Color me surprised to learn just how cool this 1976 FMC 2900R motor home. Sure, it’s interesting based on its design alone and 440 powerplant (well, it used to have a 440 powerplant), but there’s actually a lot more going on beneath the surface that makes this custom coach a pretty slick piece of kit. In addition, many celebrities of the era owned an FMC motorhome, owing to its luxurious appointments and high quality construction. This example listed here on eBay has been upgraded to a 8.2L Detroit Diesel V8 engine and Allison Automatic transmission, and bidding sits at $1,525 with the reserve unmet.
When we think of vintage R/Vs that were supposedly better driving than your average home on wheels, it’s typically the Vixen 21TD we think of, complete with a manual gearbox and BMW-sourced turbodiesel engine. However, the FMC – which stands for Food Machinery Corporation, reminding you that this company didn’t set out to build an R/V – made a point of marketing its lower ride height, wide stance, independent suspension, and rear-mounted engine as attributes that helped give the machine car-like handling. Reading old sales collateral, it’s amazing how much emphasis FMC placed on the chassis dynamics of a hulking motorhome.
As it relates to the Hollywood set finding the rig attractive at the time, you can credit the high-end features inside for getting A-listers to buy one of these pricey rigs. Two bathrooms, wood parquet floors, custom countertops, two beds, and more rounded out the features list. There’s also a four-burner cooktop, a kitchenette, double basin sink, and a dining area that can be converted into a bed. Drivers also typically got a CB radio, air conditioning, and a proper stereo. Needless to say, these motorhomes were well equipped.
The seller emphasizes that the interior needs to be finished up, but he’s already performed some heavy lifting. The 8.2L Detroit Diesel V8 engine and Allison Automatic transmission swap are significant upgrades, but it’s hard to say whether it’s better than a rebuilt 440, especially as it relates to that sweet, balanced chassis. The seller has also installed new ALCOA aluminum wheels and tires at a cost of over $4,000. The FMC supposedly doesn’t leak inside and still starts up with ease after months of sitting, so it sounds like a solid rig worthy of more than the current bid.
A Detroit V8 and a 4 cycle? Geo, say it ain’t so! Apparently, Detroits 1st attempt at a 4 stroke diesel, and was considered the worst motor ever. Geomechs hopefully can expand on that. They were 500 cubic inch, and the “Whirlygig”, or “exhaust powered leaf blower” ( turbo) was good for about 250hp ( 165hp without) and plenty to “push” this unit around. This, I believe, is considered a “pusher”, with a rear motor. Leave the gas job in the dust, it would. I remember FMC units were very popular, probably because they were a nice motorhome. Dispelled all the myths and I bet this rig could run with the big boys. Even with diesel fuel typically more expensive, it’s not a semi, and it is somewhat streamlined, I bet it would do better than the gas motor, teens easy.
5 watchers,,,4 bids, $1525( going up in $25 increments), it’s safe to say not many want this. Shame, it’s a nice unit.
Well appointed rigs from the factory it appears.
I was a Detroit mechanic in the 70’s. It is a 2 stroke supercharged engine. I saw some with 2-3 million miles. Engine has slip out cylinders, so the engine can be completely rebuilt. No computers, all mechanical. Extremely easy to work on. Wish I had the money, I would own this.
I’ll say this as diplomatically as I can… the 8.2 is in no way related to any of the beloved Screaming Jimmys you referenced, period. This was Detroit’s first attempt at a 4-stroke engine & was designed strictly for the lighter end of medium duty use. This was advertised by GM as the Fuel Pincher & that’s about the only thing it did well at, saving fuel. Part of the reason is because it would spend most of its life not doing anything while torn apart in the service department awaiting repairs. Can’t use fuel if you’re not running. Parent bore block, terrible head sealing, weak bottom end, hard to get parts for, list goes on & on. About the only thing they do share with a Jimmy are the unit fuel injectors, rack/governor & similar setup procedure.
8.2s were a factory option in later FMC motorhomes so it was pretty straightforward to make this swap happen. Obviously a B or C-series Cummins would be the best choice but the engine compartment is designed with the shortness of a V8 in mind & a 6V71 is too tall with the blower. At this point, an International T444E/1st gen Powerstroke would’ve been my choice.
These are very cool! I was heading east on I10 about 10 years ago and stopped at a restaurant area to stretch my legs and one of these pulled in. I gave the driver a thumbs up and later got into a conversation about the rig. He was on his “maiden voyage” as he had just completed the restoration. He had done a beautiful job and he was pleased with the results. About 5 months later I happened to visit the RV museum in Amarillo. They had Charles Kuraults (spelling,?) FMC that he used in his nationally televised travel log. It was very nice. But not as nice as the one I had seen a few months before. Lower center of gravity, independent front suspension really appeals to me when talking a class A motor home. I have many miles under my belt in a GMC front driver motor home. So I’m spoiled when it comes to “goid handling” motorhomes. (Many of mile also in crappy handling motorhomes. ) And the FMC really trips my trigger for this kind of unit. If in the market, I would be all over this.
I’m with you on the GMC, I had a ’76 Eleganza II that I really wish I hadn’t sold. It was great driving and it pulled hills easily. I got it from a retired guy in Mesa who’d spent over $50k in redoing the whole thing inside and out, and it had new tires and Alcoas, and an awning with a rooftop carrier. I know the numbers were real because he gave me the full book of receipts with it. The engine and trans were also rebuilt and he needed a quick sale so he was selling it for less than half of what he had in it. I towed a custom built Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 on a trailer behind it, which interestingly was almost a perfect color match for the RV but I had the bike done before I found the GMC. Now I want another one.. but this time the bike is going to be an Indian Classic. :-)
I clicked on this old RV just to amuse myself. I’m looking at RVs right now to purchase, and this old thing would be what terrible. The amount of work it requires is incredible. But it is interesting to look at.
I worked in the Concept Development Department at FMCs Ordnance Engineering Division in Santa Clara, CA in the early 80s. By then, the motor home experiment was behind us, as we concentrated on our core military vehicles (M113 family, M2/M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle, USMC LVTP7A1 amphibious assault vehicle). There were several of the 2900R RV’s still positioned around the plant. Superbly built and crazily over-engineered: they reflected miliary and commercial industry standards, rather than the typical stick built, poorly suspended RV of the day. Independent rear suspension, etc. There was also a transit bus version, with a slide-out drivetrain for easy maintenance. Amazing vehicles.
Nice article Jeff. I started reading and waiting for the seller’s claim to which celebrity previously owned this rig. This is a really interesting unfinished RV project with the Detroit/ Allison swap. I would seriously consider taking on this project but, would be concerned about all the bugs being worked out regarding the swap. This could be the kind of project where as far as mechanical parts go there would be more parts fabrication involved in lieu of just purchasing them on line.
I purchased a 2001 4wd Excursion that came from the factory with a V10 and has a 7.3 Powerstroke swap. When purchased was performing great. There are still bugs and every time an issue pops up it seems like I spend more time reading/ researching other than repairing. My daily drivers have been diesel Superdutys since 1987 so I’m no stranger to them.
Maybe I could convert it to a 4th gen 6.7…wait…what…here we go again, forget it!
I see a blank canvas if the price is right. What a lovely looking old RV. I could see myself in this. Great size and easy to drive. Yes the interior is rough but nothing that can’t be upgraded by anyone who knows how to use a few tools.
So many of these now are being snapped up by those without a home or much money and just parked up and lived in until the local council tow them away or they are abandoned.
8.2 L Detroit V8?
Yep, I have one, in the back of my 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa, running through a 4-speed Allison. In #60K dump trucks, they apparently didn’t fare too well. But in a motor home? I’ve been quite happy with it.
Simply the easiest starting engine I have ever owned. When the Bendix gear hits the flywheel, it is running! Returns me 9-10 mpg. Not a speed demon, I set the cruise at 65. No muffler, deleted by a prior owner. I would have if it wasn’t already.
My coach has less than 100K miles. Bought it in ’17. Run “Historical Vehicle” plates on it, $70 for 10 years.
There is a lot to be said for vintage high-end motor homes. For those who are mechanically inclined, they can be a great, comfortable way to travel and stay places. There have been a few expenses, the most notable being a Lifetime Transferrable Warrantied Roof I had done in May. It needs a few other things; I am working on it this afternoon.
I’d consider Blue Bird, Foretravel, FMC, and some others, no need to go all the way to the Prevost bus types. Diesel is the only power that makes sense. A friend bought a similar age Foretravel with the Ford 460, just installed a “Godzilla” for more power. Look for a Caterpillar powered unit, I couldn’t find one when I was ready to buy.
@Dave Brown don’t be too quick to write off older coaches. They have a lot of advantages, just be careful and selective.
The version of the 8.2 in my Foretravel has a turbocharger, BTW. Rated at 210 HP, I think. Not sure about the torque spec, but it seems to be sufficient. I’d guess around 500? Newer power units have 500 HP and 1200 Ft.Lbs. But those engines have to push around more than twice the weight, too.
My Grand Villa is built on an Oshkosh chassis, crosses the scales at a little over 10 tons.
Here we go again with the vintage camper thing.
Because of the “ten year rule” at many campgrounds, this is a festival or boondock rig.
Folks, unlike the collector car culture, the camping community IS NOT waiting around for barn finds and other vintage gear. They are buying modern rigs so that they can camp successfully and comfortably, week-in, week-out, with as few hassles as possible.
This is not a hard concept to grasp for most people.
I agree about the older RV ban. BUT, I have never experienced that situation at a state or federal/national park.
It’s commercial campgrounds. Usually not local, state or federal.
At some, you can get exemptions with photos of your rig.
Just another layer of hassle
Actually, Bluesman, that’s true but some additional research shows, while generally it’s 10 years, there is a thing called “judgement call” and older units are being accepted upon inspection. Has nothing to do with people can’t afford even 10 year old ones, ( cough)
Howard A is correct, this is GM’s first attempt at a 4-stroke diesel, and I have good news and bad news. When first introduced, I did a lot of head gaskets, and I mean a lot. It was a very popular mid-sized diesel in GM products like Kodiaks, Bisons, and military vehicles. The good or better news is that GM addressed the problem and increased the size of the head bolts and their torque and recalled older engines for an upgrade, problem solved. They then proved to be fuel-efficient, dependable, and tough, although a little lazy ( I don’t recall fixing any turbocharged models, but I’m old), and are not to be feared. This engine led to GM involving John Deere, an old friend, to help in the development of the Series 60, the engine that put Detroit Diesel back on the map. On a side note although this is a 4-stroke engine, it uses Detroits famed unit injector and govenor system, very unique.
Lovely looking motorhome. I’ve heard of the FMC 2900R motorhome. I’ve never seen one first hand. It’s unforgivable that it was only produced for such a short time, from 1973 to 1976, before being discontinued. They had a great idea, and they should’ve continued. It would’ve made an awesome diesel pusher RV. I would’ve had either a Cummins Turbo Diesel or possibly a Duramax Diesel installed.