Airstream Argosy 20

[o1marc]

Why are these things made of unobtainium. While I did finally find one and bought it for a buddy, rarely have I run into an item that was just nearly impossible to find. He wanted a 20, not a 24, 26, 28, etc., which I found easily. But the 20 is just extremely rare to find. Why is this? Granted they only made them from 74-78. Were they a low production unit? Are they all scrapped or owners just don't let them loose. I found this one for $3500, is that a good deal, high, or average for one in this condition?
Thanks for any info,
Marc

[1973Argosy]

Would love to see some inside pictures but I can't see how you could go wrong at 3500.00.

[Gearheart]

They never made that many of them. Those that didn't die are well loved.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by 1973Argosy

Would love to see some inside pictures but I can't see how you could go wrong at 3500.00.

Inside needs work.But Jack plans on stripping it out and starting from scratch.

[martin300662]

They only made a few hundred of rear bathroom models (like that 1978 example), many many less of the rear bedroom (panorama rear window) versions.

Like anything that is hard to find, and you want one, pay the price and be happy, or carry on waiting.

On any of these MH, the purchase price is just the entrance fee anyway, so think $5-10K in mechanical parts (plus labor if paying someone to do it) to get it back on the road and anything up to and over 6 figures to do a full rebuilt.

Unobtainium also applies to the majority of the Airstream supplied parts and whilst most can be replaced with new/modern not all can.....just as an example the photos show the cab roof panel is off; if it is not there/repairable the only way to replace is from a donor. As you say the longer units are much more common so I needed to buy a 28ft donor just to supply parts during Bella's rebuild. Virtually none of the body panels, bumpers etc are available as replacements

There is a specific Argosy forum in the motorhome section that will give you more examples.

[Aldo]

I lost my,20' to the fire that destroyed Paradise California. Do you want to sell yours?

[1973Argosy]

Originally Posted by Aldo

I lost my,20' to the fire that destroyed Paradise California. Do you want to sell yours?

Hate to hear another is gone forever. Hopefully you and yours can regain some normalcy. Did the fire spare your home?

[Aldo]

Unfortunately, nothing was spared. I lost my house, everything that I own, including my extremely rare 2005 MR2 Spyder, lifetime collections and my 20' Argosy motorhome. I have not been allowed to visit the property to evaluate the degree of destruction. If there are any salvageable parts, I will ensure that the passing of my motorhome will ensure a better life for another that is still enjoying the freedom of the road.

[Isuzusweet]

Originally Posted by Aldo

Unfortunately, nothing was spared. I lost my house, everything that I own, including my extremely rare 2005 MR2 Spyder, lifetime collections and my 20' Argosy motorhome. I have not been allowed to visit the property to evaluate the degree of destruction. If there are any salvageable parts, I will ensure that the passing of my motorhome will ensure a better life for another that is still enjoying the freedom of the road.

Judging by the heat intensity of that fire, even the aluminum will not be salvagable.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony