nice shot of my rig

[Normspeed]

Took this yesterday. Looks like I got it all lowered and leveled the way I wanted. The teardrop sits just about level with the car. That's with lowering blocks on the car and 130 lbs of pressure in the air shocks. When I unhook the trailer I get a California rake, but if I drop the air pressure to around 25 lbs she sits level like this without the trailer.

[DutchEdwin]

How can you Lay down in a caravan like that, do you have top stick your feet out of the window, just jocking, I like to see there is someone else with a suburban, For being a foreigner, what is the car type?

[Normspeed]

Hi Edwin, mine's a 53 Plymouth. My pride and joy. A bit rough around the edges but runs great, and I do drive it a lot.

[rearview]

That thing sits perfect... very nice.

[greg g]

Edwin, in the US that style of car is usually refered to as a Station Wagon. Taking its name from their use in hauling passengers and luggage from the train station to resort hotels, and other tourist lodges. Many of them were woodies in the early days, and were usually comercial vehicles owned either by the resorts or by livery services. http://www.otal.umd.edu/~vg/mssp96/ms06/project1.html

So in Europe they are called Estates, Combis, Shooting Breaks. They gained popularity here as privately owned vehicles after WWII with the development of suburbs, and the greater number of families having more than 2 kids. Alot of 50' and 60's wagons, had rear facing seats typically reserved for the younger kids. Their popularity wanned with the introduction of the Minivan in the mid 80's.

This mid 90's Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon was probably the end of the line as well as the largest one made.

[greg g]

Nice shot of you lashup Norm. Fun way to travel. You ought to show Edwin a shot of your kitchen.

[Normspeed]

They also called them station hacks in the old days, didn't they? I think because station wagons were handy for transporting rail travelers and their baggage from station to hotel.

[Joel Torres]

my best bud purchased the magnum srt8 it is very powerful i cant wait to take it to english town to run it down the track

i love driving this wagon but its too fast for me to own here on long island you have to do 0 to 70 just to get on the highway with this car i do that in about 2 secs it way to fast for me

[Normspeed]

Love that rear wheel drive!

[Guest Bryan Harris]

Very nice Norm. I love that teardrop. I need to get one. They are great for shows huh!. Just what you need. A dry place to lay your head is all. Most shows have all the other things you need. Plus, who sleeps much when attending a show anyway? Many..many cars to see. Nice rig. later

Bryan

[Johnny S]

Very nice photo and very nice vehicle/trailer combo. I suspect the ole '53 and trailer attract a LOT of looks. Are the '53's as hard to find as the earlier Suburbans?

[Normspeed]

There are quite a few 53-54 Suburbans out there. In fact, Bob Amos on this forum has a 54 wagon stashed away for a future project. The catch with the 53-54s is, they only used that body style for 2 years so things like windshields and especially windshield rubber can be very hard to find. On the good side, they seem to be basically a 2 door sedan from the doors forward so body and interior parts can be found. Mechanically they're the same as the sedans and hardtops.

I do more actual camping than I do car shows. The trailer has been to New Mexico several times as well as all over southern California at various camping spots. Very cozy and with the 53 wagon, teardrop and porta-bote on the roof, it draws a crowd. Lots of fun.