This 1985 Airstream 345 is a behemoth, but in all the right ways. It’s a massive road machine that truly embodies the idea of a home on wheels. This Airstream is a low-mileage example that the family owners intended to refresh and bring back to life, but an unfortunate component replacement gone wrong has led to the Airstream being parked and now up for grabs here on eBay where bids have reached over $17,000 with no reserve.
The design is surprisingly stylish, especially when you look at the rear end treatment. I’ve always loved this model with its gigantic wraparound rear glass sections, which creates a living room-like experience at the back of the motorhome. The listing notes the windows in this case are plexiglass, which make me wonder if the original glass panels were previously replaced. The bodywork appears to be in good condition overall, and even with its years of sitting outside, I don’t see too much evidence of sun damage. Mileage is said to be sitting at 14,000.
Wow – look at that cabin! This is a huge living space, and is one of those rare motorhome models where it really does feel like a home on wheels. The seating surfaces all appear to be in excellent condition with clean upholstery and no major tears or rips. The two recliners are a nice touch, and there is a booth-style seating area with a table for eating or playing cards. It looks like the floors have been updated with vinyl plank coverings. Storage compartments abound throughout the space.
In every picture, you see plenty of daylight flowing into the cabin, which is a nod to the Airstream designers who placed an emphasis on lots of windows. Now, the mechanical issues: the seller mentions that a starter replacement may have seemed like a simple job, but in the course of the installation, the installers neglected to add the necessary shims and it broke 3 to 4 teeth on the flywheel. So, it needs a new flywheel, along with some other typical motorhome items like an AC blend door, spotlight, and a replacement window in the kitchen area. Bidding is strong; will this Airstream project sail past $20K?
While you’re replacing the flywheel would be a perfect time to just go ahead and put in an 8.1.
My Airstream Class A is newer, 2005, with a fiberglass body on a Workhorse chassis with the 8.1. The PO took it down to Banks Engineering so air input and exhaust are major improved, including the #10 can-size exhaust. It doesn’t exactly lep down the 1/4 mile but it does not slow down up hills, just roars along, and…it passes smog.
Or go ZZ502, ZZ572 crate engines.
The ZZ632 could also do, if you don’t mind the throttle body poking through the dog house.
Then you’d have a sweet drag and drive home on wheels.
And broke from the gas bills.
Which is killing the market for vehicles like this, 15 mile cities, here we come.
#JustNoLS
*waves to Moncton Carnut, from Allen, currently near Winnipeg*
I think the “345” is for how many feet long it looks in the first picture.
Wow the inside looks great!!
Makes me want it ! What a man cave for sure! I’m talking some serious partying in that sweet ride maybe tow a 1971 Corvette LS5, 4 speed with A/C in a enclosed trailer for quick trips in the Ratmobile for supplies or passengers!
How sweet it would be! I just read it’s powered by a Rat towing a Rat so it’s double Rat !
Just think- if you called your wife in the bathroom of this vehicle from the driver’s seat, she may actually be in a different time zone (or state)…
Moncton Carnut has the right idea. 8.1 V-8. I had a 1987 Winnebago Elanden 37ft with the tag axle like this one. I quickly found out just how UNDERPOWERED it was. The Chevy 454ci just didn’t put out enough power. It would go but ANY “slight uphill climbs” and my foot was all the way to the floor. STEEP climbs and I was down to 20-25 mph. If whoever buys this very nice Airstream motor home, might want to check out some “inexpensive” options for power boost/enhancement because the engines didn’t get better until around 1990.
A turbo diesel repower and presto more power on the lower end. Someone did it to a Winnie Brave a few years back it worked out pretty good. Had the fastest rv on the block
There is one of these in a storage lot outside of Front Royal Virginia. It’s in just as good a shape, with a for sale sign on it. I dont know what the seller wants but it says runs good.
Is there anyway you can send me the information for this airstream you saw on the side of the road or storage place? My phone number is 310–2 79–9014.
If you don’t know how to drive it that tail swing will get you in trouble in a hurry nice rig but we’re in the market for a nice class C
Troy, I have a 26ft couchman 2021 on EBay if you are interested. Thanks again John sorry I forgot my number 612-817-4429
Years ago I made my living driving a bus. It wasn’t a vacation.
Nice vehicle… I worked with a guy in Sherman Tx who owned a rig like this. I loved it, but didn’t have the money at that time.
Now I’m just old and don’t have the money…. this would be great to travel the US, but watch your mileage for the month to make sure you don’t run out of SS money for gas…. LOL
Beautiful looking motorhome. Given its age and condition, I’d be willing to pay around the asking price, and I’d keep as much original as I can, while also upgrading a few things.
Among the upgrades I’d give it would be a Duramax 6.6 litre V8 Turbo Diesel engine.