For nearly a century, Airstream has planted its stabilizers down as one of the most famous RV makers in history. Everyone knows what an Airstream is, even if they don’t live in America. Airstream is known for its iconic riveted aluminum trailers, and some of them have gotten really tiny. One of the smallest vintage Airstreams to be sold to customers is this, the 1960 Airstream Pacer. This trailer is so tiny that it measures only 16 feet from the tongue to the rear bumper, making it even smaller than a mid-size pickup truck like a Ford Ranger.
Airstream has long filled its lineup with smaller models. These trailers were often younger buyers’ introduction to Airstream ownership. They also served as ultra-lightweight options for the people who didn’t have a proper tow vehicle for one of the brand’s larger trailers. Today, the 16-foot Bambi and the 16-foot Basecamp fulfill these roles with lower weights and prices than the rest of the Airstream lineup.
The Pacer is an example of what a lower-cost Airstream looked like over six decades ago. It is not the absolute smallest Airstream ever built. That distinction goes to the 13-foot Airstream Der Kleine Prinz. However, the Der Kleine Prinz was never put into production, leaving the 1960 Pacer as one of the smallest vintage Airstreams that you can actually buy, if you can manage to find one.
I’ve found one of these beauties for sale, and it’s just begging to be taken on a trip this summer.
Before The Bambi
The Airstream Pacer is one of those models that not even Airstream talks a lot about. If you punch “Pacer” into Airstream’s public archive, all you’ll receive is a spec sheet for the 1958 model. That trailer measured 18 feet long, of which only 15 feet, 4 inches was the camper’s body. Just two years later, Airstream cut two feet off the Pacer, making the adorably tiny Pacer 16.
Some Airstream fans consider the Pacer to be one of the predecessors of the Bambi (below), which launched in 1961. As I wrote last year, Airstream spent much of the 1950s trying out different innovations. Back then, Airstream started experimenting with fiberglass trailers. Airstream of this era also had some downsized, cheaper options like the 16-foot Wee Wind, which the company used to help capture a younger demographic.
Here’s the story of the Bambi from my previous reporting:
The first Bambi was created in 1961 and was taken on the Airstream Cape Town to Cairo caravan through Africa led by Byam. During that trip, Byam learned of a small deer that the Angolan people loved and called the “O’Mbambi” in the Umbundu dialect. The animal was known for its strength and sure-footedness, and Byam thought that would work perfectly for his mini camper.
Since then, the Bambi has usually represented the smallest camper in the Airstream lineup.
The aforementioned Der Kleine Prinz, which is believed to have been built in 1958, is, as I reported, believed to be a sort of prototype for the Bambi. That 13-foot cutie looks like this:
The Pacer was also a member of Airstream’s lower-cost trailers. In building the Pacer, Airstream didn’t just make a shorter trailer, but also found other ways to keep costs down. As the Vintage Airstream Club notes, Airstreams used to have braced, Hehr-stamped windows (Hehr being the window manufacturer). Then, in 1959, Airstream upgraded to unbraced Hehr windows that afforded unobstructed views out of the trailer. Lower-cost models, including the Pacer, kept the old-style braced windows.
Pacers built in 1958 and 1959 got as small as 18 feet. But in 1960, Airstream cut the trailer’s size down further to 16 feet, resulting in the awesome camper that you see here today.
Little Pacer
The Pacer is built like other Airstreams, which means that it sports an aviation-inspired body featuring riveted aluminum formed into an aerodynamic shape. The body of this Pacer appears to be in good shape, with surprisingly little wear to speak of in the photos.
The seller of this unit doesn’t say much of anything about what’s inside the trailer. Thankfully, through some digging, I found out that this exact trailer was sold in 2022 after being listed in 2021. The current seller is even reusing the photos from that listing, but did at least add a new video that shows the interior to be unchanged since 2021. The video also shows the trailer’s spare tire is being stored inside the camper, which is a bit weird.
So, let’s take a look at the listing from 2021, which says:
Original Airstream warranty still intact in closet and original speckled Zolatone interior finish still intact, and unpainted. Purchased this Airstream in 2008 and have stored it indoors at all times when not in use. Interior features new front dinette with ample storage compartments, original 3 burner cooktop, original Dometic propane refrigerator have not run only used it as ice box, original fresh water tank, single bowl sink, and original toilet. This model did not come with a water heater, only cold water. Dinette and flooring all installed new with 12×12 Marmoleum flooring. Original teal drawers and yellow countertops throughout.
New water pump and 12V system installed. Have not used water system/sink/toilet, installed pump and then upgraded to a newer model airstream before utilizing all systems. 12V system includes RV battery on tongue, Inetli Power RV converter/charger along with 4 interior lights for use when not connected to shore power. 110V electric system, lights/outlets working properly, original fuse system still operational.
Original sconce lights have original shades intact with no damage! The Pacer was equipped with an in floor furnace which I cleaned up when installing the floor, never used because of the inherent fire risk. We only ever used an electric heater when camping and trust me, with the size of this camper, it heats up very quickly. Dinette has custom cushions with marine grade durable fabric, all windows feature new curtains with blackout fabric backing, and original fully operational Herr roof vent. All windows work as designed with all required equipment/locks. Mattress is from a 2006 Bambi, very good condition, no stains and comfortable.
That listing also noted new wheels, but an original leaf-sprung axle. It appears that the new owner did not mess with the original equipment inside the trailer, which is so cool to see.
What I love here is that the body of this trailer is just 13 feet long, yet Airstream managed to fit nearly all of the amenities of a home in there, including a toilet. I’m not talking about a portable toilet, either, but a proper flushing toilet.
What’s also neat here is just that there isn’t a ton going on. What you see is what you get. This is the kind of trailer that you take to the campground and then use to have outdoor fun rather than keeping yourself locked up behind closed doors. The Airstream Pacer 16 also weighs in at around 1,800 pounds with a hitch weight of 180 pounds. That means even some Ford Mavericks and crossovers can tow one of these with ease.
The seller, who is based in Davidson, North Carolina, wants $30,000 for this Pacer. The trailer was listed for $22,500 back in 2021, so the question is whether the trailer is worth more now than it was four years ago. On one hand, the Pacer is a special unit, existing as one of the smallest vintage Airstreams that you can buy. They also seem to be rare, though it’s hard to tell just how rare. Airstream never released production data, and the best guess that some enthusiasts have come up with is 99 units. But I found no hard evidence to lock that number down.
At the very least, Pacer 16s are rare enough that I haven’t found any other unit currently for sale.
Either way, it’s so cool to find more weird and tiny Airstreams in the company’s history. This thing is so small that, so long as you have a tall enough garage door, you could park it inside at home. Yet, it’s still an Airstream at heart with big features and an iconic design. I have no doubt that some vintage Airstream fan will find this Pacer absolutely lovely and pick it up. I know I’m in love.
I love these. Airstreams are like Spartans. No matter the age, they were built well and still demand some amount of money even if they were found halfway in a river by a chicken coup in the backwoods somewhere. I’m a trailer freak and model car/rv collector to an infinite degree. I still have the Hot wheels, etc, and other cars and rv toys from my childhood. I have like 30 models of Airstreams in every size and scale in my office. When I was a kid, finding trailer and rv models was like finding a needle in a haystack. About 6 years ago, camping trailer themed stuff was big. Took the fun out of finding them for me as they were rare before and everywhere during the trend. Thankfully that trend died and I have an excuse to visit yard sales now to get the post trendy trailer stuff at a big discount!
It’s cute, but too pricey for me to even contemplate owning one. Plus, I’m not sure that any of my current cars are up to towing it.
Old Airstreams are cool, but not $30k of cool to a peasant like me. I can get a good fiberglass camper for less and have something equally durable and more usable. Or I can spend a bit more on a new fiberglass trailer
The Alaska plate made me think of John Corbett in Northern Exposure, although his Airstream was bigger.
I am not sure if the rarity of a Pacer justifies the price. It is important that so much of the original equipment is there. Those painted ceilings and original light fixtures are cool. BUT there are probably a lot more Bambis from which to choose. Just avoid the ones with black and white checkerboard floors and Route 66 upholstery!
Also if the WBCCI (Wally Byam
Caravan Club International) and/or Vintage Airstream Club is still active, that’s a great resource. I am a former Vintage Airstream owner.
The club is still around and worth joining. It’s just called the Airstream Club International now, but we still have our BRN’s (Big Red Numbers)
In Southern California the old San Bernardino Unit became El Camino Real to reflect our statewide membership… heavy on vintage representation.
We were still working and we had a young kid, so we could participate only so much. They had camping trips scheduled every couple of months. Most were 3-4 day weekends. We went all over California. Many members took longer caravans together all over the country, and they were quite close to each other. The older members have a lot of wisdom and experience with repairs.
We have a B van currently, which suits our needs. If we ever get back to trailer life, it will be in an Airstream.
We are able to get out 5-6 long weekends a year, mostly with SEMAC (the Southeast Michigan Airstream Club). The club and the great people we’ve met have made the club so worthwhile.
We had our trailer about 15 years; it was a ’68 Safari (22′?). Previous owner had done some modifications to the grey & black tank system to where we had to re-rig the trailer as it was sagging and cabinets weren’t closing right. Many years later, a hit and run driver ran into the back of our trailer as it was parked in front of our house the night before a camping trip. It didn’t damage the panels, but it messed up the back bumper and the underpinning that we had previously repaired. We didn’t want to chase down potential gas and water leaks. We did go on our trip as we mostly dry camp; we didn’t do anything using propane or the toilet. We put the trailer up for sale “as is” in the club newsletter and it sold in one day… to an 85 year old.
Ouch.
That’s Class I hitch territory.
This is totally within the manual’s tow rating for a Mk5 VW Golf in North America (without getting into arguments of US vs EU towing)
Unfortunately VW completely eliminated towing capacity in North America for the non-SUVs when they moved to the MQB (Mk7-on) platform from PQ35 (Mk5/Mk6) despite being touted as stronger, better, stiffer, higher capacity, etc…
The towing ability is still there. It’s just that they didn’t bother with the J2807 towing standard testing.
If there is a tow rating for the EU, then you can tow with it in North America too.
Just remember that the EU tow ratings are based on lower speeds and lighter tongue weights
If you keep the speed down to 55mph/90km/h, the newer Golfs in North America should be able to tow the same amounts as the ones in the EU with the same given engine.
People get WAY too hung up on “tow ratings”. Use your head for more than a hat rack and you will be just fine. I towed all sorts of things with my MK4 and MK7 Golfs, and now have a hitch on my 1-series BMW.
Also, in my view, the J2807 tow rating test has some really stupid aspects to it… like requiring a minimum speed of 40mph going up the Davis dam… but only 35mph if you have dual rear wheels.
And that double standard in the testing strikes me as completely idiotic.
And I feel there is too much focus on speed and acceleration and not enough focus on braking.
If I was making a towing test, I would do a braking test from 60-0mph going DOWN the Davis dam.
The Grapevine on the 5 freeway coming into or out of Los Angeles is our towing test… or Cajon Pass on the way to Barstow and Vegas.
Agreed. Very much.
Unfortunately it doesn’t stop them from invalidating warranty claims on drivetrain, and/or any insurance claims that might ever happen.
That being said: I wholeheartedly agree, there’s fair logic for towing with small vehicles. Or even just having a bike rack on the back – because the hitch is already there. It’s a shame that the manufacturers don’t support it – it just supports their preexisting push to larger SUVs and away from smaller vehicles.
“That receiver hitch is for my bike rack!”
I have not once ever seen documented evidence of an insurance company not paying out because someone was towing. As for warranty, burden of proof is on them. While I am sure it HAS happened, both likely round to “Internet Myth” here in the real world.
But ultimately, it comes down to “use your head as other than a hat rack”. I would not try to tow a 45′ boat with a VW Golf. But 2000lbs of lumber/tile/dirt from Home Depot on a utility trailer at <35mph? BTDT, multiple times.
If you ever want a chuckle – figure out how much payload a typical luxo-truck actually has available in the bed once you put a few corn-fed ‘Muricans in the cab.
My Grandfather’s first Airstream was a Bambi. When the family used it camping, the parents & my mother slept inside and the 3 brothers slept outside.
I understand that 30K isn’t what it used to be: but 30k for this? I guess if you want to tow it with your vintage 1960 Fairlane you might ante up that much. Me? Nope. For 30K I’m going to Europe and buying a 2CV. Driving around for a few months and bringing back to race Jason down some NC back road.
Vintage airstream prices have gone up as people have realized they are great projects to customize to your liking and wind up with something that’ll last longer than a stick-built camper.
This seller mistakenly confused his with a “fixed up” model and priced it as such. The exterior looks great as Mercedes noted. But the interior – well I didn’t watch the video so I’m just looking at the pics.
“Mr. Disney is on the phone for you sir, he wants to talk about the Bambi name. Should I tell him that story about Africa and see if he buys it?”
This is retro-cool, but not practi-cool. It feels like it only exists to fulfil the lives of people who overuse the word “aesthetic.”
Disney bought the film rights in 1937.
Sure it’s cool, but not $30,000 cool.
Exactly. I know Airstreams command a premium, but I struggle to see it even being $20,000 cool.
Sure it’s cool, but is it taking a powerdump right next to your sleeping partner’s head with nothing but maybe a curtain between them and the aftermath of that gas station sushi you assured them looked “totally fine” cool?
It can be cool if you secretly hate them.
It’s better than taking a dump in the woods like a bear. <shrug>
But nowhere near as good as clogging the toilet in a hotel room, where it becomes somebody else’s problem to solve.
That is hotel comment is evil. I like it
I spend waaaay too much time in hotels, plus “road food”. 🙂
TMI
No such thing, we are family here, LOL.