Vintage Spartan Camper Turns Heads
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
Charlie Mars stands with his 1947 Spartan camper on Main Street in Water Valley on Saturday. Mars, a singer-songwriter, purchased the vintage camper in Nashville.
WATER VALLEY — It didn’t take long to notice.
Parked along Main Street last Saturday, a polished aluminum camper from another era drew a steady stream of attention, with people stopping for a closer look and a few photos.
The camper belongs to Yalobusha County resident Charlie Mars, a popular singer-songwriter, who had just brought it home the day before after spotting it for sale on Facebook Marketplace in Nashville.
For Mars, the purchase ended a long search.
“It’s something I’ve been looking for a while,” he said after making the trip back west on Interstate 40. The drive home came with a little tension, as the camper was still riding on older tires.
Despite that, it made the trip without issue and in remarkable condition.
Not to be confused with an Airstream, Mars explained this is a highly collectible piece. The 1947 camper was built by Spartan Mobile Homes, a company that grew out of the post-World War II manufacturing boom. Mars said the company was originally part of Spartan Aircraft Company in Tulsa, Okla., which produced high-end aircraft before shifting into trailer production after the war.
The result was a travel trailer that stood apart from most of its time. Spartan Mobile Homes grew out of the Spartan Aircraft Company and featured aircraft-style construction, according to company histories and industry records.
Spartan units featured aircraft-style construction, including aluminum exteriors, steel frames and streamlined designs. While many trailers of that era were simple and utilitarian, Spartan models were known for their build quality and appearance.
That influence is still evident today in the camper’s rounded lines and polished finish.
Spartan Aircraft was also associated with industrialist Howard Hughes during its peak years, tying the brand to a period known for innovation in both aviation and design.
Today, Spartan trailers are considered collectible, particularly those that remain in original condition.
Mars said that was a big part of the appeal.
“It’s in amazing original condition,” he said.
The purchase came with a bit of a story. Mars said the seller initially declined his offer, but later changed his mind after realizing who the buyer was.
“He said he was a fan,” Mars said.
After getting it back to Water Valley, Mars spent part of Saturday cleaning tree sap from the exterior before a quick trip to town to show it off. He said he has plans for the camper but isn’t ready to share details just yet.
