When a seller calls their vehicle a “diamond in the rough”, there’s a few different conditions that can apply. As far what constitutes rough, it could be the cosmetics, or the location where it’s been sitting. Or, in the case of this 1984 Chevrolet Winnebago “Minnie Winnie”, it’s likely in regards to the mechanical condition. The cosmetics actually look pretty decent despite the fact that it’s clearly been sitting exposed to the elements, but given it’s listed here on craigslist in the San Francisco Bay area, rust probably isn’t an issue. The issue at hand is the need for a new transmission to pair with its so-called “strong engine.”

The seller is asking $3,900 for this example, which still wears its California blue plates. The Mini Winnies are a nice compromise for anyone looking to get into RV ownership, much like a modern day Sprinter van conversion. They’re not too big but certainly not small, so you’ll be comfortable sleeping inside with a traveling companion and maybe another friend or a few offspring. The trouble is many of these old-school campers are now in this sort of condition and hardly worth the effort to restore, but I would say the mechanical faults here are the lesser of the potential evils as it relates to a motorhome that’s been left sitting.

The insides are really the bigger concern with a vehicle like this, as they can fall victim to water intrusion, rodent infestation, homeless encampment, or in most cases, some combination of all three. This one may have some level of each, but I don’t think its current location lends itself to a wayward California resident taking up occupancy inside. The two photos of the interior inspire some hope that it’s not completely rotten inside, and other details like the original step ladder, spare tire, license plates, and sticker graphics on the sides all being present and accounted for indicate it’s been somewhat preserved for however long it’s been off the road with a busted transmission.

Now, I realize the interior photos are hardly anything to get a jolt of confidence out of, but the seller seems pretty self-assured that this is a specimen worth owning. Most of the time, sellers of old motorhomes are pretty honest about the scale of work involved, given the value of these rigs is hardly ever high. Interestingly, the seller claims it has new tires despite the inoperable transmission, so perhaps they felt it was worth investing in until the drivetrain issues materialized. The seating surfaces look respectable and the dash and center stack don’t appear to be trashed. The price still seems a touch high to me, but maybe I’d feel differently if it were pulled out of the lean-to and given a good scrubbing. What about you – is this Mini Winnie worth saving?