If you’re anything like us, you love taking a look back into the early days of RV and trailer camping. One of the nostalgic standouts are the Vintage Spartan Trailer advertisements.

When William G. Skelly purchased the struggling Mid-Continent Aircraft Manufacturing Company of Tulast in 1928, it was unlikely that he had a vision for what his personal airplane company would become just a few short decades later. But following the end of World War II, the company took its sights off the skies and focused on the growing number of recreational campers popping up around the country with a taste for exploration.

While the founders recognized the future of the camper and RV markets in the U.S., they overlooked the desired price point. With Spartan Trailers clocking in at prices up to $4,000, and the average home cost at the time around $8,000, it’s no wonder the company couldn’t survive.

Still, the vintage ads for Spartan Trailers are so much fun and offer a peek at the outdoorsy American Dream of a bygone era.

Looking for some expert advice on buying, repairing or upgrading a vintage Spartan Trailer? Be sure to check out the Camper Rehab book.