Tom Hanks’ Airstream Travel Trailer Sells Big At Auction
Even movie stars declutter and clear out what they don’t need. Such was the case of one of America’s most beloved actors, Tom Hanks. The two-time Academy Award winner, among many other accolades, recently sent three vehicles and an Airstream travel trailer from his private collection to be auctioned off.
About Hanks’ Airstream Travel Trailer
The most sought-after piece of the collection was a unique 1992 35-foot Airstream travel trailer, bought new. It was used by the actor on 18 movie sets over the decades, including ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ and ‘Forrest Gump’ in the ’90s all the way to movies like The Circle in 2017. It also provided a place where Hanks could relax, learn lines, and entertain co-stars.
“I got it in the days when movies moved slower,” Hanks told Bonhams Magazine. “I had spent too much time in regular trailers with ugly decor and horribly uncomfortable furniture, so I decided to buy a brand-new Airstream shell with an interior made to my own request.”
Tom Hanks went on to say that he no longer needed the trusty silver can on wheels because “movies move faster now,” and he “doesn’t have as much time during set-ups.”
Along with his on-set 1992 Airstream Model 34 Limited Excella Travel Trailer, the 2011 Ford F-450 Super Duty used to tow the trailer, a customized 1980 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser, and Hanks’ personal 2015 Tesla Model S P85D were auctioned off in Carmel, California, with Bonhams at the Quail Lodge Auction this past month, August 13, 2021.
KSBW Action News 8, of the Monterey Bay area in California, reported on this event a couple days before the auction took place.
General specs and exterior features
According to the marketing material from Bonhams, general specs and exterior features include:
- 35’1″ External length, from hitch to tail
- 8,000 lbs. Maximum loaded weight (GVWR)
- Electric leveling jacks
- Rollup patio awning
- 2- propane tanks
- Honda ES 6500 120/240-volt generator
- 2 Air conditioning units
- Hot water heater
It also mentioned that the Airstream was consistently professionally maintained and stored inside when not used.
Interior features of the Airstream travel trailer
“I didn’t want anything built-in other than the kitchen and bathroom,” Hanks shared, “so it had only a desk and cupboard in the back, a futon platform on the floor, and room for a small table and chairs. I wanted a regular sofa, too, so I had one made with removable legs so it would get through the door.”
The Bonhams marketing material mentioned that the Airstream “…comes complete with all its accessories and furniture including dishes, glasses, several espresso makers, some kitchen equipment and the pictured comfortable teakwood chairs and table.” Additional memorabilia and autographs like movie clapboard stickers showing which movie locations the trailer was used on and an autographed air conditioning unit were left by the actor.
So what was the final sale price for Hanks’ Airstream?
Including the obligatory buyer premiums, the sale price for Hanks’ 1992 Airstream was a whopping $235,200. When asked how much one the same size, the same year, or even the same equipment level might have sold for in ordinary channels, an auction official shrugged and said, “Maybe half?”
Think again! According to NADA Guides, a 1992 Airstream Excella Series M-34, even in the best condition, would sell for maybe $46,000.
As far as the other vehicles in the collection, the 1980 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser sold for $123,200. The 2011 Ford F450 Super Duty used to tow the Airstream went for $84,000. Hanks’ personal 2015 Tesla Model S P85D sold for $67,200.
More on Airstreams
In the market for your own Airstream? Check out the latest listings on Airstreamclassifieds.com. You can also connect online with other Airstream enthusiasts on AirForums.com and discuss all things Airstream-related.
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I suppose if someone has the money and is willing to spend it, to be “almost famous”, more power to them.