Is my '49 Trailwind Worth Anything?

[szym9341]

Hi.

I have a 1949 Trailwind (#5022). It pulls nicely and the whole belly is in nice shape. There are some patches on the outside and the roof has lots of crinkles.

This inside is bare, besides the sink cabinet and a gas light. (It also has a stove, but I'm not sure if it original).

Does anyone have an idea of how I could get an estimated value? Is it still worth anything?

Thanks

[HowieE]

Yes it is. There are lots of people looking for restoreable Airstream trailers.

Consider an add on this forum asking for best offer in 60 days.

[szym9341]

Thank you for the reply. I'll keep that offer-asking option in mind for the future. Right now we are thinking of keeping it, but were wondering what it is worth as-is.

[Aerowood]

It indeed needs a great amount of metal work. This is right up my alley. As far as worth, I'm sure it has value. Most likely more then what you think. I hope someone with more Airstream value smarts then I do can come up with a figure. I for sure would love to have this little gem and restore it to it's former glory.

Kip

[InsideOut]

Hmmm...it looks to be in pretty rough shape, however early Airstreams are always worth something to someone. It's certainly not destined to the scrap pile.

I would say in it's current condition, it would fall in the "As Found" category on this Price vs Condition price guide, but you never know. There's lots of good information on the link, may be worthwhile reading through to get a good assessment of it's value.

Shari

[Silverhobby]

Hello and Welcome to the Forums. The Trailwind is an unusual trailer for sure. Not a lot of them around. If you do plan to sell it, I am sure you can find many people interested in restoring your rare trailer.

[szym9341]

Thanks again for the replies.. and the link to the 'Price vs Condition' table.

What makes this trailer unusual? Was their production low in 1949? (making it rare)?

[InsideOut]

Basically, the older they are = the more rare they are. In the early years, the production numbers were lower (most likely <50 this model, this year) than in the hey-day of the 60's & 70's and newer. So to find a survivor is rare, to find one in "great, original or restored shape" is very rare....those would be the ones that would really be "worth something".

Shari

[szym9341]

From the 'Price vs Condition' table I assume my trailer would be valued at the very low end of the 'As-Is' condition (i.e. $1100). Does that sound about right?

[szym9341]

Since my closet is gone, and so are the upper ceiling cabinets, is there any chance of coming across these items for sale?? Or do most restorations rebuild the closet with new materials, matching the original?

[InsideOut]

Current value sounds about right...

Most likely, you will be starting from scratch with the restoration - finding a "donor-trailer" is going to be tough... it too will be missing parts. Check out the '49 Trailwind archive to get an idea of what could be done if you were to take on this project.

As a matter of fact...the trailer you mention is shown in the archives: 5022

Shari

[reggiemon]

it just depends on how bad someone wants it.
Your $1,100 is a good value for insurance because it is worth "something" because of its age but is it a $20,000 herloom for your children? It depends on who is looking around when you really do decide to sell it at "Best Offer in 60 days".

[szym9341]

Thanks for the input. I am sure finding a 'doner-trailer' would be extremely difficult.

[Jaxon]

Hold on to that sucker & restore it. Very nice, indeed.
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