Subject to an extensive and well-documented £120,000 restoration by LAS Motorhomes
Iconic Class A American motorhome, truly in a league of its own
Beautifully restored original hardwood furniture and fittings
Incorporates several choice modern upgrades
UK registered and MOT valid until October 2025
Low mileage with only approximately 69,153 miles
Six berths, ideal for Airbnb
The Appeal
They say that everything's bigger in America, and the motorhomes (or RVs) are no exception. You'll observe this is no cramped VW Type 2 or Ford Transit; it's a veritable studio apartment on wheels, sleeping up to six people in palatial comfort.
The name 'Airstream' is synonymous with quality and luxury, so it's no overstatement to call its trailers and motorhomes American icons. Characterised by their use of an aircraft-style aluminium 'fuselage' and bulbous styling, Airstreams are such an integral part of American national identity that even NASA used them as Astronaut Transfer Vans to transport the brave pilots to the launchpad; their final nine miles on Earth before take-off.
Built on a high-speed Chevrolet coach chassis, this 1990 350LE represents one of Airstream's last classic aircraft-style semi-monocoque aluminium frame and skin designs. Imported by the previous keeper in 2012, the RV has undergone an extensive (and exceedingly costly) restoration by LAS Motorhomes of Northampton, which they documented in immense detail on their website. LAS said:
"After weeks of hard work and problem-solving, the Airstream motorhome emerged as a true masterpiece. The exterior’s sleek maroon finish complemented the luxurious and functional interior perfectly. Our customer was thrilled with the result, and we were proud to have played a part in bringing this classic vehicle back to life."
The aluminium monocoque has been stripped and re-lacquered to a superlative standard, while the period hardwood fixtures and fittings have been painstakingly restored, the internal structure re-lined in "ostrich skin", and the upholstery retrimmed in leather by Oxstead Trimming who specialise in aircraft and helicopter interiors. And that's just the bits you can see! The chassis has been undersealed against possible future corrosion, the wooden underfloor has been replaced, UK-spec 240V electrics have been fitted, all plumbing has been replaced, and the mechanicals have been thoroughly overhauled.
Now it is time for someone new to become this American icon's custodian. Believe it or not, it does (just about) fit on British roads,, and it is correctly registered, complete with MOT until October 2025. If you have some land and we're looking to erect "glamping pods" or some such other Airbnb-type arrangement, this Airstream offers a readymade (and indeed portable) solution. It's certainly the most stylish, comfortable and visually imposing classic motorhome you're ever likely to encounter in the UK, and Car & Classic is delighted to bring it to market.image.png3.96 MB
Commendably original for its age, both inside and out
Aluminium fuselage stripped and re-lacquered to a high standard
The bodywork looks very straight overall
Period colour scheme and badging retained
Chassis protected with fresh underseal
Interior features original hardwood furniture and fittings, all of which have been restored to a fantastic standard
Upgrades include modern LED lighting
Soft furnishings and seats re-upholstered in red leather by Oxted Trimming
High-end Corian work surfaces
New wooden underfloor installed
To attain this standard of restoration, LAS Motorhomes deemed it necessary to strip the entire interior, replacing the rotten wooden underfloor and recovering the walls and roof from scratch in the correct materials, even going so far as to carefully remove all the old adhesive. The original woodwork had suffered from exposure to the sun's UV rays, with lacquer peel and discolouration - all of which has been rectified, as the photographs attest. LED lights were installed in a custom centre roof panel with 36V electrics for the wireless dimmer system. Gold Venetian blinds really add to the ambience, while the red leather seats, paired with a grey dashboard, really look the part.image.png4.4 MB
The Mechanics
7.4-litre petrol V8
Automatic transmission with a new overdrive unit
Refurbished running gear including new front adjustable airbags and brakes
Rewired for 240V and re-plumbed
LAS Motorhomes found that the Airstream needed significant mechanical revision, replacing perished brake flexi hoses, rectifying a leaking brake master cylinder, replacing various ball joints and repairing and treating corrosion. Suffice it to say, everything that needed doing was done, and the motorhome has covered minimal mileage since, passing MOT in October 2024. We understand that the V8 runs well and the Airstream drives as it should.image.png3.16 MB
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..