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Moving your house - on wheels, a classic way

Adaptation is a curious thing. We grow accustomed to our cars, our work, our homes—so much so that when circumstances change, we often find creative ways to preserve what’s familiar. Some might trade in their old house for a new one, but others? They put their entire home on wheels and take it along for the ride.

 

The striking image above captures just such a spectacle, likely from the 1960s or early ’70s, judging by the lineup of cars below. A stately, shuttered house, seemingly plucked from its foundations, makes its way across an overpass on a flatbed truck, a convoy of workers ensuring its safe passage. A light pole is being repositioned, suggesting that this move was meticulously planned—albeit still surreal to witness.

 

Where might this scene be unfolding? The American highway infrastructure, the fleet of vintage sedans, and the unmistakable Airstream trailer point to the United States. Yet, intriguingly, a Citroën sneaks into the frame, throwing in a touch of European flair.

Car aficionados, what other automotive gems can you spot in this rolling time capsule?

 

Photo from archive

 

Published:
Tuesday March 4th, 2025
Paul Greenstein
09 March 2025, 18:31
The "Salt Box" and the "Castle" being moved off Bunker Hill in Los Angeles. Sadly, both were burned by vandals soon after.
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Alexander Stolpmann
09 March 2025, 14:08
An interesting picture. The American-specification Citroën and the palm tree in the backgroud tell us that it is not Canada, but more likely California.

Next to the Citroën DS, from 1967 at the earliest, is a 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 XL on the left and possibly a 1970 Chevrolet Kingswood Estate (I'm not sure, but the wheelarches are quite distinctive).

Next to the Airstream trailer from the early 1960s, we see a Mercedes-Benz W111/W112 (1959–1968).

Behind the Ford Galaxie is a fourth-generation Ford F-series (1961–1966) and (if I'm seeing it correctly) a Mack F-series (1962–1981).

On the bridge pulling the house is an International Harvester LD-400 series (1950–1952).

I am not sure about the Autocrane on the bridge, nor about the C.O.E. truck behind the Citroën.

Best regards,
Alexander
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Richard Heritage
09 March 2025, 11:01
Having lived lived in the States for 27 years going back to the '70s. I would hazard a guess this is West Coast by the number of lanes on this highway, and also the palm tree in the image. This moving of houses is quite common there. The Citroën DS is a Safari model. You can tell from the clear rear view through the vehicle.
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Chrisso Rheault
09 March 2025, 10:58
This is likely one of the Victorian homes from the Bunker Hill neighborhood in Los Angeles. It was a wealthy neighborhood in the 1890’s which was considered a slum by the 1950s. The city began to redevelop it in the early '60s which included tearing down most, but moving some, of the original buildings. The palm trees, freeway and vehicles (including the DS) all look like L.A. in the '60s.
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