1957 Spartan Imperial Mansion - Dream House

[Jim Oaks]

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I may be weird but I really like these old aluminum bodied Spartan mobile homes from the 50's-60's. The model I like the most is the Carousel, but this Imperial Mansion is pretty cool too. I always though it would be cool to get one, restore the exterior and polish up, but make the interior completely modern.

The Spartan Carousel has this round kitchen design that I think is cool, and the light fixture is inspired by the Sputnik satellite. Knowing how everything was inspired by space and the future back then is why I think redoing one of these modern and high tech would be fun.

I found this 1959 Spartan Imperial Mansion on Facebook Marketplace.

From the seller:

This classic resto-mod Travel Trailer was manufactured by Spartan Aircraft Company in 1957 and renovated in 2023 by BOND Design Studio. The interior has been thoughtfully reimagined to create a fusion of old-world allure and present-day needs. The cases, cabinets and baseboards, and trim have been preserved to maintain the warmth of the original wood; while doing our best to infuse modern, rarefied style. The exterior has been polished and painted with a performance enamel.

$140,000 OBO
- Motorized Shades
- Living/Lounge/Work Area
- Full Kitchen
- Bathroom with tub + porcelain commode
- 2 BR (or 1BR) + Den | Queen
- Full Size Fridge
- 24” Propane Range/Oven
- Washer & Dryer
- Fully Furnished
- 12,000BTU Mini-split AC/Heat Pump
- Storage Walls
- Two Televisions with Apple TV
- Transferable Starlink option.
- 140 hour polish job
- 50 Amp Service
- Bumper Pull
- 45’ X 8.5’ (highway legal)
- Two Entrances
- New Tires/Break system

About Spartan Aircraft Company:

The Spartan Aircraft Company was founded in Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States. Initially focused on producing luxury airplanes, Spartan transitioned to military aircraft manufacturing during World War II, contributing to the war effort by producing trainer and transport planes for the United States and its allies. The company's commitment to quality and innovation made it a significant player in aviation history, and its contributions during the war helped shape the course of aerial operations.

Marley (my dog) and I could definitely live in something like this.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I did some reading about these things a few years ago when i got bored and started googleing vintage trailers.

They really were stylish and pretty damn cool.

I believe (IIRC) there was actually one model above the imperial mansion on the sales list...but cannot remember what it was called. But it was pretty rare.

 

[Curious Hound]

That is pretty cool. Would make a nice vacation home on a big piece of open property as shown in your first photo or on top of a mountain with great views. I like those big windows and all the light they bring in.

 

[RobbieD]

Very cool.

Can't be a lot of those left, especially in good or restored condition.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Spartan made campers too, ran into a gutted one on its way to a new home a couple years ago at a gas station. I always thought an Airstream would be fun.

 

[Jim Oaks]

 

[Jim Oaks]

Spartan made campers too, ran into a gutted one on its way to a new home a couple years ago at a gas station. I always thought an Airstream would be fun.

1953 Spartan Spartanette

 

[97RangerXLT]

That looks to be beautifully restored and updated. Now all you need is a 1957 Ford truck with a modern f350 power tain in it to tow it

AJ

 

[JohnnyO]

I like that mid-century style. It's what I grew up with.

 

[superj]

I was going to say you need a big truck to tow those monsters, also.

 

[franklin2]

I was going to say you need a big truck to tow those monsters, also.

Bet in the day they used a station wagon with a big block.

 

[Jim Oaks]

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I wouldn't tow a big one. I'd live in it. Don't forget, I spent 5-years living in an RV before buying the house I have now.

Then I'd build a garage like this to go with the theme.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I was going to say you need a big truck to tow those monsters, also.

They were actually lighter then youd figure.

An imperial mansion was around 9500lbs

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Bet in the day they used a station wagon with a big block.

I read somewhere a 78 lincoln properly equipped could tow 10k.

Kinda believe it....the brochure i have for my LTD II says it could be equipped for 6000lbs...and it was considered midsize

 

[superj]

My friend had a caddy with a 501 when we were seniors. I bet it had no trouble towing an rv. My dad used a lincoln with a 460 to tow our boats to the ramp