Airstream Bambi 2

Airstream has its origins in 1920s America but continues today as a luxury caravan - or recreational trailer, as they like to call themselves. Some of the larger ones are immensely impressive - if not particularly punk due to their size and the type of vehicle that you would need to tow them (preferably a tank). On the other hand, in landfill terms they are very green - almost 70% of Airstreams ever made are still on the road.

However there have, over the years, been a couple of punk examples. The most well-known is the Bambi, first produced in the 1960s. They have been made in various lengths but all aim to get folk into an Airstream who would not otherwise be able to afford one.

There is a shining example on eBay at the moment. (Click here to view the auction.)

This 1965 model is a Bambi 2 and it has been carefully restored, polished up and has a new interior. It has a nice combination of modern UK spec and period American touches.

Many thanks to eBayer Clearing1 for use of the photographs.

True blue punk

Look around any campsite and it's easy to see that campers come in all shapes and sizes. 


There are the small campers - a lightweight tent, a cooking stove and an aching back.


There are the family campers - complex, multi-roomed (and possibly multi-dimensional) canvas structures which spring out of a trailer and occupy several acres. These often feature a pennant towering above them, leading you to suspect that a medieval knight may emerge at some point.


Then there are the caravans. For the most part these are huge, white boxes with awnings to match.


Somewhere between the aching back and the boring white box lies another alternative. The teardrop caravan. A bed on wheels and not much else.


Here is a splendid example, currently on eBay. (Click here to find the auction.) It's a moulded fibreglass construction, features a double mattress, storage cubby holes and has a large entry door, held up with gas struts. Once the awning is attached, you can sleep with the door up or down (dog optional).


It's a bedroom on wheels that is thoroughly lightweight, modern and charming.

Thanks to eBay member shadow.0147 for use of the photographs.

Caravans go punk

This is the year of the Staycation.

Have you outgrown the tent? Fancy an RV but frightened by the cost? Drawn to a caravan but deterred by the image?

Welcome to PunkCaravan where Glamping is the new rock and roll.

Throw away the chinz curtains and fluffy cushions. Embrace a world of funky design and radical thinking. This is caravanning that is groovier, smaller, lighter, more environmentally-friendly.

PunkCaravan reveals how to camp in a field without getting mired in the 1950s.