Airstream and Victorinox hook up for limited edition Swiss Army trailer

When any male member of my family turned 13, my grandfather would present the birthday boy with his first Swiss Army knife. It was tradition, despite the fact that the knife would be lost within hours. Chances are if you get the new Victorinox Special Edition Airstream for your birthday, you're not going to lose it. Designed to celebrate the 125th birthday of Victorinox, this new Airstream combines two brands with overlapping audiences into one pretty slick camper. Airstream trailers have always occupied the ultra cool end of the travel trailer spectrum with their sleek aluminum shells and retro vibe. Throw in some Swiss Army cues that include Victorinox timepieces, kitchen cutlery and Swiss Army Knives themselves, and we feel safe saying the whole is better than the sum of its parts. Only 125 units will be produced at a starting price of $59,000, and each is commemorated with a serialized plaque.

[Source: Airstream]

PRESS RELEASE

VICTORINOX SWISS ARMY PARTNERS WITH AIRSTREAM TO CREATE A SPECIAL EDITION AIRSTREAM TRAILER

THE VICTORINOX SPECIAL EDITION AIRSTREAM WILL BE AVAILABLE IN A LIMITED QUANTITY IN HONOR OF THE BRAND'S 125TH ANNIVERSARY

MONROE, CT - May 18, 2009 -- Today, in celebration of their 125th Anniversary, Victorinox Swiss Army has announced a partnership with Airstream to produce the first "Victorinox Special Edition Airstream" travel trailer. These two iconic brands have created a masterfully engineered and aesthetically striking 19-foot trailer, production of which will be limited to 125 units and which embodies their shared qualities and philosophies: precision, functionality, reliability and a classically elegant design. Whether you are a traveler embarking on a cross-country road trip, or an avid collector with an affinity for superior design, the "Victorinox Special Edition Airstream" travel trailer will inspire the adventurer within.

"From the onset of this collaboration I have been struck by how fortunate I am as a designer to have such a masterfully designed and precisely engineered pallet from which to work. Because of this, tapping into my creativity and maintaining my inspiration was easy. When you enter into the trailer, the design cohesion between the two brands is both intuitive and natural – it's comfortable and truly defines a luxe camping experience," said Scott Swaebe, Director of Visual Merchandising for Victorinox Swiss Army.

Like the legendary Swiss Army Knife, the details of the trailer are precise, clean and sure to last a lifetime. From the solid surface countertops, to the cutting-edge cabinets and hardware, to the luxurious custom bedding ensemble with embroidered wool blanket, all housed within the iconic Airstream aluminum shell. And to ensure consumers are fully equipped, a collection of Victorinox Swiss Army timepieces, kitchen cutlery, Swiss Army Knives and accessories are included to enhance any camping adventure.

"It's rare to find another brand that so closely represents the Airstream values of outdoor adventure in style," said Bob Wheeler, CEO of Airstream. "Victorinox is clearly such a company and we were thrilled to collaborate on this very special travel trailer. Whether it's a Swiss Army knife or an Airstream, it's something you buy to last a lifetime."

Only 125 very fortunate adventurers will have the opportunity to purchase one of these numbered Special Edition units available beginning June 15, 2009. The commemorative, serialized plaque bearing the famous cross and shield emblem is sure to delight Airstream and Victorinox Swiss Army collectors alike. This Special Edition Airstream travel trailer will retail starting at $59,000 and will be available at participating Airstream dealerships nationwide. For more information, please visit www.airstream.com