Vintage Airstream fans please help!! 72 or 1967 Safari?

[RichardT]

My friend is thinking about buying a 1972 Globetrotter instead of a 1967 Safari because the 72 is cheaper. Please help me tell him the difference and why he should choose the 67 over the 72.
Is either a better investment?
is one better built?
is one cooler?
which is better the wood interior or the vinyl?
etc...
I know my answers but I want him to know yours.
this is a chance to show off your knowledge of the differnt years and help someone to make an important decision.



Addition: 67 is near mint with almost perfect skin , solid floor, all corning glass windows, 99% original

picture is in the thread a few spots down.

[Tripp]

If it were me, I'd probably lean toward the 67 IF it had all the original corning windows. I don't like having to use acrylic windows if they are missing.

my .02.


Tripp

[aviontt]

Cond. is a big factor here I mean if the 67 needs lots of work and the 72 does not ,There are soo many factors here you would have to be more specific...

[Sneakinup]

Tell him to buy both of them. Get the addiction going!

Having a 72 myself, I would rather have the 67 with real wood... if it is in good shape.

I agree with AvionTT. Too many factors unknown to make a choice.

[InsideOut]

If they were both in equal condition, I would go with the '67 hands down...not to offend 70's owners, just my opinion.

Reasons:
1. I LOVE the clean lines of the Corning glass windows, even if they do need to be replaced with Lexan eventually
2. I prefer the wood cabinetry vs vinyl which is also usually darker (and grey-ish)
3. The solid cabinet doors are more durable vs tambour which tends to come apart over time
4. Neither would have had a grey water tank, so no advantage/disadvantage there
5. Both are going to have vinyl clad interior walls
6. In some circles 68 & older are more desirable than than 69 and newer because 69 was a major body/interior transition year. But both are considered "vintage" (25 years or older)

I would let the "price of entry" drive the decision too much...if you don't LOVE the one you buy & end up trading it later for the other, you have gained nothing and probably spent a lot more $$$ in the end. Just my $.02...you really couldn't go wrong with either if it meets your needs, it really is a personal choice.

Shari

[thenewkid64]

Equal condition, I would go with the 67 IF the windows are intact.

As Shari said no grey in either, so no benefit there, but the 67 has an additional level of cool going for it. Also the 67 will likely be somewhat lighter so the tow vehicle will either not have to work as hard, or he has a wider choice of TV to choose from.

[RichardT]

This is the 1967 Safari I do not have pictures of 1973 Globe
Please dont comment on missing water heater as we have one to install. it has new tires and new battery, totally solid and functional.

By the way it is for sale. located in Western NC zip code 28710

[bswaslien@aol.com]

I had the very same debate going on before I bought my 1968 Ambassador. I choose the 68 because of the real wood interior. I'm totaly pleased with my decision. ( The condition was excellant as well) My alternative was a 1971 Go for the WOODY PJ

[aviontt]

Did you get you 68 from a nice couple in N.Y. who have an old Dodge Van?

[hhuber]

The real wood interiors are so much nicer. I also love the
pre '70's body style. It wouldnt be a hard decision for me. (Condition being equal.) I love mine although sometimes I'm the only one on I-10 that thinks I'm cool.

Heidi

[61Overlander]

I'd go for the '67 no two ways about it. Simpler, easier to work on, doubt it has the vinyl clad interior walls, so you can paint to suit, and the '67 used the older narrower body. Somewhat easier to tow. A huge plus in my opinion for towing, is the ability to open the front and back curtains and look clear thru the trailer in my rear view mirror. I tow with a '99 Tahoe, and seeing to the rear is cool, not to mention the narrower body lets me use the standard Tahoe mirrors. Mike

[bswaslien@aol.com]

You must have been the other person who came to look at the1968.To answer your ? , I did buy it in NY from and older couple. He was the spryest 82 yr old I have ever met.The concerns on my part were the lack of AC, and the carpet. All has worked out great, even though I paid a lot for it.

[aviontt]

It's a GREAT unit and they are the nicest people ...Yes I almost bought it but I had a limit..So I waited a bit

[flyfshr]

In this case and both trailer's conditions being equal, older is better. Now, the '67 is in better shape and 99% original, no contest. Like a fine wine, older is better.

FF