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For immediate release
New York NY —May 23, 2013
Airstream is the iconic
symbol of the American open road and industrial design and quite possibly the
biggest diva in the RV world.
Author
Tara Cox introduces the world to her passion for a near-century old automotive
icon with the publication of Airstream: The Silver RV, available in
August from Shire Publications, distributed by Random House.
The Airstream is an eye-catching vintage classic. First appearing
on American highways in the early-1930s, these sleek aluminum icons were
compact, cozy spaces that could hitched to the family car and taken out on the
open road – and nearly a century later, their timeless design has lost none of
its appeal. In a new book, Airstream: The Silver RV, Tara
Cox introduces readers to this iconic symbol and road warrior and explains why
Airstream has such a loyal, hardcore devoted fan base which includes the author
herself.
“Pop
culture may poke fun of RVs, but NEVER an Airstream,” says Cox. The retro,
cool, futuristic look of the rounded corners, shiny silver exterior and Art
Deco-inspired style has, in fact, remained largely unchanged since the 1930s.
It is, without exaggeration, one of the biggest success stories in the history
of industrial design. That designation is made even more impressive by the fact
that that love of the Airstream does not come without a dear cost. Airstream is
by far the most glamorous member of the RV world,” maintains Cox.
According to Living Stingy it’s not cost-effective to maintain an
Airstream: they’re large, susceptible to dents, leaks and scratches to the
clear coat and hard to store. While keeping an Airstream perfect can be
an expensive luxury, Cox insists aficionados get total enjoyment out of the
maintenance and consider it one of the joys of Airstream ownership. “The
general consensus is that for what you put into the Airstream, it will last
you.”
She
must be right: a whopping 65% of Airstreams are still on the road today
and business is booming. According to the Recreation Vehicle Industry
Association (Jan 2013) RV sales are up 30% this year and dozens of states host
RV trade shows for the general public with massive attendance such as the
Pennsylvania RV and Camping Show (35,000) and the Ohio RV and Boat Show
(18,000). Airstreams are still “Made in the USA” produced in Jackson Center,
Ohio.
The
author’s own fascination with Airstreams provides insight into the world of
devotees: “When I was eight years old I saw my first Airstream through the back
window of the family car and it was head-over-heels love at first sight.” When
asked about extremes some Airstream fans go to she said most Airstream fans
will go to great lengths to customize a vintage Airstream so they look
“just-so” down to the period fabrics for window curtains. A few are more
extreme with getting Airstream tattoos and the author herself confesses to
moving into her first tiny New York City apartment which was small and narrow,
prompting her to paint and decorate it like an Airstream interior to make it
more comfy and cozy.
Born in the California backyard of inventor Wally Byam the
Airstream design was inspired by a trailer designed by Hawley Bowlus, the famed
chief builder of The Spirit of St. Louis. The Airstream was,
however, never meant to be a mobile home. According to Cox, “Wally Byam always
meant for the Airstream to be a “go-places” vehicle but one that had all the
comforts of home.”
Comfy
and cozy it is but, interestingly, perceptions about space have changed greatly
over the years. From the 1940s-70s the Airstream was considered ample room for
a family of four, but by today’s standards that is considered very cozy,
indeed, and most Airstreams are suited for two people. “In general, people
expect more living space today - it’s the difference between the postwar
Levittown dream homes and today’s McMansions” says Cox, “but you still do have
all the luxuries of home.” Owners do fill their Airstreams with luxuries
such as gourmet coffee makers, martini shakers, and microwaves and part of the
popularity of Airstreams among celebrities, event planners and young
professionals is that it’s very stripped down and basic but allows people to customize
it and fill it with things that make it a home to them. “Among their many uses,
a growing number of people are now using Airstreams for honeymoon rentals” says
Cox.
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Airstream
The Silver RV
The Silver RV
For
more information or to receive a review copy contact:
Ilise Levine
Vice President, Sales and MarketingShire Publications
(212) 753-4402
Shire is part of Osprey Group
