I believe the best buy at the auction (other than the trailer that I missed out on) was the Spartan. It was supposedly Howard Hughes' trailer and personal trailer of Dr. McAfee.
Any chance you took photos? Would really like to see this one: a I have a '55 Manor. We recently went through the Howard Hughes issue and discussion on the Spartan group site.
That's easy: get it a title!
At least it sounds easy. Some DMV's would rather see you drawn & quartered than to see you walk out with a title to what you already own. The best thing is to try to title it in a state that is more lenient on trailer titles, then renew it in your home state. Some states want you to bring the title payments up to date, which could easily exceed the value of an old, restorable Airstream.
Rich
I know some southern states are a bit easier to deal with from others comments. In California it really just depends on who you walk up to at the DMV. They say there are rules that govern how titles are renewed or replaced, but a willing participant at the DMV is priceless. I always recommend bringing the trailer with you to the appointment if possible. It's more likely to spark interest among the good folks at DMV, especially if it's a vintage unit. There are situations that would keep you from ever getting a new title, such as not having a bill of sale or reciept, or not being able to track the ownership back without any gaps, to the last registered owner.
As a rule of thumb, if the ownership has changed without proof of the transfer available, assume it will be difficult to impossible to re-title it. The cost of a trailer that doesn't have papers should be significantly lower than one with papers, bacause if you make the purchase and cannot complete the title transfer, you really are out of luck. It's a chance that is sometimes worth taking. It just depends on the trailer in question and how much you want it.
Thanks for the thanks, and have a nice weekend.
Rich
In Washington State you can get a registration only for three years and if no one crawls out of the woodwork to claim the untitled trailer/vehicle in that period of time then you get your title. Washington also has an Affidavitin Lieu of Title that you can get at the vehicle licensing office for the owner to transfer title to the purchaser in the case that the title is lost.
Some people will buy a trailer for parts and can get a trip permit to move it after purchase to get it home. Personally, I want a title no matter what.
I found those auction prices to be very high. Were these trailers in very good shape? The bubble was the only price that seemed in line with the model.
Does anybody know when another auction is? Also I am looking for an airtream from the 60-80's either a Overlander/Ambassador/Sovereign or Excella. I am looking for the best deal and don't want to pay alot of money for it. I want to restore it myself so it doesn't have to be in good shape. Please email me and let me know.
Does anybody know when another auction is? Also I am looking for an airtream from the 60-80's either a Overlander/Ambassador/Sovereign or Excella. I am looking for the best deal and don't want to pay alot of money for it. I want to restore it myself so it doesn't have to be in good shape. Please email me and let me know.
My husband & I bought the '46 Spartan that belonged to Dr. McAfee in New Mexico. I saw where someone said the forum had discussed the Howard Hughes story. Any info would be much appreciated.
We have several AS friends with 46-47 Spartans in various stages of repair/restoration.
If you posted some pictures of your new "baby", you might evoke some memories or comments from forum members as to any provenance re your trailer's relationship with HH.
My husband & I bought the '46 Spartan that belonged to Dr. McAfee in New Mexico. I saw where someone said the forum had discussed the Howard Hughes story. Any info would be much appreciated.
Actually I said the Spartan group had a discussion. You can join there too if you like.
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