I stopped and looked at a 1950 silver streak clipper today (I think it's 18 foot) and I am thinking about buying it but I know very little about these things. I know there are some guys on here who know what they are looking at. My main question is value the guy wants $12K for it which seems like a lot but it may be in line. What do you guys think it's worth? everything looks pretty original inside but restored by the current owner, it is roadworthy and ready to go. I know it's hard to judge from pictures but I am jut looking for a bit of guidance before I jump in. Thanks Terrence Mods If this is too OT just delete.
Go to the Tin Can Tourist site and look at the past ads and that wuill get you a feel for what they are selling for.
I looked there but couldn't find anything really comparable. I don't mind spending the money I just would like to know if I need to sell it in a few years I can get close to what I paid for it. Thanks Terrence
That seems like fully priced Airstream territory, but it looks ready to enjoy. Same price as similar sizes new ones but way cooler.
Looks nice to me, much better than some I have seen. These things are expensive to restore so buying one done is not a bad idea as long as you like the details. BTW - the smaller they are, the more $ they cost.
Nice looking trailer. I am bias towards old campers but I don't think the price is bad. I fixed up a Spartan and have way more than that in mine. I am not sure if the Silver Streaks have an aluminum structure holding the walls and ceiling like the Spartans have, but if so, they are quite strong and last for years. I would avoid wood framed trailers. Neal
In this market, it seems a bit high. But yes if you buy it and put it storage and keep it polished and not use it,, it should be close in value to what you paid, just like classic cars. I have had two Airstreams, and now we have a 70 Avion, 62 Santa Fe an Chick uses a 28' Silver Clipper as a art studio. Vintage trailers are a life style, just like classic cars, if you drive em and enjoy them, it costs. But in the long run, what a fun time it is! So you lose a few bucks when you sell, the questions is,,, did you have a good time and did you see some great parts of America?
I agree as well. that is a good buy, not a screaming deal. But I 've seen similiar size and vintage recently in that price range that need polish and lots of interior work.....I'd buy it if it was closer.
Airstream is the benchmark for all early camper trailers but Silverstreak and Avion were among the top quality marques too. If this one makes your heart beat faster buy it and enjoy.
Just like an auto, the frame is important. If it has a pan underneath, I would at least remove it partially to look at the braces which on an Airstream are steel and they can rust out. Welding new braces in with a wood floor may not end up to be a pretty picture, so better to disassemble... With only two tires condition and age of those is important as well as the bearings and electric brake set up if it has it. Has the electrical been upgraded? New inverter? Everything work? Leaks around window seals?... Any pictures of work done? Receipts? Hope it works out, Larry
I'd say you would be paying for what you didn't have to do to restore an entry level priced one. That isn't a bad thing. This might be of use to you. http://www.airstreamclassifieds.com/ http://www.vintage-airstream.com/
I'm a huge vintage trailer nut. That one is easily worth the $12k based on these pictures. The older and smaller they are the more they are worth. The big thing to watch for in any antique trailer is the frame. The tongues have a tendency to rot out from the inside. I've towed several that looked great until Blammo, the trailers brake in half going down the road. Moisture often gets trapped in the insulation belly pan and rots them out. Another thing is always stomp inside a trailer like a Nazi parade whenever you are looking to buy one like this. The ones that have a double hull like this one often don't show leaks. Water runs down the inside of the wall and rots the floor and frame out. People will often place new plywood over the rotted floor to hide the rot. If you feel a soft spot, that usually means a complete body off restoration. The trailers that have a birch wood interior usually show the leaks pretty easily with water stains and delamination. The early Silver Streak trailers like the one you posted are pretty sought after.
Be sure to check the weight. Some of them old aluminum trailers look light but are quite the load to tow. Gary
This forum is the place to go for information about vintage Airstream type trailers. The Silver Streak is actually related to the Airstream, they built them in the same plant. http://www.airforums.com/forums/f417/
I went down and looked at it again according to the seller it weighs 2200 Lbs. As much as I could tell it looks solid underneath. It spent most of it's life in Utah and has been in Colorado since 1995 the main tongue tube has been lengthened 18". he said it was done to match the length of the same size Airstream and improve towing. I am still on the fence since it is alot of money for something that doesn't move under its own power.
Come on man, just buy it! It will be lots of fun, and when you're tired of it, let it go to someone else.
Having owned 2 Airstreams, a 59 Mallard, and presently own a 64 Avion, I say buy it if you like it. The price seems in line with the rarity, and condition. If it appears that the work has been done correctly, you will be able to get your money out of it when you are done with it.
^^^^ This I also have a 1960 Avion and the trailer in similar codition. I looked at several "online" across the U.S. and the price for this one seems fair. Did you buy it?
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