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Mike67 · 04-27-2021, 02:36 PM

New member here, trying to help my parents sell their unmolested 57.
Great, original shape and everything works.
They are not web savvy and asked me to help. I'm not an RV guy but knew Airstreams have a devout following.
They purchased it around 1980 used it once a year to go to Kerrville to hunt for several years. It's always been parked on a slab no leaks ro report either. Sometimes used it as a guest house.
What would be a fair asking price for it?
Thanks

kidjedi · 04-28-2021, 09:30 AM

I appreciate that you're trying to help someone else, but potential buyers will have a hard time believing you if you aren't completely honest. If it's always been parked on a slab, then why do the pictures show it in a permanent looking location (with a wooden front deck) and no slab? It wouldn't make a difference to me as a buyer one way or the other. Just be careful what you're claiming if it's not true.

Mike67 · 04-28-2021, 10:07 AM

That is a concrete slab , has some grass grown up over it. The pallet/ step is to help my mom step up into the the trailer, she is very short and where she used to keep a walk off mat. It was carpeted at one time but the weather has deteriorated it. If you look closely you can see the concrete in front of the step, it continues all the way under the trailer.
I beleive I stated that they used it for several years after purchasing, it's been sitting there for a long time, on a slab, sometimes it was used as a guest house when my grandad was still alive and the old house was full.
I appreciate you candor but if someone wants to come look and wondering about my truthfulness of it being in a slab, they are more than welcome to take a hammer, weed eater, shovel or whatever to verify that it is in fact on a slab.
Thanks

kidjedi · 04-28-2021, 10:53 AM

Okiedokie. Moisture is (as with all vehicles) the big killer, so that's why it matters. But if you say it's there, then I'll take you at your word

What your parents have there is an extremely desirable "13 panel" (the number of panels riveted together for the end caps).

Right now Airstream prices (and RV/trailer prices) are through the roof... double, even triple what they were before the pandemic.

Your unit is a little different, because of it's rarity and condition. It may have increased "less" in value due to these market shifts, but part of that is because it was already so desirable in the first place (moreso than the average Airstream that's been sitting around and has magically doubled in price).

Like with original automobiles, there is likely someone out there who will want to restore your parent's trailer as close to original as possible. When there is so much original already present, it would be a shame to "customize" it like so many people do with 60's and 70's trailers.

It would probably be worth the time and effort to find someone who specializes in trailers of this era vs. simply listing on Craigslist or RV Trader. I am not well versed enough in the fifties models to give meaningful pricing information, but I imagine that trailer could fetch over $25,000 in it's current condition in this (crazy) market.

Mike67 · 04-28-2021, 11:18 AM

Wow, thanks. It is definitely a time capsule, original hub caps all of the original paperwork,, even the light globes.
I tried to load pics but it over the 3MB limit slightly.

Mike67 · 04-28-2021, 11:31 AM

Here is the paper work for the 57.

kidjedi · 04-28-2021, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike67

Wow, thanks. It is definitely a time capsule, original hub caps all of the original paperwork,, even the light globes.
I tried to load pics but it over the 3MB limit slightly.

Yeah, those spun fiberglass light/lampshades will be very attractive to a vintage restoration buyer. I would suggest not *doing" anything to the trailer at this point. So many times what we think is a good thing to do (cleaning this, polishing that, replacing this) end up taking away from the value of original vintage pieces. How many people have we seen drop the value of their item on Antiques Roadshow when they polish their grandma's extremely rare lamp.

You've got a real treasure there. Best of luck finding a buyer. I hope it goes to someone who will bring it back to it's original glory.

Bubba L · 04-28-2021, 11:56 AM

Looks like a perfect project for someone to take on. Looks like a Princess stove in great condition and maybe a Dometic M16 refrigerator. Ohio built and the 13 panels changed to 7 panels later that year. Too bad it can’t stay in the family. Hope you sell it to someone who appreciates these old time capsules. Good luck and keep us posted. I would buy it but my wife won’t let me. Take care

Peter417 · 04-28-2021, 12:08 PM

I have always like the windows on these. I can imagine the conversation went something like "do you think 3 is enough, eh let's add one more".

Mike67 · 04-28-2021, 01:08 PM

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the comments. It is a really neat piece , I'm in the middle of restoring an old hot rod, that's my hobby, but would love to have it...kids are pretty much grown, and staying at a LaQuinta is my wife's idea of roughing it...God bless her.
Mom and dad have a bay boat , they live on Lk Livingston un TX, and I'm trying to talk them into buying a pontoon just for their safety.
Dad said he would think about it if I sold the camper for what I thought it was worth.
I was estimating and easy sale $15-18k based in the little knowledge I have regarding old collectables ( cars).
I saw $25 possibly, so is asking $20 still a quick sale?
Thanks again!

Bubba L · 04-28-2021, 01:42 PM

I think it would sell for that. But, interested buyers familiar with Airstreams will have questions on the condition of the floor, frame, and many other items. If the axles are original, or hadn’t been upgraded to torsion axles in the last 25 years, then that is a cost to a potential buyer. They’ll ask about hail damage sitting outdoors. Many questions. I don’t really know the best place to post an add because I’ve never sold one. I’m sure there are members who are more knowledgeable on selling sites. Maybe they’ll chime in. I would like for your parents to get a fair and reasonable price. Good luck

Mike67 · 04-28-2021, 03:21 PM

Thanks, these pics were sent by my dad a couple of days ago so that is the real condition. There are no soft spots in the floor, I am pretty sure though that is not the original linoleum or carpet. The ac under the bed still works. I'm pretty sure if there is hail damage it's very minimal.