1975 Argosy value

[alhamilton]

Considering buying a 75 Argosy 26' and wonder about value? Last pricing thread was in 2011. Have they gone up and if so how much. I see asking prices close to $30K. Thanks,
al

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by alhamilton

Considering buying a 75 Argosy 26' and wonder about value? Last pricing thread was in 2011. Have they gone up and if so how much. I see asking prices close to $30K. Thanks,
al

There is a big difference between asking and getting.

If it is on the road and in use, $8-12K.

If it is isn't in use $2-4K because it will cost $10K to get it back in the road.

If it is all original and all working you may make $15K. Generally the short ones go for more (ie 20fts go for more than 24ft/26ft that go for more than 28fts). A recent sale of a 40 year barn find 20ft that was near cosmetically perfect (needs a little interior work) but that was running and driving made $10K - so that tells you the market.

People like shinny things so the only ones going for over $20K are the 20fts that folks have spent $5-6K (or put equivalent effort into) and polished, to try and make the MH Airstream never did, ie a shorty Classic.

Just remember the purchase price is the cost of entry, not what you will spend. So Bella (1975 20ft) cost $4.5K to buy then cost 50x that to build, Peanut (1977 20ft) cost $2.2K to buy and even with Brad and Ernie doing the work on it has so far cost 7x that to get back on the road (even though he is still, as Brad describes, cosmetically challenged, and all the internal systems need to be gone through)

[bkahler]

It seems prices can be all over the map. Like Martin mentioned the short 20' Argosies seem to draw a premium, more so if they are in good shape. I can also attest to the fact that when they are in poor condition you'll find that you now own a money pit!

I think the important thing when buying an Airstream Argosy or Classic motorhome is to go in with your eyes open realizing that there will ALWAYS be hidden expenses over and above what you may have already identified.

Brad

[alhamilton]

Originally Posted by bkahler

It seems prices can be all over the map. Like Martin mentioned the short 20' Argosies seem to draw a premium, more so if they are in good shape. I can also attest to the fact that when they are in poor condition you'll find that you now own a money pit!

I think the important thing when buying an Airstream Argosy or Classic motorhome is to go in with your eyes open realizing that there will ALWAYS be hidden expenses over and above what you may have already identified.

Brad

Hi Brad, thanks for the info. How many 20'ers did they make?
al

[Lumatic]

Depends a lot on condition. Has it been rebuilt from the frame up? A partial rebuild? What is new? What has been replaced? What is original?

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by alhamilton

Hi Brad, thanks for the info. How many 20'ers did they make?
al

I don't think anyone knows how many of each model that Airstream made. The 20s were made from 74 to I think 78. 10 out of the 52 Argosies listed in my little database of vin numbers I've mined from the forums and ebay are 20' so maybe 1 in 5 Argosies are 20'. Not exactly a definitive count but it gives you an idea of how rare they might be.

Brad

[Isuzusweet]

Al

Trust me, you have far more important things to worry about buying a 40+ year old motorhome than what it is worth, or going to be worth; as you could easily sink far more than it's worth, just to get it mobile. If you get someone else to do the work for you, times that by a factor of 4 or even 5.

These old queens are always worth more to their owners than buyers.

Cheers
Tony

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

Al

Trust me, you have far more important things to worry about buying a 40+ year old motorhome than what it is worth

There is probably more of a demand for a vintage Argosy or Airstream than other brands, but restoring a vintage trailer is a labor of love, an investment not so much. IMHO generally speaking you would be lucky to break even.

Take your time and get a coach that is structurally sound.

The best deals out there are coaches that someone else has done or started the work.

Most important is approach as fun.

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by Lumatic

There is probably more of a demand for a vintage Argosy or Airstream than other brands, but restoring a vintage trailer is a labor of love, an investment not so much. IMHO generally speaking you would be lucky to break even.

Take your time and get a coach that is structurally sound.

The best deals out there are coaches that someone else has done or started the work.

Most important is approach as fun.

Do you realize Al is asking about a motorhome not a trailer Lumatic?

The mechanical work is must more significant and complex on a MH than a trailer. Yes the bodywork and systems are common but a MH restoration is more a kin to restoring a vintage truck and a vintage trailer at the same time.

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by martin300662

Do you realize Al is asking about a motorhome not a trailer Lumatic?

The mechanical work is must more significant and complex on a MH than a trailer. Yes the bodywork and systems are common but a MH restoration is more a kin to restoring a vintage truck and a vintage trailer at the same time.

No, I did not snap to that. Given this is a MH I am not so sure the same generalities about value from above posts apply equally.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by martin300662

Do you realize Al is asking about a motorhome not a trailer Lumatic?

The mechanical work is must more significant and complex on a MH than a trailer. Yes the bodywork and systems are common but a MH restoration is more a kin to restoring a vintage truck and a vintage trailer at the same time.

The worst part is the MH and trailer parts are all trying to occupy the same space!

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by Lumatic

No, I did not snap to that. Given this is a MH I am not so sure the same generalities about value from above posts apply equally.

I think they do as the guys giving the numbers are all MH owners - they are real numbers.

[alhamilton]

After driving the 75 Argosy 26 around for the last week I am still pleased that I made a good decision. Price was right after Martin gave me the good numbers. Thanks to everyone. See you on the road.
al