Value of unrestored early Bambi

[Foxhill farm]

Hello. I’m a new member and looking to purchase an old 1961 Bambi that has had no renovations since new.

Assuming the exterior is without major dents and all is the windows are there what is the value range of such a camper?

Is this a $500 or $5,000 piece?

Thanks
Brock

[jeffb831]

A good guide about what goes into used AS pricing can be found here: https://vintageairstream.com/airstream-price-guide/

Only note is those prices are from 2010 so adjust as needed.

[Belegedhel]

Welcome to the Forums!

It really depends on the condition it is in. Usually, "unrestored" or "original" condition just means there is a lot of work to be done. There are folks who value the original look and materials, but 60 year old plastic disintegrates, and wood rots.

All that being said, the rule of thumb is that the smaller and older a trailer is, the higher the price. I would guess that even if the trailer needs a complete rebuild, $5000 would be a good price.

good luck!

[overlander64]

Greetings Brock! Welcome to the Forums and the world of Vintage Airstreams!

Originally Posted by Foxhill farm

Hello. I’m a new member and looking to purchase an old 1961 Bambi that has had no renovations since new.

Assuming the exterior is without major dents and all is the windows are there what is the value range of such a camper?

Is this a $500 or $5,000 piece?

Thanks
Brock

You are looking at what has often been one of the more sought after Vintage Airstreams -- the first generation Bambi (1961-1963). Their prices/values have always been somewhat stronger than similar model year larger Airstreams. This price/value differential has reduced to some degree during the past decade, but it is the longer Airstreams that have gained in value while the first generation Bambi has held its own or gone up in value at a slightly slower rate than its longer stablemates. My suspicion is that unless the interior is absolutely beyond use, the minimum starting point for price is likely to be around $5,000. Should the interior be well preserved and in usable condition as is, then the value could be close to twice that much if not more.

Good luck with your quest!

Kevin

[fiftysafari]

I saw a Bambi ...just a shell on a frame ...go for a ridiculous amount of money in 2010. Bought on eBay in Pennsylvania to be shipped to the UK.
So $5000 and up is more likely than $500.
Best of luck!

[75Bob]

I purchased my 1975 25' As for $8,000 then put $30,000 in it. Your not going to touch a Bambi for under $15,000. The smaller and older the more desirable. To AS remodelers those things are like gold. Make it beautiful and sell it for $80,000. Nice to dream though. Happy New Year

[1963Bambi]

Originally Posted by 75Bob

I purchased my 1975 25' As for $8,000 then put $30,000 in it. Your not going to touch a Bambi for under $15,000. The smaller and older the more desirable. To AS remodelers those things are like gold. Make it beautiful and sell it for $80,000. Nice to dream though. Happy New Year

Amen! Full disclosure is in my current ad for my 1963 Bambi. $20k invested, but I have decided to sell. Buyers vs sellers have their various deal and negotiation advantages. Mine is that I am in no hurry to sell - have time to find the right buyer that appreciates the trailer and the value.

[Foxhill farm]

I appreciate the input from everyone on my question. It seems like with everything it’s worth what someone is willing to pay and there are many people that will pay a lot for these old trailers . Thanks to all for the advice.
Brock