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zeppo · 05-11-2009, 11:27 AM

I joined this forum minutes ago as I am looking to tap into the combined knowledge of it's members. I am considering the purchase of a 1949 Silver Streak Sabre 17 footer, this unit looks to be in OK condition that is judging from photos of limited clarity. The owner claims the unit is in "unbelievable" condition. (That could be taken two ways) The equipment is mainly original including the copper plumbing. This trailer is quite far away from where I live so dropping over to check it out is out of the question, unless I can establish that it may be worth the trip. The trailer is listed at $11,000 Cdn OBO. My question, is this in the ball park. I know it's hard to say given the limited info I have supplied, but thats where I'm at. There was a 1967 21ft. Silver Streak that was apparently in good shape that sold for about $6800.00 Cdn. recently, this makes we wonder about the $11,000.00. Any suggestions appreciated.

**Stefrobrts** · 05-11-2009, 11:33 AM

Maybe you can find someone in the area to go check it out for you. I don't know about you, but I certainly don't have $11k to spend sight unseen. I think for that amount of money it would be worth an airplane ticket to go check it out, and if you like it put it in storage and have it transported home later. There's just too much that can be wrong with a trailer that even a hundred good pictures wouldn't show.

pageclot · 05-11-2009, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeppo

I joined this forum minutes ago as I am looking to tap into the combined knowledge of it's members. I am considering the purchase of a 1949 Silver Streak Sabre 17 footer, this unit looks to be in OK condition that is judging from photos of limited clarity. The owner claims the unit is in "unbelievable" condition. (That could be taken two ways) The equipment is mainly original including the copper plumbing. This trailer is quite far away from where I live so dropping over to check it out is out of the question, unless I can establish that it may be worth the trip. The trailer is listed at $11,000 Cdn OBO. My question, is this in the ball park. I know it's hard to say given the limited info I have supplied, but thats where I'm at. There was a 1967 21ft. Silver Streak that was apparently in good shape that sold for about $6800.00 Cdn. recently, this makes we wonder about the $11,000.00. Any suggestions appreciated.

Is this the unit? (in Grand Prairie, AB):

1949 Silver Streak on Kijiji

If it is, it looks nice and clean, but for $11K for a smaller trailer....I'd be wanting something, I don't know, bigger or nicer.

---

Kevin

zeppo · 05-11-2009, 12:15 PM

Yes, that is the one, It's actually in Camrose Alberta. The price was 13k now it's 11k, I'm surprised that it is still on the market, perhaps it's because the price is unrealistic, that's what I'm trying to find out.

wkerfoot · 05-11-2009, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeppo

Yes, that is the one, It's actually in Camrose Alberta. The price was 13k now it's 11k, I'm surprised that it is still on the market, perhaps it's because the price is unrealistic, that's what I'm trying to find out.

Zeppo,

It does not look like a 1949 to me.

Bill

zeppo · 05-11-2009, 01:05 PM

I received a photo alledgedly showing the manufacturers badge, it shows Silver Streak Trailer company, El Monte Ca. serial number 2SC-S249. The current owners claim it was #2 of three built. Anyone able to decipher the sn.?

Aerowood · 05-11-2009, 01:28 PM

I think that it is most likely something after 1964 as they didn't use the anodized panels until after 1964.

Kip

easyride · 05-11-2009, 02:18 PM

Don`t know how to decipher # ,but I would think it was the 249th one for that year.
I agree it looks too new to be a 49.Dave

tallytwo1994 · 05-11-2009, 02:22 PM

Zeppo,

I don't believe this is a 1949 SS trailer. For various reasons I believe it is circa 1960 (the frig looks later). You should check out Tom Patterson's web site for Silver Streak information including photos of various models & years.

Silver Streak entry page

In addition, the price seems very high to me. If I was looking for a small 1960's aluminum trailer that has not been renovated I wouldn't pay more than $5000 - 6000 dollars. You can tell form the photos it needs work and what you can't see are the 40 year old electric wires, plumbing, propane lines, and insullation. Now if it were really a 1949 - the price might fly.

Carol

**Stefrobrts** · 05-11-2009, 02:23 PM

I agree, that looks like a mid-60's unit to me. Looks like the furnace has been replaced with a modern unit as well, you can see the patch panel next to the door with the modern furnace exhaust mounted to it. That awning rail looks really out of place to me too.

In Airstreams the smallest ones are very desirable and go for top dollar. The owner may be hoping that will work for him as well. With just those pictures to go by, I'd have to say it doesn't really look like anything that special to me, and I doubt it's period correct or restored (which I would expect for that price), which means you'll be investing time and money in fixing something, you just don't know what yet. When I bought my trailer it was ready to camp in, but two years later I was replacing the axle, the furnace, the fridge, and half the floor! There's a lot that can be going on in an old trailer and you won't know until you get your hands on it.

Frank's Trailer Works · 05-11-2009, 02:55 PM

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Here is a 1949 Silver Streak

Frank's Trailer Works · 05-11-2009, 03:01 PM

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Here is a 65... very close. I think you have a 62 there and the price is very high for something that will need structural renovations. Good trailers though, I like the anodized aluminum and they are super sturdy rigs.

Wayne&Sam · 05-11-2009, 06:18 PM

I don't see it listed anymore.

Ganaraska · 05-11-2009, 07:12 PM

Here is the ad:

1949 Silver Streak Sabre Trailer - Grande Prairie Cars & Vehicles - Kijiji Grande Prairie

I found it by doing a Google search for "Kijiji Silver Streak trailer" then hitting "cached".

It is definitely not a 49 model and it is definitely overpriced. Rednax just sold a "perfect" early 80s 32 foot or 34 foot model. He had a price of $10,000 on it and it took about 6 months to sell.

A trailer like that should be worth more like $3000 to $5000. If you don't mind travelling to the US you can get a better one for that kind of money or less.

Here is a web site I like for such searches. It is a car sales site mash.

site mash : silver streak : combined classified and auction listings

I clicked on "RV" and did a search for "Silver Streak" and got 67 listings from $1000 to $12500. Including a genuine 1949 Silver Streak Clipper.
Sierra Trailer Restoration - 1948 Clipper

It was on Ebay with a buy it now of $16,500 and got NO bids.

Or you could buy an Airstream like everybody else

zeppo · 05-11-2009, 08:18 PM

Thanks for all the invaluable info. I would have been ticked off had I wasted money driving or flying to Camrose to see this trailer, and even more so had I discovered it wasn't what it was reported to be after the cheque cleared the bank. I will continue looking for a vintage unit, and I will again be seeking advice from this forum, Thanks again.

lgrose · 05-11-2009, 09:49 PM

Hello
I just wanted everyone to know that I am the owner of the silver streak sabre. I nice gentleman emailed me and said it was not a 1949? I emailed him back and said that we had purchased it as a 1949 (on the bill of sale)
It had been up for auction 8 or so years ago and we phoned assuming it was a misprint. Owner was at the sale said it was a 1949. Insurance for trailer had been registered as a 1949. We had our Home Insurance man come and look at it so that we could put a value on it. He told us it was a 1949 and with a s.n. of 2 in front of it meant the 2nd one off the line.
We are absolutely and honest family and would not have intentionally led anyone to believe something we did not think was true. My husband had mentioned to the person interested in the trailer that we could take it to B.C. for him to look at as we have relatives there. As to the value of $11,000.00... We were told to insure it at $13,000.00. I had no idea exactly what kind of dollar value to put on a supposedly 1949 trailer. I did know that old 1975 boler trailers were being advertised at 6-7,000.00.
There is no stuctural damage, interior damage or anything else wrong with this trailer. It is in a-1 condition. We live on a farm and we have decided to keep the trailer and store it. Whatever the year, it is still a great trailer. Thank you again to the gentleman for emailing to let us know of our error.

Frank's Trailer Works · 05-12-2009, 03:06 AM

Dates are very easy to confuse. Serial numbers are also very easy to misread, for they are a code. I do not think you were trying to misrepresent the Saber. As I said in my original post, SS are good trailers. I suggest finding out what it really is and having a good laugh of it all. As far as my earlier comment about a "structural restoration"... well, any trailer that age has issues you cannot easily see. I can guarantee that fact. You must have a good insurance company to set that kind of value. Here in the States, most want to under value them. Take that trailer out and lets go camping....

tallytwo1994 · 05-12-2009, 10:44 AM

It's funny but this ad shows the year as a 1960 with the original price of $13,000. Not sure why it says 1949 in the paragraph though.

1960 Silver Streak sabre

zeppo · 05-12-2009, 11:50 AM

I just read the posting from the owner of the 49 Silver Streak, and I accept their explanation as to the confusion over the trailers vintage. It would be interesting to have that sn deciphered in any case, I would be interested as I'm sure the owners would be. As a point of interest a 1968 21ft, Silver Streak in good condition recently sold for something less than the asking price of $6800.00, this unit was located in Powell River BC.