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Post by dayvanman on Aug 4, 2011 23:35:56 GMT
Hello everyone, ive found this Safari in Devon, ive contacted the owner and today i was given a closer look at her.. I first saw this van about 9yrs ago whilst driving my truck and it hasnt moved since, the farmer said its been here for 30-40yrs and had belonged to a family from up north that had an arrangement with the farmers father to leave it there perminantly so they could come and holiday without towing it, which they did for many many years. Sadly the owner of the caravan past away around 10 yrs ago and the farmer was asked to despose of the old caravan... he didnt, he since used it for storing grain etc but now has no use for it and is happy to let her go but is unsure of its value?? Does anyone know the age of her?? Does anyone know the value?? I ve been inside her and was impessed, although dirty and abit smelly she was dry and felt solid to walk on, the interiour was comlpete although dirty as expected. There was some damp due to a damaged sky light. The outside appears straight and strong with just one tail light missing, all glass is fine. Im very worryid about the underneath as i couldnt see it untill the famer pulls it out onto better ground but i could see the aframe ball hitch and jockey wheel and that seemed solid enough. I do want this van either as a resto or even to sit her in my garden as she looks so nice, im not a caravan expert at all so can someone tell me what ive found and her value please. Attachments:
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Post by dayvanman on Aug 4, 2011 23:37:57 GMT
Rear view Attachments:
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Post by dayvanman on Aug 4, 2011 23:45:33 GMT
front view Attachments:
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Post by dayvanman on Aug 4, 2011 23:50:43 GMT
It looks the same as Bobs 1962 17-4??
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Post by Brian M on Aug 5, 2011 7:20:37 GMT
Hi Dayvanman and welcome to the group.
Yes - you have found a 17ft Safari made between 1962 and 1967. From what I think I can see on the roof above the entrance door, my guess would be 62-63 rather than later. The exact year can be found if the specification sticker is still by the door. The first two digits of the serial number are the year of manufacture.
These were made as two or four berth, from the outside I can't say which yours is. Four berths are rarer and worth a little more.
You say there is a bit of damp - has this got into the structure behind the walls - if so this reduces the value.
The problem with any caravan that has not moved for years is that the chassis, floor, axle, suspension, wheel bearings and brakes, corner steadies, tow bar and tow hitch will have deteriorated to some extent or another.
All of these items are expensive and difficult to replace/repair and will need careful checking before the Safari is towed on the highway.
If you want the Safari just as a garden room and the towability isn't so important, then you only need to think about the transport costs, but on a 17ft this is not going to be cheap!
As to value - between £10 and £1000 ;D
I personally would not pay more than £100 for it based on your description.
Hope this helps and please keep us advised of what you decide.
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Post by dayvanman on Aug 5, 2011 19:15:15 GMT
Thanks Brian very helpfull, next job is to see the underside.... im not sure of the berth? it has to 2 bench seats at front with a single bed opp the door with kitchen at the rear?
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Post by henry on Oct 31, 2013 16:49:25 GMT
I bought this for myself on eBay it will be with me next week more details to follow
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Post by Brian M on Nov 1, 2013 8:35:54 GMT
Gary - As soon as you get it, please please put me out of my misery and measure it, or provide model type and serial number. From the ebay pictures it somehow looks longer than a regular 17ft, but even after forensic examination of the pictures I am still undecided on its actual length. It might just be that the strange awning rail to the rear of the front window makes it look longer than it really is. Thanks
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Post by henry on Nov 10, 2013 21:16:06 GMT
Brian
I promise to put every detail on here along with lots of photos when I get it home it may be a few weeks yet I've been mucked about a bit by a few different transporter company's I'm now planning a road trip to go collect her after I get back from Holliday
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Post by henry on Nov 12, 2013 17:28:07 GMT
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