Roy,
I think in the unnamed persons defense , what he is referring to is if
the '48 Trailwind was in original complete condition the trailer would
be worth a lot more than if someone had heavily modified and "updated"
it. That is a very accurate statement. How much more is open for debate.
What creates the appeal to vintage Airstream affectionados is the look
and feel of the period appliances. fixtures and materials. Otherwise it
is something pretending what it is not.
At the other extreme is where the restorer comes in and salvages a
"basket case" caused by neglect or damage, and does the community a
service by bringing it back in any form they see fit - but it will
always be a "hot rod" and not a "classic" Airstream.
The Bowen hot water heater covers are a good example: which has more
appeal, the "work of art in sheetmetal" original or the flat flimsy
modern replacement? Same with a toilet - a porcelain original or a
plastic Aqua-Magic? An Ogden stainless steel water purifier or an
undercounter replacement? And so on...
There is a finite supply of older Airstreams, and the production history
list being prepared for the VAC archives show it is a very very limited
supply of the '40's & '50's models. Once they are lost or modified,
they are gone forever. Sometimes it is hard, but we have to remember we
are temporary caretakers of the trailers, that someone after we are dust
will either curse or praise us, the current "owners".
Well, so much getting any website work done tonight, Monday Night
Football is on......
Later,
RJ
Roy Lashway wrote:
>
> >Remember when that guy brought a Chippledale highboy
> >in for an Antique Roadshow TV show appraisal. The
> >piece was worth $175,000. However, since the guy had
> >"cleaned it up and refinished it" it was only worth
> >$15,000. To get a collector price for an Airstream
> >you need to have it in near original condition. The
> >'48 Wee Wind on E-bay would have brought more money in
> >"as-is" original condition.
> >A collector would not even consider an item so
> >extensively altered.
> =============
> You are over your head on this one. Please let us know of at least one
> antique trailer buying and selling company who will support your view.
> These trailers are not antique's that is why the term vintage is used.
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