They Don't Make Them Like They Used To: You Need Over $72K To Score This Preserved Owosso

Ladies and gents and lovers of everything wild and untamed, lend me your eyes for the next few minutes so that you may get to know a bit about one of America's lost and very underground travel coach manufacturers and the gems they used to bring to the table.

Oh, and the preserved diamond before you today is actually up for sale, so if you fall in love by the end of this story, you will need to get ahold of your bank and unblock some funds. That's because this time capsule with wheels is selling for no less than $76,285. Time to see why.

First and foremost, allow me to point out a bit about the minds and hands behind this rolling habitat. That's none other than Owosso Coach, a manufacturer I had never heard of until encountering this travel trailer. Oh, and may I add, I chose one hell of a subject to research because there's so little on this crew that I'm still having trouble figuring out how they stayed in business for over 20 years, from 1939 to around 1960.

Heck, I had to scour newspaper pages from 1950 for a hint of what this team was all about, but it wasn't until 1950, when they caused a massive stir at the Chicago International Sports and Outdoor Show, that they really started getting a lot of attention.

Initially, Owosso hit the market with travel trailers that Americans downright loved and praised, mainly because they were built like friggin tanks and able to fight off the elements with ease. But, several years after the Chicago show, this brand switched over to building mobile homes.

All this brings us to this lasting piece of American travel trailer history, which, may I say again, is mostly in its original shape! According to the seller's page on Vintage Camper Trailers (hat tip), this puppy is in "excellent condition," and only the exterior paint has been revitalized.

Starting with that exterior, a two-tone paint job and a bullet-like shape tell us that this is no modern unit; the whole "spaceship" look of the era is clearly present. Two side doors are integrated into the shell for access to the interior, and windows all around—nice and rounded—let light permeate into the interior.

The question is: Did you happen to see all those OG features tattered all over the exterior? Even the guards are still in place, and the handles look original, too. The window trim has that of-era look, too, along with the vents protruding out of the unit's roof.

As for the interior, don't go expecting the most lavish around, but rather guts that have been preserved as best as possible, outside of a museum, of course. What you'll first notice is all the wood paneling found lining the walls and making up the cabinetry and overhead storage. While modern travelers may frown upon this material, just look at how it stood the test of time; again, they don't make them like they used to.

Starting on one end of the unit, we can see that a sofa and a rather funky red velvet chair have been installed. As we turn to face the rest of the unit, this Owosso begins to display even more of its originality, and it all starts with the galley.

Again, we can see the all-original wood construction shining bright, but the real neat deal is the original oven and fridge, along with the double-porcelain sink. The countertops look modern, but they are placed on classic fixtures and cabinetry. Be sure to try and work out how the countertop is to be extended.

Nearing the rear of the camper, we pass a bathroom that's in working condition and tattered with its OG goodies. Beyond that, a bedroom with a queen bed, walk-around, wooden nightstands, wardrobe, and one of the two side doors I mentioned. The latter allows you to enjoy the day without ever waking up whoever may be sleeping at the opposite end.

Now, take a moment out of your busy day to picture yourself living out of this puppy. Think about throwing in some extra bucks to really bring out its shine. Then, take it to shows, transform it into a BnB, surprise onlookers as you roll into campgrounds, and take pictures with an old camera to really give your memories that whole nostalgia feeling.

Honestly, it's not every day that we encounter a camper with at least 70 years on its clock and still in this condition, so if you're a collector or downright enthusiast, break out the cash!