshades are still attached!
This aerial photo does give you some perspective on just how large this Airstream is. Sitting in what appears to be a corral of Volvos and other interesting autos, the Airstream will take up most of your driveway and maybe even some of your neighbor’s. The seller mentions that this R/V is quite sound but it has some running issues which will require fitting a new fuel pump and new rear air shocks before it drives anywhere. But with no reserve listed and bidding still under $10K, this seems like a risk worth taking for the money.
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Comments
The urge to bid on this was strong until it hit 5 grand.
I see several “Other” Jems in that fence area…
That is one LONG vehicle! A lot of parks won’t allow
anything that long in them.Plus,you can see it from space –
(or from an airplane).
Still,it looks like a cool,well made rig,but will probably
end up costing the new owner a ton of money & time getting
it back on the road.
It’s always the little things that end of taking lots of time.
Many Motorhomes are larger than this 35 footer. There will not be any problem parking in RV camps.
I was think more of State parks.
From the model number it’s a 35 foot long RV. This could be made pretty close to like new again but it would be more a labor of love. I hope somebody snags it and fixes it up right.
The shots from above are hilarious. It looks like a 727 without wings in the middle of a mechanics shop, seriously huge.
I kinda like it, it looks like it was a really high end motorhome when new, though I think I would still rather have a FWD GMC Motorhome as my first choice in vintage campers.
You can see it on Google Earth!
33°52’11.6″N 117°56’25.0″W
33.869888, -117.940287
Looking at those coords, that will be a #itch to move out of there…
Great find! These were top of the line other than purchasing a custom motor coach. One of my bank clients owned one of these new…you could add a lot of personalization. I would Airstream number 1 then the mid 70’s GMC. Hopefully this will end up in a good home with some TLC. Maybe the seller will throw in the Volve P1800?
If you look at the VIN, this appears to be a GM chassis.
From the air it looks like a locomotive.
“Shipping” something like this across the country mostly means paying somebody to drive it. Probably about $2500-3000, depending on the price of gas, and the price of the plane ticket to get your driver home.
I’ve done it twice. Once from California to Washington state, and once from Massachusetts to California.
Great opportunity for the folks at “Vegas Rat Rods” to build the worlds first rat rod mobile home. Okay…maybe not.
DrinkinGasoline says: “From the air it looks like a locomotive”…..Brilliant!!!
I saw one like this recently that had 4 axles, that must be fun to drive. I like this one, and with the prices of everything Air Stream climbing fast this might not be a bad investment.
What driveline did these use…Ford??
Usually P30 chevy chassis
There is one of these just resting in a side yard of a house near me. Some little obscure side road I decided to take one day and spotted it. I think I took a photo. Some other cool “junk” in their yard too
It’s a Chevrolet P chassis, 1 Ton, motor home chassis built at Detroit Truck and Bus. Powered by a TBI 454, RWD.
I bet someone lived in it, based on the solar panels. Disconnecting the brake lines for transport? Sounds fishy. Would make a great add a room to a home, especially if you bought this without consulting your wife.
I can’t understand disconnecting the brakes and driveline for shipping unless it was towed rather than transported. Something doesn’t sound right about that.
Steve65, there is no way anyone is going to drive this without a bunch if repairs as stated in the listing. Non operable brakes, driveline disconnected, engine needing repair and god knows what else. If you could drive it to my house for your quote, I would consider buying the thing but all items to get it running are on your dime.
The write-up referenced the seller “shipping” it from Florida when they originally bought it, and questioned what that would have cost. Presumably it was in roadworthy condition at the time.
What is the power? What would it really cost (California $) to drive it safely to Wisconsin?
Most likely a 454 w a carb and might get 6-7 mpg w that tag axle. 4 on a bad day climbing mountains.
I would rather have the short one.
Is that longer than a city bus?
always liked airstreams, love the interior. since I am the only one here with a cdl B. It is a great alternate to a converted motor coach. 35 feet is nothing I’ve driven 45 footers so no problem their.
Only 45 footers???😀😀😀
53 footers are fun to drive as well! Especially parallel parking to pass your road test!!!
Pretty sure we aren’t the only ones who have CDLs…
(I have an A license, so if anyone needs a driver, winter is my slow time!)
Someone was having fun with their drone!
I just sold to my friend, a 1994, 34ft RV about 3 yrs ago. I bought it used and enjoyed driving it around for 6 yrs +/-. Used it to pull a 16′ trailer with sound equipment and luggage along with a southern Gospel music group from NW FL, down to mid FL, Nashville TN, and southern AL. Then as a family RV to Detroit and the Smokie Mountains. I felt like a king sitting up in that rig. This Air Stream would be a joy to fix and tour the USA! It needs to be someones baby to enjoy for years. Doesn’t get better than an Air Stream on a Chevy!