The 1961 Shasta Airflyte canned ham trailer is coming back! Well, in a limited edition run, that is. To mark its 75th anniversary, Shasta RV this September will launch production of 1,941 copies of the company’s iconic 1961 Shasta Airflyte travel trailer. On the outside, you likely won’t be able to distinguish the old from the new. On the inside: The reproduction anniversary Shasta will get a vintage look like the original, too, but with modern mechanicals and plumbing. Sticker price is expected to run $15,000 to $17,000. On Wednesday, I spoke with company President Mark Lucas about the introduction – and I’m excited.
First, props to RV Daily Report, which first reported this story. And, thanks to reader Shara, who tipped us to this news.
My interview with Mark Lucas, president of Shasta RV
I tracked Lucas down while he was waiting to get on an airplane in Knoxville, Tenn. To be sure, he sounded juiced about the project, too.
“Shasta is the oldest name in the industry,” he said. “We started in 1941, and are still in production today – even older than Airstream, for example.” Launched in 1941 – 1,941 reproductions to celebrate the 75th anniversary – get it?
Lucas told me that after he joined the company two years ago, he began to notice that competitors were increasingly putting retro-iconic cues on to their products – cues that were basically imitating some of the classic 1961 Shasta features – like the “canned ham” shape and Shasta wings.
Just how popular was that original ’61 Airflyte? Lucas explained that Shasta first introduced the “canned ham” shape in 1954, built in Shasta’s Los Angeles plant on another model trailer… the Airflyte was introduced in 1961… and by 1967, the look was over.
During that time span, though, Shasta was #1 in the world, with five production facilities in the U.S., including one in Goshen, Indiana, the historic epicenter of trailer manufacturing, he said. Today, the company still operates two production facilities, both in Middlebury, Indiana.
Looking at what was happening in the increasingly retro-inspired RV market, Lucas told me he thought, “Why aren’t we in this game?” And as he dug deeper, “Why don’t we just reissue the original?”
Lucas said that he is a “car guy.” The 1960 Cadillac in the glamour shot, above, belongs to his wife — that’s him, with the first reproduction Airflyte. He knew – from being a car guy – that the first step to creating a repro was to get his hands on an original.
Wanted: 1961 Shasta Airflyte for parts – all of them!
So, he went hunting for a 1961 Shasta Airflyte, and once he found it, brought it into one of the plants to take a look at. His partner in flying-under-the-corporate-radar skunks works crime was Mark Dunithan, Shasta RV’s head engineer.
Mark Dunithan — on the right, with Lucas — was a car guy, too, Lucas told me. “He drives a ’53 Chevy pickup that looks like it was found new in a barn. He was a great partner. He really jumped into this project.”
The two Marks – along with the help of craftspeople at the plant – got to work. Within two days, the vintage Shasta was stripped down to its frame. The idea was to disassemble it, learn from it, and use the pieces as a guide for new patterns and parts specifications. (Ultimately, the vintage model was also reassembled and restored.) The Shasta RV team also found old design materials in their archives that helped.
Other employees also were eager to be a part of the special project. “Line workers worked weekends and after hours… stopping… starting – to make sure that when we walked out there, that it felt like a ‘61. There was a lot of trial and error,” Lucas said. He recalled one employee’s above-and-beyond attention to detail, “’That wing – if we move it down three inches – it will look better,’ he told me. It strikes a chord – employees are really proud that we’ve reissued this, too,” he said. “This was totally heart and soul.”
Interestingly, Lucas said, getting his hands on a vintage ‘61 Shasta in good shape took more effort than he expected. “It was hard to find one in restorable condition – either they are too far gone or already restored.” I believe this. Those canned ham Shastas: Everyone wants ‘em. Like Lucas said, they are iconic – they have ‘the look’ — and that 16’ length is kind of not too big, not too small, just right.
Creating “a 90% replica”
The team has been very successful at meeting the goal, he said. He called the 2015 model a “90% replica,” so much so that “most of the new parts will fit into the old one.” The metal siding is even applied using circa-1961 methods (which are different than today’s) to ensure a water-tight seal given the design, he said.
The interior has a retro diner feel. Interior features include:
- Birch cabinet doors with chevron cabinet pulls; birch plywood elsewhere in the interior.
- Countertops with dogbone-pattern Formica trimmed in polished aluminum edging. (Original Airflyte countertops were sparkle laminate with cracks; Lucas told me he tried to find this, but of course, we know you can’t get it any more!)
- LED lighting reproduced to look like the original ’61 Shasta Airflyte gas lamp.
- Jalousie windows!
- Bench seating upholstered in two-tone, tuck-and-roll pleather with silver welt; red has a bit of an aged look.
- Black-and-white checkerboard vinyl floor.
- And you’ll notice – that reproduction birch Shasta magazine rack hanging on the wall!
- Mechanicals – like the stove, microwave, toilet, shower – are new, but chosen to harmonize with the retro interior.
- There’s even a speaker system – but it’s hidden from apparent view, Lucas said.
Exterior colors, painted to look just like the original:
- Seafoam Green
- Buttercup Yellow
- Matador Red – the color from GM in 1961, Lucas said.
You can get one starting in September
That red baby we’re seeing in these photos is Job #1. “We’re building a turquoise and yellow this week,” Lucas said. “The first week of September, we’ll have full production. Each of our two production facilities will be making between 40 and 45 a day, to start, ramping up to 60 a day.” Production will continue until all the orders – up to 1,941 – are filled.
Lucas told me that RV dealers who have been carrying one or more of Shasta’s four current product lines will get priority in submitting orders for the 2015 models. “Shasta has been around for a long time – people who have been with us – we want to reward those dealers.” (Note, Lucas explained to me that unlike auto dealerships, RV dealers can carry any model from any manufacturer.)
A lot of dealers are already submitting orders, he said – which is also helping the company to tweak colors. To order one — head to Shasta RV’s website and use the Dealer Locator.
Want to guess which color is in the lead? Which color would you choose?
Would the company consider extending the run – or making this a permanent addition to the product line? Lucas pretty much told me: No. “I think it takes away the specialness if we extend the run,” he said. Boo to the hoo. How about: Will we see some new, more retro-styled Shastas in the future? Like a good company executive, Lucas would not hint at future plans. Okay, I’ll take that as a ‘maybe’ — fingers crossed – bring on the retro!
How does Lucas feel about all this? We are having a great conversation. Lucas seems thrilled with how the 2015 model turned out and even gets – kinda gushy — which really impresses me. “It made me feel like I’m in mother’s kitchen, which is absolutely a place where I feel at home and loved.” Awwww. We understand.
He his wife have four children of their own now, and he says that he will be buying one of the 2015 Airflytes, for sure. “I’ll take it to the soccer games on Saturday – watch all four kids – hang out there all day — use it as base camp,” he said.
“I feel a huge responsibility to be at the helm of this brand name, which for a lot of people is tied to their childhood – to trips with their families to Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon…. I want to honor the brand — don’t tarnish those memories – and make those memories again. That’s what I want my kids to remember.”
Link love:
Update: Where to get information about specifications etc.:
If you have any questions about specifications or delivery or any other such technical issue, Mark contributed this information (excerpted here) down in a comment on 9/23. I am excerpting it here to make it easier for buyers and potential buyers to spot, if they want or need further information. Note: Such questions will not be answered in our comments section, you need to go to the resources Mark identifies:
Hello all-
Thanks everyone for the overwhelming interest in the re-issue of the Shasta Airflyte. There is a lot of information swirling around concerning this product, and many of us are becoming concerned about the flow of ACCURATE information.
CURRENTLY, THERE ARE ONLY TWO SOURCES FOR THE LATEST AND MOST ACCURATE INFORMATION:
1. YOUR LOCAL DEALER – http://WWW.SHASTARVING.COM HAS A DEALER LOCATOR WHERE YOU CAN GET IN TOUCH WITH THE CLOSEST SHASTA DEALER
2. THE FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/1961ShastaAirflyteReissuedin2015/
WHICH WAS NOT STARTED BY AND IS NOT MAINTAINED BY SHASTA, BUT RECEIVES FREQUENT UPDATES AND HAS SEVERAL DEALER MEMBERS
Again, I’d like to thank Pam and her group for the great article and getting everyone as enthused as she is about this great period in American design….
Thanks again to Pam. And within the next hour, an update will be posted to the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/1961ShastaAirflyteReissuedin2015/) concerning dry weight, awnings, grab handles, spare tires, the start of production and remaining units.
Mark Lucas
President/General Manager
Shasta RV
All material in this story copyright Retro Renovation 2014.
Phil Gummow says
Hi Pam, This is a follow up to the comment that I posted a few days ago concerning the Shasta Airflyte. I continue to be very pleasantly amazed at how much interest your blog has created! It looks like everyone including me, other Shasta dealers and even the Shasta factory has been caught a little off guard by how much “buzz” has already begun. As of this morning the folks at Shasta have not had time to add the Airflyte to their website or dealer locator tool. Our dealership in Sacramento has already begun taking orders for the limited edition Airflytes. For people outside of the Northern California region, I would suggest calling the factory directly at (574)825-7178 for help in finding a dealer in other parts of the country.
Phil Gummow
General Manager
RV Travel World of Sacramento
(916)392-1872
Edward Ahrens says
Is there a dealer anywhere near Buffalo, NY? If where is the nearest one? Thank you.
pam kueber says
Edward – I repeat: Go to the Shasta RV corporate website (links are in the story) and use their Dealer Locator. Good luck.
Shannon says
Hi Pam and Edward — it actually isn’t that simple. I called the nearest dealer on their locator, one state away from me, and they aren’t sure if they’re going to sell these or not. He said they’d call me if they decided to do it and I haven’t heard back. I wrote the factory and haven’t heard back.
I actually called three other RV dealers (two that sell other types of Shastas), all said they wouldn’t do it. One of them said they’d never sell stick-and-tin. Another finally said they took a look at the build specs and decided the quality didn’t meet their standards. The 1″ plywood floor of the original Shasta was a lot better than the material and thickness of the board going into this floor, was the example he gave. “This is not the same company that built the original Shastas, they bought the brand”.
I was completely ready to buy one, very excited about this. As the RV technician noted in the comments before me though, the quality of RVs today isn’t great. So if RV dealers are staying away from a bunch of motivated buyers like us? That really worries me. If I bought one, I’d drive it immediately to a technician to have them look at it and just assume I’ll be spending a lot more money on it from the get go to get it up to snuff — I’m not knowledgable or handy like some people here. If you’ve got the money or smarts and hands to do that I think that’s a good plan. These are so darned cute!!
Mark Lucas says
I’m sorry to hear bout your experience. Unfortunately, there are many dealers who just don’t see a fit for this product in their lineup, or haven’t become educated on what exactly the re-issue product is and how it is built.
I personally assisted in the dismantling of the 1961 and then chose each and every piece used in the re-issue. In many ways, the construction methods and materials used in the re-issue exceed the quality of those used today, but are labor intensive and/or more costly. To honor the original, we replicated the 1961 Airflyte in every possible way.
Many vintage enthusiasts are committed to “real” vintage trailers and we respect that passion. However, many who long for the look, feel and experience are not in a position to invest the hours and technical knowledge in restoring or maintaining a vintage camper.
Our hope is these campers are accessible to any and all who desire to be part of this iconic brand, and it increases the awareness and value of the “real” vintage trailers which have been rescued and cared for by their owners.
It is true, Shasta has changed ownership through the years, but so have many other iconic brands. This is not brand licensing, but a stand alone company returning to its roots.
All employees, top to bottom, are excited and passionate about honoring this brand and those who love it. Rest assured, we will not tarnish the image with poor quality or cheap imitations.
Good luck, and happy camping!
Mark Lucas
President/General Manager
Shasta RV
Shannon says
Hi Mark, thank you so much for personally responding. As someone who has had the job of calculating the build of materials costs for a different type of product and undergoing a lot of grilling about how I got there so compromises can be made, I can appreciate the tension between quality and affordability. I appreciate that you’re willing to stand behind the quality of the product, I think you’ll need to have your marketing team to address the concerns I’m hearing. I have to say might very well see me in your customer line-up, and I’d love to look at something close to the build spec so I can tinker (or let’s face it, have someone who has a clue tinker for me) and mitigate the things important to me. I do this for my major purchases anyway. Looking for a dealer to discuss this with, so waiting to hear from your company soon! 🙂
joe anderson says
I would be happy to discuss things with you Shannon and you can reach me from my website http://www.1961shastaairflyte.com we work directly with the factory and are only an hour or so from them, we can ship anywhere in the country also.
thanks,
joe Anderson
616-375-0938
Midcenturylush says
We just put down a deposit at a dealer in Arizona for one in sea foam!
We have been on the lookout for a vintage trailer for quite a while… but when this came along we could not pass it up. Thank you Pam and Kate for this news!
Shannon says
Does anyone know which West Coast and Pacific Northwest dealerships are selling these?
pam kueber says
Shannon — you should head to the Dealer Locator on Shasta RV’s website.
Shannon says
Thanks for responding Pam, but the dealer nearest me in the locator isn’t selling them.
Shannon says
Funtime RV in Tualatin, Oregon is going to be selling them too. Thanks all!
West Coast says
Thanks but [edited] in Oregon wants $23,800 for a 19′ and $2,000 down. That’s a lot more than the $15,000 mentioned here.
Another dealer said it costs about $2500 to get them to the West Coast from the factory. That’s a lot of profit for Funtime.
pam kueber says
Mark, can you comment on the recommended pricing for the 19′-er?
mark lucas says
We have not established the final pricing for the 19 footer. The MSRP for the 16 foot model is right at $17,000 before freight. Many of you have commented some dealers have sold them for about $15,000 plust freight.
Freight to Oregon and other far West areas is close to $4,500. So the $2500 number would be incorrect.
Thanks-
Mark Lucas
President/General Manager
Shasta RV
pam kueber says
Okay, Mark, but didn’t you tell me when we talked that MSRP would be $15K. Then, shipping would go on top of that? That’s what’s in the story.
mark lucas says
Base MSRP for the 16 footer is just under $15,000. However, based on dealer and consumer input, we’ve eliminated all the stand alone options, and instead added a mandatory option package to the 1,941 units. The package has a value of $2,800. Items like the awning, air conditioner, stereo, etc. are in this package.
When we first spoke, the proto had just rolled off the line and the target was $15,000 before freight. With all the additional optional equipment, it has gone a little above that number, but many dealers are selling for the original target price…even though it includes the option package. The only difference will be the freight, and that is a cost passed through to the consumer.
It makes a lot more sense to have these all built the same. Customers will know exactly what they’re getting and it eliminates all the guesswork.
Mark Lucas
President/General Manager
Shasta RV
pam kueber says
Thanks for the clarification, Mark!
Bill Johnson says
I didn’t notice the ridge for a slide in awning – it absolutely has to have an awning. There doesn’t look like much storage room for the awning sticks.. Please make an awning.
Mark Lucas says
Bill
It DOES have an awning, an original rope and pole style. It can be stored in either the front of rear storage compartment.
Nice job noticing the absence of the rail on the proto, but rest assured production units have an awning rail and an awning.
Mark Lucas
President/General Manager
Shasta RV
Midcenturylush says
Mark,
We have ordered one in sea foam from Auto Corral RV in Mesa, AZ and can hardly WAIT to see it sitting in our 1958 driveway!
I was so excited to hear that the trailer would include a rope and pole awning… And now I’m curious: Can you tell us what the awning might look like?! Scalloped edges and vertical stripes to match the paint color choice?? 🙂
Susan says
@Gail…Nichols R V is a dealer in Mesquite, Tx on I 30. They have order for 12 and require $250. Deposit. Ask for Mark…very informative and nice guy. I have my name on the list and they have hopes of getting the 19′ also!
jenny says
Where is our PINK option??
Dan Dexter says
Kudos to Mark Lucas of Shasta RV! I hope orders for this faithful reproduction more than exceed the planned 1,941 production run. It’s great to see companies beginning to take a more concerted risk to create great repros to satisfy us midcentury nuts. We want more!
I recently asked an executive at Dishmaster if they had plans to reissue a repro on their original M48-52 models. Alas, no plans as he thinks they wouldn’t sell. How about we all ask him? to make an honorary run a la Shasta? Sometimes companies need to see raw demand as opposed to just guessing if it would be a successful reissue.
Geronimom says
@ Gail – After doing some sleuthing around for ourselves I found this company right there in your backyard. http://www.rv-max.com/–shasta. . Spoke briefly w/ Derek there the other night & submitted the form on the attached link. Looks like this company wants a $250 refundable deposit – better than the $500 one I’ve seen elsewhere! Looking forward to hearing back from them – I love all 3 colors, so it’s hard to decide, but we’re leaning toward the yellow so I can trim it up w/ purple curtains & take it to my alma mater (LSU) football tail gate parties! 🙂
Gail Hawkins says
Dear Mr. Lucas,
My husband and I have been ‘holding out’ several years now, for a ’61 Shasta replica! This is perfect! This is it!
As a child of the 50’s & 60’s, my parents always took us kids camping in Colorado/Wyoming every summer. Not being able to afford a trailer, we all slept in a tent ….. and I remember seeing so many cool looking trailers and wishing we had one. Those memories still stand so vividly, to this day …. and through the years I hoped one day I would own one…..and now that time has come. The Shasta’s from the sixties has always been my favorite (my husband’s too) … the ’61 model in particular … so there is no hesitation about purchasing one of these.
We can’t decide on red or yellow. We love both. We voted on ‘yellow’, but would be just as happy with red…………or even the seafoam green!
I trust my husband and I are able to be included on the already long list of those signed up to purchase. We live in Fort Worth, Tx. ……… and if there is not a dealer here, we will gladly drive to wherever we need to. I assume if I’m contacted, a list of dealers will be provided. We are soooo excited! We are going with the assumption that my husband and I will have us a NEW ’61 Shasta soon !!!!
Sincerely,
Gail & Larry Hawkins
pam kueber says
Hi Gail,
Mark cannot see your email address — if you want one of these, you need to find a dealer to take your order!
Susan says
Pam, Nichol’s RV on I-30in Mesquite, Tx are taking orders. I am getting the SeaFoam. Sales price 14,999. Plus shipping 1,500. I think. Talk with Mark. Great guy and will keep you up to date on what he knows. Tell him I sent you
Susan says
Sorry, this was supposed to be a reply to Gail.
Garrett says
Hi Gail,
Best Value RV on I-35 just north of Denton, TX is ordering 12 or so of the 1961 reproduction. They are taking reservations right now with $500 down. Theirs will sell for $16,999. I assume that includes cost of delivery from Indiana. I only know this because I’m trying to convince my wife that we need to purchase one (it would be our first camper) and I was on their lot earlier this week.
-Garrett
April Ward says
We will be carrying the new 2015 Shasta Remake of the 1961 Camper. Call or email if you haven’t already found a dealer. We have units arriving in soon. thanks April
904-347-4508