Barrett Jackson Record Auction!!!

[Silvertwinkie]

Originally Posted by 65GT

The fact is that a 1953 Flying Cloud and a 1953 Cadillac are two different animals. The FC is obviously far more rare than the caddy, but there are a ton more people interested in the caddy than the FC.

We're all too close to this -- there really isn't a big demand for any of this. We think the AS moniker is a big draw but really it's not. Way too many people respond with 'they still make those?' when the topic comes up. We're not on most people's radar screens -- not even close. Even when you give them the run-down it's an interesting side-note to life to most. Of all the discussions I've had with non-AS owners (and I'd hate to even put a number on that) I've yet to see one spark that lead to a new AS owner.

I'm not sure I agree with these statements at all. Looking at the production numbers over the past 3 years would beg to differ with these observations.

Though it is true, a lot of us are biased, the numbers don't lie. There is a HUGE demand for new and newer Airstreams. I can see few on eBay that don't sell. Additionally, Internet and RV classifieds seem to also be doing equally as well. That goes for both vintage and new(er) Airstreams and Argosies).

Though there is a lot of "they still make these" type comments floating around out there, there still seems to be a great deal of folks finding them and buying them.

Vintage is a whole nuther beast and although a 53 Caddy is not a great comparison to a 53 FC, the bottom line is these units are increasing in value. Maybe not to the extent some would feel they should be, but they are and in 10 years, the 53 FC will be far more costly than it is today. I would estimate that the Classic mohos will also share in that appreciation at some point as well.

Let's all agree to come back here 10 years from now. Only time will tell who was right and who wasn't. At best any of the future converstaions are purely speculative at best.

[scottanlily]

I rereferenced my GMC book and it only states the 302 6 cylinder as a repower in 53 thru 57 futurliners and the earier they had the 6 cylinder also
145 HP .The futurliner sold ,if you track the restoration definately had the gas
straight 6 in it ,no mention of a diesel at any time .Is the B J guy mistaken ?
Im thinking possibly ,why would they remove a diesel and put gas engines in ?
thats unlikely ,the books denotes slow speeds and poor power so it does
seem the gas 302 and earlier 6 , likely the 261 GMC truck engines were the
power source .The restoration website shows the gas engine and the rebiulding /restoration of the power train itself. Id think that GM would put
a diesel in later as a repower to try to get these behomeths some get up and go .

Scott

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by GlenCoombe

According to the talking head on the B-J Auction show the Future Liner was originally a diesel.

Glen,
If they would read the history they would know that they were all originally diesel...and we re-powered with the gas engines prior to the Second Parade of Progress.

Aaron

[str8strm]

Since the subject came up, just one more note on the value of the classic motorhomes. We have had ours for almost 2 years. I have had, and currently own, a few classic cars. I immediately saw the moho as a great deal. A vehicle that cost 100K 20 years ago, for less than one-fifth of that. I kind of assumed that in time, it would go up in value. Now, having owned it for this period of time, I would gladly buy it again, and pay much more. I know that the general public probably can not appreciate that, but I can't imagine owning anything else. It does everything that it supposed to do. It gets more attention than my friends SOBs and cost mega-dollars less. I'm almost glad that people haven't caught on. Just in case I ever am forced to replace it. Ron

[ALANSD]

you guys are making me miss my 280....sob ....but I do like my Soveriegn.....and the Excursion I got to tow it...so I am ok, really I am...

[Silvertwinkie]

One can spin the data to support their position anyway they want. The bottom line is that Airstream production, though nowhere near what an automaker builds, is still near the highest, if not the highest level it's ever been.

My point?

These units are going someplace or they couldn't keep building them at the pace they have been for years. That alone tells me that the folks that are saying "They still build these?" are in fact seeking them out and if it's not them, someone is, which is drawing attention to the brand. When a brand gets attention, it can have a halo effect on the rest of the companies products.

There is a strong possibility that as Airstream continues to sell everything they can build (except the noted inventory of box motorhomes on dealer lots), and increase the prices into the stratosphere, that folks **might** pay more attention to the other already built products on the road that are for sale. Since the Airstream MoHos, the classic ones, are unique, it **may** eventually benefit from all the success Airstream is currently having, if the iron stays hot or even warm. Why? Well, new units of similar size are going for $80k+. Buying a piece of history and upgrading it can be done for less if one has the time and money to do it. We've started to see this in the trailer line for the last few years. I.E. the Ralph Lauren Airstream and a number of others. I think the Classic MoHos time will come.

So much so that if I had the $$$ (and place to store it) I'd have one.

[DFord79]

By the way that Barret Jackson auction with the 4 million Dollar GM bus was a year ago. Might want to watch this years auction to see if they bring it back for MORE money? Unbelievable price for a NON-ORIGINAL (engine). Some people have more money then they know what to do with.

[ZoominC6]

Being a dyed in the wool "Car Krazy", I can't wait for this year's auction
Jan 13-21. It's always exciting to see those bidders spend their bucks and just glad it isn't me that gets caught up in the feeding frenzy. Some say that the BJ is "Stupid Money" but who can be sure? The cars certainly look great under all those lights and on TV. Bring em on.

[Silvertwinkie]

Originally Posted by ZoominC6

Being a dyed in the wool "Car Krazy", I can't wait for this year's auction
Jan 13-21. It's always exciting to see those bidders spend their bucks and just glad it isn't me that gets caught up in the feeding frenzy. Some say that the BJ is "Stupid Money" but who can be sure? The cars certainly look great under all those lights and on TV. Bring em on.

I'd have to agree. Being similar, I find myself acting like Homer Simpson does over food and beer as I drool on the remote with my eyes glued to the set.

[flyfshr]

I've been to this auction in person and, while exciting, it's much better on TV and while sitting in your living room, no one can mistake you rubbing your nose for a bid.

I hate it when that happens.

Brad
FF

[str8strm]

and the hubby started bidding, luckily we lost but very fun to be there

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by flyfshr

I've been to this auction in person and, while exciting, it's much better on TV and while sitting in your living room, no one can mistake you rubbing your nose for a bid.

I hate it when that happens.

Brad
FF

There's nothing quite like that puckery feeling when you realize the 4 million bid they are talking about is yours...

[GlenCoombe]

I agree with the "stupid money" comment. I've been to both dealer and pubilc auto auctions and the "stupid money" always comes out at the public auctions. Whatever is "hot" in the market goes for retail numbers.... and the bargains sneak through. That's why having the NADA dealer book is worth it's price when going to the auctions.

[scottanlily]

Wahoonc ,

The history shows that the 41 to 46 had a 4 cylinder diesel and the later
futureliners ALL used the 302 GMC six cylinder gas engine ,so we are not mistaken on the power ,the earlier units were called streamliners ,
not futurliners ,they resembled the GMC cabover engines in the front.
I would also say its possible that some earlier built futurliners may have had the diesel ,such as the BJ unit .Lastley GM did the repower so the engine
is a GMC installed ,not some wrong engine swap project outside of GM.
Therefore the value is not compromised by the engine change .The photo
that shows the engine production line in this thread is accurate and comes
directly from the Futurliner restoration website.some that have been bought and restored by other private parties have repowered them with diesel and
allison transmissions as well .

Scott

[scottanlily]

I also forgot to mention the engine in the BJ futurliner is a 400 chevy
with an automatic transmission .The restoration that has been done on another unit # 10 ? it has the 302 gas 6 as well as the hydramatic trans .
i would agree that the BJ price is high for a non original engine restoration
but the cool ,have to have factor is very high .

Scott

[mistral blue]

Futurliner on ebay!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trkparms=tab%3DWatching&vi ewitem=&item=110196814322&_trksid=p3907.m32

[craftsman]

Fine Art Models - Ferrari 312 pb
Take a look at this fully functional Ferrari. It's for sale to finance another build.

[rangebowdrie]

I seem to recall, reading in a book about AS's, that they were/are only about 1% of the U.S. market for RV's.
Have made four round-trips to SoCal, from portland, or., during summer travel season in the last three years, have counted a total of five AS's on the road. That.s OK, It just sets us aluminum nuts apart from the crowds, and assorted riff-raff.

[Goin camping]

Originally Posted by str8strm

Milo:
I think that must be the same one. I can't imagine there were any others near by. I haven't seen it in quite awhile. I'm guessing he sold it. Ron

I'm thinking its the one on ebay. Since it was parked a mile from Burbank.