Two American classics: Airstream and Lincoln (a division of Ford). Put them together, and you have an easy-on-the-eyes towing combination that’s sure to turn a lot of heads.
The Lincoln Mark LT 4WD is Ford’s latest offering for the luxury-pickup crowd. The standard 5.4-liter V-8 packs plenty of power. The suspension is all-too-truck-like for a luxury vehicle in the opinion of this tester, as I could feel each and every road imperfection.
The interior of the Mark is all luxury, with comfortable power leather seats up front, a wood-and-leather wrapped steering wheel and a user-friendly instrument cluster. The dash includes the standard AM/FM/CD 6-disc changer with MP3 input jack, the optional radio-integrated navigation system and noisy-but-functional climate-control system.
The 23-foot International we tested features the retro Ocean Breeze interior. The curtains are awash with palm trees, the sliding compartment doors have a bamboo treatment, and the cushions on the sofa and the dinette are decked out in the familiar blue-and-white-striped pattern synonymous with fun in the sun.
What’s not so retro about the Airstream are the amenities: a stainless-steel microwave, chrome fixtures, a refrigerator with a stainless insert and a three-burner cooktop/range.
The cabana-like interior is surrounded by the trademark Airstream aluminum walls and ceiling. Two 30-inch vista windows up front allow for a panoramic view of the country around you, and additional glass — including a skylight in the galley area — keep the confines bright and cheerful.
Forward, a convertible dinette can seat four at mealtime, and then transform into a two-person sleeper at bedtime. The adjoining 66-inch sofa is great for additional seating, and can be used as another sleeping position at bedtime. The main sleeping area is located aft, on a semi-comfortable D-shaped mattress. A sink with two medicine-type cabinets shares the area, which can be cordoned off from the front of the trailer via a snap-lock curtain.
If you’re looking for peace and quiet while at the campground, you should definitely avoid either component of this duo; the sleek looks and legendary heritage of the manufacturers bring visitors by the carload to your campsite. However, if you want a fun-to-own lashup that simply exudes cool, it’s hard to beat these American beauties.
Pick up the February 2008 issue of Trailer Life magazine for more info on the Airstream International and Lincoln Mark LT — then subscribe to Trailer Life, so you can stay informed on the latest tests, previews, tow vehicles, and technical and RV-lifestyle information.
Airstream Inc., (877) 596-6111, www.airstream.com
