Incredible 1950s R.V.

[jdtrotter]

We went to the Car Museum at Balboa Park in San Diego and saw the most incredible car and trailer---Louie Mattar's Fabulous $75,000 car. Pictures attached below

It is a 1947 Cadilac converted to a "motorhome" that tows a trailer full of gas, oil and water. Inside the backseat is an electric stove, washing machine complete with a wringer, ironing board, etc. Somehow, the washing machine area was also used as a chemical toliet---I never really understood that one. There was also an outside shower---oh, and and on board bar.

Everything was done while the "car" was moving, including changing of tires. They had a video that showed how that was done. A platform was electrically moved from under the car to along side of the car. Then the wheel with the flat tire was raised with a hydraulic jack, and a small airplane type tire was put on the ground. One of the riders climbed out of the car and changed the tire----it automatically filled with air. It was amazing!

In this post, and the following post, I will add some pictures, including one of the sign that tells a little about this crazy car.

Diane

[jdtrotter]

A few more pictures.

[jdtrotter]

They also had a great 1937 Hayes Trailer made in Canada.

Oh, if you visit the San Diego area, Balboa Park is a place to visit---one can spend several days in our "park" . Museums, theatre, great zoo, outdoor pipe organ pavillion, international village---and lots more.

Happy Travels
Diane

[Maggie O.]

Love the Hayes trailer. Looks like a pullman car. The washing machine toilet? Hmmm... I don't know about that one.

[Frederick L. Simson]

Somehow, the washing machine area was also used as a chemical toliet---I never really understood that one.

I have visited that exhibit several times. When the creator died, it became part of the permenent collection. The video is an episode of the TV show: "That's Incredible!" that was on the air during the '70s. Thank you, Diane, for sharing it here.

My understanding of the toilet/washing machine was that he had originally installed an aircraft toilet in the back seat driver's side area, but did not provide for privacy while using it. This upset his wife so much that he removed the toilet, and installed a washing machine in it's place. They were 2 [b]separate modules that could be fitted into the same space. One had to be removed in order to install the other.

I haven't seen the Hayes Trailer. I need to go see that.

[jdtrotter]

I haven't seen the Hayes Trailer. I need to go see that.

Yes, you do need to see it! Right now they also have a huge motorcycle display---I think they moved some cars out temporarily.

For you motorcycle fans, below is a picture of the "first" motorcycle.

Oh, I know there are some model RR fans on this forum, and the model RR museum they have at Balboa is great.

Frederick, Isn't Balboa Park a great place to just hang out?

Diane

P.S. Thanks for the "toilet" information---that one had me concerned!

[Frederick L. Simson]

Frederick, Isn't Balboa Park a great place to just hang out?

Diane

Yes! Balboa Park is what makes living in urban San Diego desireable! It more than compensates for living in a high density neighborhood. I have memberships at several of the individual institutions there, because I believe in supporting them financially for what they provide.

[Palmer M]

Diane y'all always seem to be doing/seeing something interesting!
Thanks for sharing the photos!
Especially the '37 Hayes - LOVE the way it looks like a rail car!
P

[jdtrotter]

Maggie and Palmer---your are correct. The old Hayes trailer does look like an old rail car---one of the old fancy pullman cars----quite fancy.

Diane

[Frederick L. Simson]

The old Hayes trailer does look like an old rail car---quite fancy.

Diane

I saw it today. Very similar floorplan to a 16' Scamp (It must be a timeless design.) 4 seat dinette in back, & sofa-bed in front (but not bunk-beds) It even has the same bi-fold screen door!
The interior of "Phillipian" (sic) Mahogany, polished to a high gloss finish combined with what looks to be velour upholstery and matching draperies, and glass panels in selected cabinet doors, give that "railroad" elegant ambience! It had ingeneous hinged cabinet lids for the stove and sink that, when closed, gave the impression of a Victorian Parlour. I liked the "Bow" front design, that made for a very short hitch, while still leaving plenty of turning room for the tow vehicle.