I’ve seen several nicely tricked-out tiny houses on TV shows recently, including a few actually built on trailers for easy transport to different locations. However, most are expensive, plus something motorized is likely better suited to my tastes, in case I wake up in the middle of the night with the sudden urge to relocate immediately. Barn Finds reader Howard A. recently spotted this 1930 Chevrolet Truck here on Facebook Marketplace, sending us a tip and calling it “my new motorhome”, so there’s at least one fan of this unusual creation out there. If you’re feeling it too, this one is Valentine, Arizona, with the seller stating that his price of $26,000 is firm. Howard, we appreciate you finding this non-traditional contraption and making us aware of it!
As long as it remains in the desert, height shouldn’t be an issue here, although this appears potentially taller than many of the bridges and overpasses in my neck of the woods. The seller calls this yard art, which sounds appropriate if you’re into the abstract-expressionism movement, but he also mentions that you can drive this truck anywhere. There’s no explanation of who built this, or why, but I can’t help but appreciate that someone had such an unusual vision and turned it into a reality. I’m not sure if those barrels are for transporting your favorite high-octane spirits from place to place or possibly for holding water for spiritual cleansings, since baptisms are mentioned on the driver’s side, so perhaps there’s also a baptistry tub hidden somewhere in there.
The only close-up shot we get from inside appears to be from the lower level near the center, which shows mostly farm tools and similar equipment, from what I can tell. Whatever else is in here remains mostly a mystery. We don’t get much detail about the truck itself either, but the 1.5-ton Chevy trucks from this era were known as workhorses, though there’s no mention of the mechanics. Zero photos are provided from under the hood, but if the factory engine is still present, it’s likely a 194-cubic-inch inline-6, commonly known as the Stovebolt Six.
A few photos from the cabin are included, which seem to show that no special attention was given to spruce it up to an exquisite cosmetic level, yet the condition is probably good enough to match the overall theme that’s going on here. A wise decision was made to mount a fire extinguisher within easy reach of the driver, as if even one plank of that wood were to ignite, this entire novelty could burn up in a heartbeat. I get that there’s a limited audience for potential buyers here, but this 1930 Chevy truck-turned-RV definitely deserves an honorable mention for its cool factor. What are your thoughts on Howard’s dream domicile?
:),,,so, it’s the unusual you crave, and it seems we’re in a battle to see who can come up with the most unusual find,,,and I love it! This caught my eye for several reasons. What this shows, is the unmitigated power of imagination. It goes beyond a rat rod, maybe a rat rod house? Be right at home at Burning Man, a possible inspiration, and I think the truck could be functional, although, the truck itself is merely a prop. Drive anywhere? Looks to be over 13’6″, and I believe the upper part is the bathroom. Lookout below,,,thanks Mike, fun to see the site has a sense of humor. Goes a long ways in these troubled times.
hint,,, these contraptions are usually found on FB “vehicles other”.
Thank you Howard! You and everybody else please keep your cool vehicle find tips flowing in!
Great find Howard !!! It does need a Bulldog on the hood. Nice write up Mike !
Hi Mike, oh, I don’t know, I looked at that bulldogs rear for many a mile. I think the Packard Cormorant might look nice. I got a kick out of “serious inquiries only”,,,,,really?
A set of jackalope horns?
When I saw Howards New RV on Fast Finds yesterday, and opened it up…. I didn’t quite expect this. I think its neat. Definitely more time than probably most of us realize went into building it, and hey, if Howard wants to “Go RV’ing” then hey!!! He’ll have a blast. I second very wholeheartedly what Howard said, we all need a smile, and a sense of humor. I come on here as an escape from life for a little while, and I absolutely enjoy finds like this. Thank you Mike!! I enjoyed it!! And of course, Howard for finding his new Dream Home on Wheels!!!
Hi Dave, my RVing days are over, and just as well. Let’s just say traveling h’ain’t what it used to be. I hope people enjoy this kooky stuff, I realize it may impede the sale of someone actually looking to buy something, and it’s the writers that should get the nod.
For the record, the truck actually looks pretty decent. It’s a 1930 Chevy LR Universal, and listed for about $600, cab and chassis. Doesn’t sound like much, but remember, it was the beginning of the depression, and read, many unsold 1929s were sold as 1930s. It may have had an OHV 6, but still mechanical brakes and crash box trans.
Also for the record, Jed Clampett didn’t own the truck, it was Jethros, and wasn’t a truck at all, but a 1921 Oldsmobile model 46 touring car, with the back cut off, by none other than the great late George Barris.
Ideal vehicle to take to “Burning Man” next year.
A little top heavy in a cross wind though.
My thought initially that it was a, Burning Man vehicle. And crosswinds traveling from AZ to Northern Nevadan Black Rock Desert (about 60 miles north of me) is a major concern. This to me looks like a 2 story outhouse with a deck/porch out back. Very cool & different looking, but noting practical anymore.
My thought initially that it was a, Burning Man vehicle. And crosswinds traveling from AZ to Northern Nevadan Black Rock Desert (about 60 miles north of me) is a major concern. This to me looks like a 2 story outhouse with a deck/porch out back. Very cool & different looking, but nothing practical anymore.
The Mobil Pegasus signs might be worth more than the RV
I’ve been in AZ since 1992 and had to Google Valentine AZ.Its on route 66,
32 miles NE of Kingman, population 39.
Valentine’s population probably made use of this as an primitive observatory!
the first inattentive driver moment and low bridge and this thing is a pile of kindling. Besides – Jed’s was an Oldsmobile sedan that was converted to a truck.
Note Howard’s post: Jethro’s Olds Touring Car.
My late Brother in Law owned a ‘22 Olds Touring project when he passed. Don’t remember the particulars, but a gentleman whose father was involved with Beverly Hillbillies back in the day, bought it to make a tribute to his father.
Needs the optional banjo-ya gotta have music while ya travel!
Is that the outhouse at the TOP of everything? Hmm. Not sure I’d want to use the lower quarters if that’s the case!
That’s where the methane comes from to power this puppy!
Looks like a good, solid mode of transportation with all the comforts of home. Just what I need! After all, people ARE always telling me to “move away from there…”
(To be fair though, that might have something to do with the restraining order. When she sees me parked outside her house in THIS bad boy, I just know she won’t be able to resist! See you soon, honey!)
Great vehicle for fast food late night drive through after bar hopping.
The mileage improves as boards fly off while driving.
I wonder if this camper has Hillbilly plumbing = bucket and rope.
The height will definitely narrow the number of interested parties(not to mention the asking price being firm). Ya can’t git it anywar.
Finally! There has been a lot of talk about “affordable housing,” but I have yet to hear what exactly constitutes affordable housing… until now.
Arizona? Really? I’m just spitballin; here, but I think this might have been Ol’ Carroll’s original design for the Mustang “California Special.” Probably gave up on that idea after trying to fit the house in a ’67 back seat…
Mad Max mobile home…
I can put my brother on the roof as a lookout for low bridges.
Reminds me of the Top Gear episode with Jeremy made a Citroen multistory camper van. Did not do well on the road or high winds.
https://www.topgear.com/videos/jeremy-clarkson/motorhomes-challenge-part-13-series-15-episode-4
High winds? That would be like the second of the 3 Little Pigs! Thar’ She Blows!
It’s a “PICTURE PROP” The wording on the side tells the story. WAYLON AND CHRIS “COUNTRY PICTIRES”. And yes, I would pay to have a picture of me (and other(s)) taken on/in/by this thing. I guess in a town that small you need to do something to create revenue! And people traveling the old Route 66 will come moseying through.
Now, boys and girls, in my humble opinion this is the definition of shabby chic.
I live in Arizona (although about 200 miles from Valentine) so I could conceivably get it home, but somehow I get the feeling that our HOA might take exception to it being in our yard.
It is super cool nonetheless.
I know our HOA in Gold Canyon would have a heart attack if this showed up in the driveway for an extended stay.
I’d just like to know what the truck looks like now after they took Obamas presidential library off the back .
Love it!
Hi Mike! Long time, no see! I hear they’re getting the band back together! Could this be our
new road vehicle? Would’ve liked to have had Bobby Fleet’s stretched ’47 Caddy limo but didn’t have the cash and I was taking care of my MIL at the time.
Say, that would be a grand idea!
We open a place called Barn Finds Bar and Grill, and have all the guys like me and a few others
be the house band. Then, we park this thing out front to lure the customers in! Of course, we’ll
need to build a throne for Angel 😇, but I don’t see a problem with
that. A good time could be had by all!
Count me in Ken !!!
It sounds like a good time! Unfortunately my music playing days are over. (Played trumpet for about 12 years) And I never was one for alcohol that much. (About a 6 pack per year) So I don’t know what I could contribute. I’m good at inventory control. (Old parts manager stuff) Still sounds like fun.
Everything looks “up to code” but just one thing to watch for–overhead clearance under low bridges and underpasses but Jon has the recommended solution for that.
I can see a hot dog food cart
I was thinking the tallest part would be the outhouse, with plumbing going into one of the kegs down below!! A wonderful conversation piece for a display in the front yard. Don’t let code enforcement see it!!
Your HOA will love you!
I’m just hoping Jon will take my brother up on the roof too.He can face backwards and check to see.how the bridges look after they go by
I’m thinkin’ instead of a Porta Potti at your RT 66 gift shop, use this-people would line up for blocks to use it!
Beverly Hillbillies.
Grapes of Wrath.
Made me smile from first sight to last comment. Thanks everyone.
“Drive anywhere”.
This seller has an odd sense of humor.