Did you ever think you’d put the words “Eleganza” and “donated vehicle” together? Now you can, as this classic GMC camper is up for grabs for peanuts courtesy of one of eBay’s leading resellers of donated vehicles. This GMC is perhaps one of the few RVs that escapes (narrowly) the stigma that old motorhomes carry of being incredibly cheap but also incredibly expensive to maintain – or flat-out restore, in cases like these. Fortunately, the Eleganza that someone gave to a local charity does still run, albeit with some mechanical issues to sort out, but at least these hold their values well enough to make it worthwhile. Find it here on eBay with bidding at $3,550 and no reserve.
These GMC-built campers made RV ownership slightly more feasible, as they weren’t as imposing to maneuver through crowded environments as bigger homes-on-wheels. The packaging overall was a major achievement, as it combined front wheel drive and a lower profile, and was built entirely by GM’s in-house operations. Most of the RVs of this era were bare chassis shipped to an aftermarket manufacturer for final assembly of the body and interiors, but not the Eleganza: this was a GM-built product, using running gear from the Olds Toronado and Caddy Eldorado of the same era.
The interiors featured clever packaging making the most of the GMC’s footprint. That means plenty of space to sleep and sit, not to mention lounge around while playing a board game. Despite being a donated vehicle, the interior of this motorhome isn’t nearly as trashed as I would expect. It’s not perfect, but at least the roof A/C still blows cold! The dash A/C does not, so while the passengers will be comfortable, the driver will not. Other issues noted include that the generator doesn’t work, and the brakes and radiator need immediate replacement.
Unlike most of the vehicles this seller gets, the GMC does run and drive – but given the condition of the brakes and leaking radiator, the dealer recommends against that. Still, it’s encouraging to see a driver’s seat that’s not in tatters. Perhaps the listed mileage of 33,817 is accurate, but that may be wishful thinking. Tires are in good condition, so that’s one less thing for the next owner to replace – important, considering there are six of them. These GMC motorhomes have been appreciating nicely for a while, and although this one needs a significant amount of love, it’s one of the few R/Vs you can dump some cash into without feeling too bad about it.
That’s an EM50 Urban Assault Vehicle😜
I did not think anyone could put the word ” cheap” and “RV” in the same sentence.Everyone I know says they are a expense all the way.
A ’76 motorhome, that looks like this, with only 33K,,,mm-hmm, always thought these were the nicest mh’s. They weren’t glorified straight trucks underneath. Cushy ride, easy to drive, even grandma could handle it. Like all RV’s, better have deep pockets. Just for grins, I tried to find a replacement windshield(s) for these. Unobtainium. And that’s just starting at the front. I think there’s nicer ones than this.
Plenty of reproduction and aftermarket parts, including windshields are available for these. Start with Applied GMC for parts, GMCMI among other clubs for owners.
These were quite the unit in their day. There were a few went through our shop. Not all that hard to work on although I sometimes thought that ALL RV builders could’ve used color combinations that were more compatible with service shops. I remember keeping many panels of cardboard so we could have a track to walk on or kneel/crouch on. To tell the truth I don’t miss them at all. I especially don’t miss “Mrs. Snowbird,” who complained bitterly about her mobile bit of paradise being contaminated by that greasy shop smell…
No, no, no. I wouldn’t take this or any old MH if they were paying me. I’ve been down that route to bankruptcy before. You can never get ahead, it’s always one foot forward two feet back.
God bless America
My former co-worker is restoring one right now. He’s been at it for probably around four years now and he’s really enjoying it. I told him that he would probably be less enthusiastic if he had actually had to work on them in a regular service shop…
If you are driving the MH the passengers can’t be kept cool either because the roof air conditioner won’t run unless the generator is on, which in the description it says it does not work. So everyone will be hot, driver and all.
Go fish!
I hope they still sell those little paper dixie cups to refill that dispenser in the bathroom.
Can’t fault them for all those great full size pictures they provide.
As far as GMC “Pioneering” this segment and the engineering behind it…more like stole it. From whom? Revcon. The concept was theirs- they went to GM to supply the Toronado drivetrain and GM said,” We’ll do it if you can do the drivability and durability testing. If it meets our requirements, we’ll supply the powertrains. Heck, here are some of our engineers for ‘Oversight.'”
So Revcon did the heavy lifting, GM glided in on the coat tails.
Don’t think I hate the GMC product, I actually like them a lot (have a Travco myself). But I have the same reaction to “Oh GM pioneered this” as I do when people say,” The Navajo were THE code talkers.” They were, along with several tribal members, but the original tribal members started that in WWI get forgotten.
Total miles is probably correct. As a traveling salesman I see RV’s parked in the same spot for, literally, years without being moved/used. Folks buy them with a dream of traveling, camping, etc. but life gets in the way, kids grow up, and the units just sit. For years. Not good to treat engines that way of course, but the “low mileage” buyer can be satisfied.
A handful of early production versions had Caddy 500s, which quickly got replaced by the Olds 455. When the supply of those ran out (last year of standard assembly line installation of the 455s was 1976), the Olds 403 became the standard bearer.
I remember traveling to Opryland USA in one of these back in like ‘81. It was quite big pimpin’. Friend’s mom was dating a “developer” that owned it. Probably bought with some Bluegrass Conspiracy money!
I highly doubt the tires are any good. They might have good tread, but if the miles are accurate, the vehicle sits for a long time. Those tires will be dryer than my sense of humor, cracked as my exwifes complexion, crispy as her drugged out brain. It will cost a small fortune to make this beast safe and reliable, between radiator, brakes, air conditioning & re-tire. It should be retired lol.