Some cars come across my screen on Barn Finds, and I get excited to write about something that I have never seen before. Today’s motorhome is exactly that – it’s a catchily named 1991 Ford E-Series Van Coachman Clarion. This means I get to dive into the corners of automotive niches to find out about something which often sold in very low numbers, and looks like a fabulous piece of very 1990s design. If you are familiar with this or want a punt at buying this one, head over to eBay here, where there is no reserve on the auction, with 4 days to go and the bidding currently at $7,600.
Now if you just wanted a trip out to Severn, Maryland to take a look at this oddity, then I am sure the seller would be willing for you to have a poke around. You get good vibes from some adverts, and thanks to the great description and plethora of images you can tell that this is a serious seller. So what is it? Well, these were created in the early 1990s, and only 270 were ever built, with today’s car being number 163. They were built on a Ford F250 4×4 chassis and were primarily made from fiberglass. So with this Ford chassis, it comes equipped with the 351 Windsor 5.8l V8 which is more than enough to shift you and your family around.
Amongst the almost 150 photos from the seller, you can see this motorhome has led a very good life with nary a scrape on the body. This comes equipped with everything – kitchen, toilet and shower, bed and would be ready tomorrow for you to take on adventures or just live in. The interior is suffering a little from age – not only in terms of its style but there are some rips and tears on the driver’s seat. It’s certainly compact on the inside with not a great deal of room. The bathroom looks like it needs some attention with its cleanliness and perhaps some minor repairs.
When new, these were close to $75,000, but now can be bought for a fraction of that value. Our one only has 67,000 miles and will be good for another few trips around the country without any issues. With its Ford underpinnings, parts and spares availability is easy, and you do not have to worry about leaks from the fiberglass one-piece body. So where would you take this 1991 motorhome on its next adventure?
Oh my, I think “created” as the writer mentions, is right. If ever there is an example of afterthought regarding the exterior styling, this behemoth certainly qualifies with the windshield being the widest part of the frontend. I cannot place what the taillights are from on this. That big panorama rear window lets you easily see how much traffic you’re holding up to include shaking fist and the finger gestures. On a positive note it does look comfortable inside and the Seller seems genuine in the overall presentation.
Tail lights from crown vic or merc grand marquis?
’89-91 Mercury Sable tail lights.
Clearly grand marquis
“Our one only has 67,000 miles and will be good for another few trips around the country without any issues”
You go first..,
Gives new meaning to a wide body…
With football season upon us this could be a decent rig to tailgate with.
The Family Truckster lives!!
An E-Series van on an F250 4×4 chassis? The ride height seems to counter this although the further forward engine of the F-Series chassis appears to have eliminated the engine’s doghouse from significantly intruding into the cabin. Truth be told, I see very little E-Series in this at all, but I’m old and probably need a new eyeglass prescription.
They have 3 other vehicles listed all at no reserve!!
FYI it’s Coachmen, not Coachman.
Built 32 years ago? I’ve never even seen ONE. (kinda cool, tho.)
Beautiful looking RV. I’ve seen my share of van based motorhomes, but I’ve never seen one like this. For a vehicle like this, I’d power this with a Power Stroke Diesel.
Is it equipped with a transfer case ?
If there was some way I could justify buying this Motor Home ,it would be in my drive way right now.
Seller is not a Dealer, yet charges ” $499 Document and prep fee”
I find that suspicious…