SPARTAN IMPERIAL MANSION 37 FOOT DOUBLE ENDER (1954)
Sale price: US $5,000.00 Make an Offer
| Condition: | Used |
| Year: | 1954 |
| Make: | Spartan |
Marshfield, Massachusetts, United States
Vehicle description
1954 SPARTAN Imperial Mansion 37 FOOT "DOUBLE ENDER". This is a NO RESERVE AUCTION FOR the last of my big Spartans. The trailer was purchased several years ago in Minnesota where it had been used as a hunting cabin. It"s a big trailer, but it towed easily behind my F350. To the best of my knowledge, this model was only sold in 1953 and 1954, and was the last of the original classic style Spartans that began production in 1946. It is referred to as a "double ender" because of the wrap around "observation deck" windows that were now installed on the rear end as well. This feature made for a far more spacious sleeping compartment in comparison to the earlier fast back design. Headroom and natural light are both dramatically improved while maintaining the coziness of the original design with the gently curved wall to ceiling detail. The flat paneled interiors of the "55 and later models tend to look and feel "boxy" by comparison. If you are unfamiliar with Spartans, you should know that they were created from the DNA of the Spartan Aircraft Company, then owned by John Paul Getty. In contrast to Airstreams, and almost all other travel trailers of the era, they were built to an aircraft like specification, in an aircraft factory, by a workforce of aircraft builders. The visible lines of double riveted seams give a hint of this, but to see one with the interior walls removed would make you think you were actually inside an airplane. Simply put, a Spartan makes an Airstream look like a fragile tin can. The trailer still sits on the same tires that brought it from Minnesota to Massachusetts. The exterior is in generally excellent condition for a 60 plus year old trailer, and should polish up to a mirror finish if so desired. The original wheel skirts are not installed but are included inside the trailer. The most significant damage is at the curbside entrance door as shown in the pictures. This is mainly limited to the outer door skin itself. Hinges and jambs are in reasonable condition and the door swings closed and latches with the obviously non original lock shown. The minor damage to the front right corner should be an easy fix. At the rear, the original glass tail lights are still present. The lower rear corners below the rub rail are both dented which is not unusual on such a long, low trailer. All side window frames are intact with original glass present. One or two are cracked, and one is broken. The original (and expensive to replace) three section end cap windows are fully intact at both front and rear. The roof is in excellent condition with typical hail damage as shown. The interior has definitely suffered over time as shown in the pictures. The floor is solid from front to back with the only problems being at the rearmost corners. The original Dixie oven/range, and original sink are still in place. The bath room was completely removed by the previous owners. Original hall cabinets and drawers are intact as is the bedroom closet. The original bed frame and bolster are still present. The rear door and screen door are complete and functional. This could be a fantastic tiny house or future AirBNB. It is sold with bill of sale only, as is, where is, with no implied warranty. It is for sale locally, and this auction may be ended at any time. A non-refundable deposit of $200.00 from the winning bidder is due within 24 hours of the conclusion of the auction. Pick up or shipping is entirely the responsibility of the buyer. I will be happy to assist. Look closely at the photos for contact information! NO RESERVE!