minuet found

[ed moller]

i have located a 1978 20' minuet, where can i research the vin#, find out the value?

[COArgosy78]

Hi Ed - there are a number of threads re: to Argosy Minuets in the Argosy file..some re: value, but value seems to be mostly in the eye of the beholder. In other words, it seems to relate to the specific trailers originality and the shape it is in. Things like floor rot/sag, missing/broken appliance/parts/windows and axle needing replacement would reduce value. I did post awhile back some info the AS factory gave me about the original price of each Minuet (back in the 70's). Hope that helps.

[overlander64]

Greetings Ed!

Originally Posted by ed moller

i have located a 1978 20' minuet, where can i research the vin#, find out the value?

There isn't a great amount of information to be deciphered from the '78 Minuet 6.0 Metre VIN number beyond confirming that it is a '78 Minuet. Basically, the VIN decodes as follows:

20D8V9999

20 = advertised length in feet
D = Double Bed floorplan
8 = Last digit in model year (1978)
V = Versailles, Ohio production facility
9999 = Sequential Production Number

Some '78 Minuets may have been produced in the California plant and would have an "S" for Cerritos, CA rather than the "V" for Versailles, OH. The California plant was still mentioned in the '78 liteature, but not in the '79.

There were basically two floorplans offered for the '78 Minuet 6.0 Metre - - Twin Lounge (two gouchos with a Credenza fold-away dining table), or a front dinette arrangement. In all probability, a '78 Minuet will likely have a composite aluminum floor rather than wood - - most coach owners who have reported floor materials found in these coaches have indicated aluminum composite - - the original covering would have been a short shag often in an Argosy orange, avacado green, or blue. I have attached a scan of the Minuet 6.0 Metre page from the '78 sales brochure.

Values for the Minuet 6.0 Metres vary quite considerably and seem to be somewhat higher on each of the coasts - - but the trend seems to be that the values in the center of the US are approaching those of the coastal areas. As a rough guide, you might try checking the Price vs. Value page on R. J. Dial's website for a similar Vintage and size Airstream - - the Argosy prices tends to be between 20% and 40% lower (the differential between Argosy Minuets and smilarly sized Airstream seems to be toward the lesser difference) - - see:

http://www.vintageairstream.com/rr_t...condition.html

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

[Anon]

I have found that the price of the Minuet is growing exponentially! If you want it, get it before it is gone. Do not get too excited about it. You can become "blind" to the fact that it might need a new "everything". NEVER take an owner's word that "Sure the fridge works". Try it out first! Do not even ask if things work on it. Just start trying them out!
Kevin can give you a good break-down on what everything costs to have it replaced. I do all of my own work and have no idea what it would cost to have something replaced. I have found some REALLY excellent places on the web to pick up new appliances cheaper than you can get used ones from the salvage yard! How about a new range for $187.50? I just got one today!
The Minuets do tend to go for more out east and out west. Dunno why. I just know that if I had a dozen of them I wouldn't have a one! They are that popular!
These little trailers are light and can be towed easily.
I love mine! I am actually working on it in 20 degree weather so I can haul it down to the Corvette plant in April when I am scheduled to be teaching at the plant for a week! I love having the company pay for camping! Saves them money and I enjoy my job more!