It’s amazing how many obscure motorhome brands there are out there. You don’t have to look too hard to see them littering backyards and service stations off the beaten path, undoubtedly left there by owners who realized the cost to repair or restore far exceeded the value of their home on wheels. The irony is that a fully-sorted or survivor-grade version of the same RV goes for very real money, as this rare 1970 Oasis motorhome shows us. The seller claims less than 200 of these Class A RVs were made, and that his example is a 51-year-old survivor with a highly original interior. Find it here on eBay with bids to $9,300 with the reserve unmet.
The interior is in striking condition, with near-perfect upholstery on the cushions. That just doesn’t happen in old RVs (or not-so-old ones, either), so I’d love to know the story behind who owned it previously to keep it in such fine order. The only flaws the seller reveals are some chips on the veneer of the cabinetry, and a non-functional thermocoupler in the heating system. The oven and stove still work, along with all other plumbing and electrical equipment. The seller reports that the fridge also needs to be replaced. Aside from some small holes in the upholstery of the driver’s seat, no other interior flaws are noted. It’s incredible to see how well-preserved the table and wood paneling are.
There’s not much in the way of history out there about the Oasis brand, as I can find plenty of evidence of the company’s specialization in tow-behind trailers but very little about the full-size RV. Obviously, it looks fantastic with the awning extended outwards, and this photo shows you that the original striping going down the sides remains in excellent condition. The Oasis isn’t a large motorhome by motorhome standards, and while I don’t have exact measurements, it doesn’t look entirely different from the front-wheel-drive GMC model that often graces these pages. If you’re looking for an RV that no one else will have at the park, this Oasis Class A motorhome may be right for you.
The seller has poured some money into this four-wheeled palace, with recent upkeep including new shocks; new batteries; new alternator; rebuilt transmission; new radiator; new brakes and drums; six new tires; and the original split rims replaced with modern rollers. In addition to the minor issues listed above, the brake lights are said to be functioning intermittently. I’m not sure what one of these vintage Oasis RVs is worth, but to the right person, it’s likely perfect when considering the preserved interior, healthy mechanical bits; and functioning kitchen equipment. What do you think it is worth?
Perfect parked on PCH as AirFleaAndB.
This has a Chrysler LA-series 318 motor. Pretty nice-looking for its age.
Will a small block 318 engine get this beauty rolling?
Yes the 318 will be enough to get there. I recently partly rebuilt a similar 1970 Winnebago, after it was parked for 40 years.
I spent weeks on the road sorting out the licensing issues with the various traffic departments.
The 318 ran well during that time, easily keeping up with suburban traffic.
To my surprise, while fitting a new electronic ignition, I notice that the 318 was running on only one throat of the twin choke carburetor.
I got both throats to open, thereafter she had almost modern day performance, considering she was an automatic built on a 3 ton truck chassis.
If Cosmo’s Factory comes with it, count me in! Lost mine in the first divorce…..
CCR—-still have mine in really nice shape. Nice looking rv.
It’s at $9500 and hasn’t hit reserve? Someone must really love this vehicle.
US $9,700.00
Reserve price not met
$10,225 now. The old rv,s and camper are starting to bring high prices now.
Wow, back in the late 80’s and early 90’s I was hauling things like this off for scrap. I would charge the property owner $150 bucks to haul it off then strip it down for the metal I would burn the wood in my shop for winter heat. Sell the engine and transmission for $150-$200 and haul the rest to the scrap yard. Hard work for little profit but you do what you can legally to survive.
Back in the day, US 30 in Indiana had a lot of small motorhome/trailer makers that would sprout up like mushrooms after the rain, the disappear when the weather got too hot, metaphorically speaking, of course.
It’s a great looking motor home! But I’ve been told as they get older, you may have plumbing issues, roof leakage, kitchen leaks etc. I would really inspect it before buying. Otherwise, enjoy to whomever wins!!
The chaulking drys up and the body moving around all the time will cause it. Plus winterize it. Plus you need a plce to park them in from the weather. Just like anything.The weather is hard on anything out.