Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Early 6WD Overlander: 1980 Gama Home

I’m guessing this is the only time we will see a vehicle like this come up for grabs, and the seller is pretty confident as well it’s a true one-off. Supposedly built by military vehicle engineer Roger Gamaunt, this six-wheeled “Gama Home” is a motorhome conceived by Gamaunt before he become noted for his contributions to the amphibious vehicle space. Find it here on Facebook Marketplace for $7,500.

When it comes to custom creations, it can be difficult to assign an informed value. That’s my struggle here, although the vehicle does look to be finished to a decent standard with lots of one-off features, such as the rear glass panels. Of course, if you’re someone who supplies the U.S. government with finished military-grade vehicles, chances are your supplier relationships are top-notch (the rest of us might struggle to replace those windows, however.)

According to the listing, the builder Gamaunt was most known for building the Gama Goat M561, which apparently preceded the original Humvee (I will leave fact checking to the actual experts of military vehicle history.) The story goes that Gamaunt got the RV to the point that it could run and drive and verify its supposedly capable off-road abilities, but that he passed away before completing the project. His widow handed it off to a colleague from the project, who would eventually pass it off to the seller who is now facing a relocation of his own. As you can see, there is plenty of work left to be done.

The build specs are very cool, with a Chevrolet 454 paired to a four-speed manual for a drivetrain, with the power put to the ground via a switchable 2WD, 4WD, and 6WD configurations. The suspension is a fully independent “walking beam” setup with a self-leveling airbag system, and it even has four-wheel steering. The listing also states that all of this running gear has under 6,000 miles on them, and that a built-in Onan generator also has low hours. This is an undertaking of significant proportions, but given the new market for high six-figure overland builds that can go literally anywhere, Mr. Gamaunt was still flexing his pioneering muscle when he embarked on his final project.

Comments

  1. Avatar John Eder

    It looks like this was built on the chassis of a 1964 Cadillac…

    Like 2
  2. Avatar TomP

    It reminds me of the very low production six-wheeled, dual-corvair engined motorhome from the same time frame… One engine ran on level ground and downhill, and the second engine kicked on and off as needed, for extra power.

    Like 3
    • Avatar George

      I never heard about that one. Any links or information about it?

      Like 1
      • Avatar TomP

        I don’t see anything on the internet. It was on *bay about ten years ago in a field. The two engines were mounted in the floor in the center of the RV. It was factory made. I have pictures of it on my old laptop somewhere.

        Like 2
  3. Avatar Stan

    Very neat. Lots of options w manual and that many axles. 🏕

    Like 2
  4. Avatar Kurt Member

    Looks perfect for someone living in the hinterlands of Alaska. Imagine, six wheel drive. Any old lumber road would be passable. The scenery you could see that few others have seen!

    Like 5
  5. Avatar Car Nut Tacoma

    Awesome looking motorhome! It’s too bad more weren’t produced, that it was simply a one-off vehicle. If I could buy it, I’d keep as much of it as original as possible, while also upgrading a few things.

    Like 3
    • Avatar Max Schwartzmeyer

      You CAN buy it. It’s for sale ! ;)

      Like 6
  6. Avatar Max Schwartzmeyer

    VERY cool, but I imagine repairs would be $$$$$

    Like 2
  7. Avatar David Maloney

    MEGABUCKS to complete!

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Troy

    Pull out the drive train and put it in something else and use the rest as a chicken coop, can’t think of what else it might be good for

    Like 2
  9. Avatar oilngas

    Really? Nobody gonna say it? Six wheel drive, Onan Genset, new stove, unfinished interior. Okay, I’ll say it. Meth Lab. I know I’m not the only one watching Netflix.

    Like 8
  10. Avatar Scott L.

    How does the 4-wheel steering work when there are 6 wheels? Wouldn’t the two non-turning wheels be an issue?

    Like 3
    • Avatar Ronn R

      This is probably why the four rear wheels are not next to each other and the axles spaced out. This lets the non turning wheels follow and not skid. My guess.

      Like 2
      • Avatar TomP

        Ya, the rear four wheels turn and the front two are fixed.

        Like 3
  11. Avatar Car Nut Tacoma

    Among the upgrades I’d give this bad boy would be a Duramax 6.6 litre Turbo Diesel engine.

    Like 3
  12. Avatar Spicoli Member

    I love it! This looks like the love child of the urban assault vehicle and the family truckster.

    Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.