The History of the Iconic Airstream

The instantly recognizable aluminum Airstream trailer makes a statement: Road trips can be glamorous, too! Born in the backyard of California inventor Wally Byam in 1929, the Streamline Moderne–style trailer, with its signature rounded dome, has become an emblem of the open road and 20th-century style, so much so that Airstream motels, where you can spend the night in a refurbished trailer, have popped up in recent years everywhere from Joshua Tree to the Catskills. Maybe you’ve seen a classic Airstream cruising down the highway, but did you know the first version Byam tinkered with was made of plywood? Or that the "silver bullet" exterior has undergone only a few minor changes since the 1936 Clipper model rolled off the line?

Click here to read the full story and see photos on Dwell.com.