Need Help Identifying this Fiberglass Travel Trailer

[Joe Balla]

I bought this unbelievably preserved 1980 Fiberglass Trailer today. It is a 14' and apparently was built by a Canadian Firm. It is labeled "Contempo" and the model "Condo". I bought it from the owners grandson who told me it has been garage stored over the years and it shows!

I googled Contempo but found nothing! Can anyone shed light on the background of this manufacturer??

Here is a slide show of photos taken just this afternoon:

http://s959.photobucket.com/albums/ae75/Sa...mview=slideshow


Any help would be appreciated. Feel free to email me "off list" if you want. My email address is: jbsails[at]gmail.com

[Robert Johans]

Can't help ID this trailer, but, man, what a score. Fantastic!
Interesting how consistent the interior layout is with so many other "smaller" units like my Scamp and PP.

[Raya]

In this Popular Mechanics article they show a few Contempo Trailers for 1981, including the "Condo." Love the 5th wheel on an El Camino!

http://tinyurl.com/ye3y3pc

(Link leads to Google Books view, page 101)

Raya

PS: BTW, check out the Cubby Cab sleeping unit, on page 99, that fits into the forward bed of a full-sized pickup truck -- looks like molded fiberglass.

[Donna D.]

Dang! I can't see the pictures on this computer because I don't have Flash Player 10 installed

Anyone care to grab a couple?

[CindyL]

Nice trailer! Very original!

CindyL

[Sandra Lair]

Cute! I love the front windows. You'll have a great time with this one!
Sandra

[Joe Balla]

In this Popular Mechanics article they show a few Contempo Trailers for 1981, including the "Condo." Love the 5th wheel on an El Camino!

http://tinyurl.com/ye3y3pc

(Link leads to Google Books view, page 101)

Raya

PS: BTW, check out the Cubby Cab sleeping unit, on page 99, that fits into the forward bed of a full-sized pickup truck -- looks like molded fiberglass.

Raya....

Thank you for the link to the Popular Mechanics magazine. It looks like Contempo had at least two models. Gotta love that fifth wheel on the El Camino...and...my Condo model attached to what looks like a "Gremlin"....Thank you again! Best, JB

[Gerda, H]

Joe, you better change your profile from "None" to "Condo"! It is really in very, very nice shape, inside and out! What a cute trailer! Any ideas how you are going to name it?

Yes Raya, also I love the 5th wheeler on the El Camino! How cool is that!

[Joe Balla]

Can't help ID this trailer, but, man, what a score. Fantastic!
Interesting how consistent the interior layout is with so many other "smaller" units like my Scamp and PP.

Robert...

Yes, it was a very cool score. Hey, I took a look at your website and flipped at the Scamp restoration you did. I have two Scamps...one small one and one 16'. I plan on selling the small one and restoring the 16'. I would like to connect with you to discuss and see if perhaps you might be interested in taking on the project? Here are a couple photos of the 16 and one of the 11.

Best,
JB

[Alf S.]

Hi: Donna D... Is this another brand to add to the Album???
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

[Robert Johans]

Robert...

Yes, it was a very cool score. Hey, I took a look at your website and flipped at the Scamp restoration you did. I have two Scamps...one small one and one 16'. I plan on selling the small one and restoring the 16'. I would like to connect with you to discuss and see if perhaps you might be interested in taking on the project? Here are a couple photos of the 16 and one of the 11.

Best,
JB

You bet, Joe! Send me a PM asap. Will you sell me the small one? Can't wait to show off the resto on my '82 Perris Pacer. (It's sold, BTW...)

[Ron Wrighton]

If anyone is interested I still have my Quantum 5 for sale. Its the 5th wheel pictured on the El Camino in the Popular Mechanics artical.

[Pam Garlow]

Congratulatins - I am JEALOUS - What a fab trailer !! I'm curious to know what you could even need to do to this little beauty - its so original, do you even want to change anything?

Some cool things I saw in your pics:
1. The track system for opening/closing the window curtains is very neat.
2. Curtains push all the way into corners so they don't block any light.
3. The really nicely finished header w/the wood tone and chrome trim strips.
4. Raised edge around 'kitchen' area to keep spills from running onto the seat cushions.
5. If needed, the two small front windows will be much easier to replace than one large one.

Are you thinking of selling, because I'm interested in buying !!

[Alf S.]

Hi: Joe Balla... That "MINT" is so fresh I can smell it !!! Great find.
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

[brian m.]

Dang! I can't see the pictures on this computer because I don't have Flash Player 10 installed

Anyone care to grab a couple?

Here's a screen shot for you:

[Robin G]

Joe, Congrats on a very sweet score! Wow! Very nice. Enjoy it!



Donna, I tried to grab a few pic's to post for you, but the way it's step up I can't. Joe will have to do it. (your missing a really cute trailer if you can't see it )

[Joe Balla]

Dang! I can't see the pictures on this computer because I don't have Flash Player 10 installed

Anyone care to grab a couple?

Hi Donna,

I would be happy to email you photos of the Contempo Condo if you would like. I have taken a bunch.

Best,
Joe

[Joe Balla]

Congratulatins - I am JEALOUS - What a fab trailer !! I'm curious to know what you could even need to do to this little beauty - its so original, do you even want to change anything?

Some cool things I saw in your pics:
1. The track system for opening/closing the window curtains is very neat.
2. Curtains push all the way into corners so they don't block any light.
3. The really nicely finished header w/the wood tone and chrome trim strips.
4. Raised edge around 'kitchen' area to keep spills from running onto the seat cushions.
5. If needed, the two small front windows will be much easier to replace than one large one.

Are you thinking of selling, because I'm interested in buying !!

Hello Pam,

You are right, there is little that needs to be done to this little beauty! I will be detailing a few items and maybe adding a vintage/new fringe awning from Marti's.

I am likely going to list it for sale on Ebay or Clist as well as on the forum here.

I have both a 13' and a 16' Scamp that I plan on restoring. The 16' suits my requirements better than both the small trailers. I hate to part with such a find, but it can defer some of my restoration expenses :-)

Thanks!

[Lee Senn]

Joe I actually have the issue of Popular Mechanics that is referenced above. At that time I was not into the "egg thing" but bought the magazine because of the plans for the sailboat that was in that issue. The article mentions that the price for the 5th wheel is $9,200.00 which was a real piece of change in 1981 !! p.s. I am pretty sure that the "Gremlin" is actually a VW Quantum Lee

[Time K]

Nice find Joe. I am curious about one thing...the wheels look very contemporary, was any part of the unit restored or is this all original?