Projects are a funny thing. For some of us, a project may seem spendy if it requires more than a few trips to Autozone for parts; for others, the term “open checkbook” can take on shockingly literal meaning. Then there’s the scale of the project itself, from simply putting a forgotten car back on the road to completely restoring a massive motorhome. That’s what we’re looking at here with this listing here on craigslist for a 1989 Airstream 370LE that the seller contends is one of only 31 made and is the “…largest ever constructed” by Airstream. It is an unfinished project listed for $24,999.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader T.J. for the find. The Airstream name is one of the first brands that comes to mind when thinking about collectible motorhomes and RVs. Although that’s mostly in regards to tow-behind trailers, there are plenty of self-propelled models that are sought after as well. This particular motorhome is massive, which allows for more sleeping and storage compartments inside, and certainly a very real feeling of having a home on wheels. The seller notes that $30,000 has been invested in this Airstream, and considering how much work is still needed and what the asking price is, it’s clear this will have to be a labor of love for the next caretaker.
The money spent so far on the project has been focused on a full engine service, brakes, transmission service, new tires, and more. After the mechanical work was completed, the interior was stripped. Whenever we see RV projects, it seems like many of them get to this point before the project hits the skids. I suppose that’s because it’s not entirely difficult to strip a vehicle, whether it’s the interior of a two-door coupe or a massive motorhome. Putting it back together? Well, that’s expensive and time-consuming, which is why – I suspect – projects like these go up for sale after the de-construction phase has been completed. The good news is that the Airstream seems quite straight and clean behind all the interior paneling.
The proportions of the Airstream are such that you can see endless potential for an absolutely wild interior build. One of these limited-production Airstream models has been restored and made the rounds of the internet, with photos showing extensive lounge and storage spaces, a small cinema area, bathroom, kitchenette, full dining room table, and sleeping spaces for seven with some level of privacy in the bed areas. All of that is possible with this extended-wheelbase Airstream, and while the undertaking is significant and costly, you’ll be the only one in the RV park with an Airstream 370LE.
Better bring your CDL, I can’t imagine what it would be like to guide this behemoth down the road! No mention of what size engine/transmissionit’s packing. Retired handyman? Empty the 401k and live in it while you finish it. Nouveau riche? Commission a custom interior, and await completion! At any rate, GLWTS!! :-)
Don’t need a cdl to operate your own motor home, regardless of the size
I was thinking the same thing, however since it’s an arrah-vee, no cdl needed.
CDL is never required for RVs.
Can’t imagine pulling into a gas station…..and then not being able to get back out to the highway!!!!..Wait a minute..”what side is the fuel cap on???”
Yeah, it’s one of my pet peeves with these. On a recent trip out west, where there isn’t a gas stop every block, I pulled into some small town, only gas station in town, someone with an ultimate behemoth, pulling TWO units( A Jeep and 2 ATVs) took up the entire side, nobody else could get gas. Some of those folks truly think the world revolves around them.
Perhaps they should all call you and ask if you’re going to be needing fuel soon so that they do not inconvenience you.
You are not the only person on the road ya know.
OH poor baby. You might have to wait 5 minutes. You passed dozens of gas stations when you had half a tank but you kept going. PLEASE never come West of the Mississippi in the future.
And if on the passenger side, it’s a long hike! :-)
Have to stop for a Coke half way around it.
It’s an Airstream, how bad could it have been that a refresh of the interior wouldn’t have been acceptable. Maybe upgrade a few things but to gut it and start over. That’s an expensive and large project. Best of luck to the seller.
It’s a monster, no doubt. I read, this, at 37 feet, was the largest Airstream motorhome they made. It was/is powered by a Ford 460 gas V8. While I think a CDL is a bit much, ( with todays bakocked rules, you never know,,you ina heap o’ trouble, boy) it’s not for the meek. Once, in the UP of Mich., der hey, I saw a HUGE motorhome pulling a Jeep, and a little old lady driving, so it can be done. “Gypsys” are the current hot button out here in Colorado. Since housing so out of kilter, many have said, “up yers” and buy a motorhome. They work at Walmart, live in the parking lot( what a life) get some cash, and move on. Apparently, once hired, one can work at any Walmart. Moral of story, don’t fall in love with a gypsy,,
RV parts are INCREDIBLY expensive. You think classic car parts are expensive, the RV market is one step above that. Personally, after driving a semi most of my life, and what a hassle that was at times, not sure why anyone would want something this big.
some of the “new” lumber already has black mold. perfect…..
Imagine you’d have to pull in just about every gas station on your trip. The gas mileage must be horrible with this monster. 😢😢 I can see grandpa trying to maneuver this 37 footer in the gas station. 🤪🤪
I am 80 and have no problems at all with my 36 foot Motor Home pulling my F-150 full sized pickup. I can easily travel 400 miles on one tank so this Great Great Grandpa can out drive and out think and probably out work you. Have a nice day in your Mommies basement. Your meds are waiting for you.
You seem to have gotten cranky in your golden years, I’m 72 and am just happy to still be here.
Hey, cut us grandpas a break.
With humans as with used cars, age is far less important than miles traveled and ongoing maintenance.
Drive it to its final destination and park it….forever.
Given its chassis, I suspect it may be a handful in winds or passing trucks.
That said, I drive a 40′ pusher diesel coach and it’s easy once you get your bearings. A nice chassis makes all the difference. And air bags…
Cool, but too much money. This would be a great ” park model” cabin on your lake lot somewhere. I can this with a patio door towards the rear side with a big deck or 3 season room.
An aside…one of my clients, when I was in banking, had one of these…very swanky, even had a custom lucite grab handle with your name molded in.
Maybe 8mpg in a tailwind?
Most economical at idle
Dreamer!
Haters gonna hate. I love it. Having built a teardrop from the frame up I can attest that with modest woodworking skills and a wife who’s a seamstress (I got lucky!) it’s very possible to turn this into a very nice custom (motor) home. And doing that would not be outrageously expensive. It’s way too big for me (and the price is too high) but this would be fun to finish.
I notice with a lot of these things the rear overhang is massive, how do go on getting around tight bends on some of the winding country tracks and mountain roads as well as undulating roads, do they ever scrape the rear on the ground on a hilly track or small country back road ? Perhaps you could fit a set of castors under the rear bumper just in case. But if it ends up on the castors you may not have enough traction on the rear wheels to move it any further ???
Looks the “1of X” surcharge has made its way into the RV world…..
It is neat but you’d havevto find what materials it had on the contoured walls. And the curved furniture and cabinets would have to be made. Not fun.
Restored, I think I’d prefer to park this at a lake, than build a cabin. I mean, I have a soft spot for shiny, so anything Airstream/Spartan/Airfloat would do the trick, but being self-propelled is a huge plus. Plus, they are a pretty rare sight. If only I had an endless supply of disposable wealth & professional labour.
Ok son …now I’m going to teach you how to parallel park but not the easy way with a car.I agree .Drive it and park it in it’s final resting spot and use it for living quarters or a hunting cabin.
Who said “YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU”?
Don’t need a CDL to drive it unfortunately. They should require some training but you can go buy a former trail ways bus and get it licensed as a RV and you no longer need a CDL to drive it. I’m scratching my head wondering where the $30 k was invested because I just see a rolling hulk I don’t have the skill level to build the cabinets and other items.
It sounds like many of you have never driven a larger vehicle and may be speaking out of fear and wonder instead of experience. Having owned and driven several large recreational “rigs” I can attest to the challenges they present. However, if that is what keeps you from the experience of owning and driving one… we are ALL better off. If the experience of the drive is to be part of the excursion, then the challenge of negotiating a larger vehicle can add spice to the experience. There’s just something reassuring about a familiar bed and the freedom a motorhome provides. If fuel costs are your concern, consider the hotels, meals, fuel and sore bones from that cramped “economy” car. Don’t knock it ’till you try it.
Why not make a little money with it?
Party bus in Vegas complete with two dancer poles and numerous bars and BIG TVs.
That’d be my dream.
Park this in front of your house to be the talk of your town.
A money pit for sure, but if you got the big $$$, then really go for it:
https://www.autoevolution.com/news/classic-89-370le-airstream-motorhome-is-now-a-rolling-private-cinema-that-sleeps-7-200190.html#
I have a similar size RV, they’re very easy to drive. Small town gas stations can be awkward but most places have a decent size gas station. Pumping a 100 gallons of gas in it can be time consuming so I try to fill before it gets past half empty to not overly inconvenience those that are a little tightly wired. As far as this one goes, it could be a fun project but you’ll be into it for far more than it’s worth.
Here’s one that was for sale at some point, for an idea of how the finished interior might come out.
https://www.airstreamclassifieds.com/1989-airstream-370-37-ohio-331207
Nice interior
Sure hope it includes the metal folding chair. A must have for the update process. Plus the grey color is neutral & goes with everything
My sympathies Howard. Didn’t they know who you were? I can’t imagine the horrors you had to endure waiting for gas. Who did this jerk think he was?
Way to much money for a stripped coach. There are completely restored ones for less than 40k. I’ll bet selling because of realizing what was left to finish.
You couldn’t give me this Airstream.
Gasser300,
correct !
How many vehicles has that rear overhang hit as the driver turned sharply onto a sidestreet or into a service station or restaurant?
And Howard A (since 2014), how many people have you inconvenienced driving a semi going up a long, steep hill at a snail’s pace, or blocking the road as you manuvered into a loading dock in a small town.
These Airstreams should’ve been built on a diesel pusher chassis then they might of had something. It’s probably on a GM “P” chassis, pretty common to slap a motor home on one. Narrow suspension, any crosswind or sneeze and your sawing the wheel trying to stay in your lane. Gutless 454, Turbo 400, 6 mpg and you have to flog the hell out of it to do 70, they cracked exhaust manifolds and broke studs. That tag axle just plows the ground when you turn or drags the tires across the pavement because they don’t turn when you go around a corner. And that overhang in the back will take out anything in its path, you turn right and that ass swings out to the left into whatever was in the opposing lane.
Art, these were built on a custom Gillig commercial bus chassis.
I have a feeling the owner will eventually realize that when putting money into a vehicle like this, BUT NOT FINISHING IT, everywhere in the universe the equation 2 + 2 = 4, except when putting money into a big RV, then trying to sell it for what they have in it. In this case, 2 + 2 equals [if they are lucky], 3, but more like 2.
Most people who would consider finishing this project, would want to start over and design it to fit their interests and needs, not finish someone elses dream/fantasy.
Consider that a beautiful example was [and may still be] for sale for $42,000, and was ready to go anywhere in north America. This will need AT LEAST $20k in materials and sub contract work to complete, and if labor is included, that price will be closer to $50k. So if one that needs nothing is $42k, and it takes 50% more to finish [or double that figure], what is the true value of this RV?
Yes, the owner may find someone willing to spend the time and money finishing it, and he might also hit the lottery!
If your read the article, it says it’s a a Ford 460, so I doubt a GM frame was used.
Dirk,
The 370 Airstream used a Gillig commercial bus chassis and frame which was constructed in California I believe, as that’s where the Gillig Brothers built their buses. That over-built long chassis was what allowed for the extra overhang in the back, and Gillig already made dual axle buses.
These comments are waaaay more fun than the vehicle!! If you like it, go for it, and thumb your nose at everybody else!
It’s difficult to understand why there was a need to strip the interior on this one completely out, particularly when it looked to be in pretty decent shape as recently as 2015. Here’s a link that shows what it looked like then:
http://www.viewrvs.com/motorhome/airstream/1989/1989-airstream-motorhome-370-j.php
Odds are someone (either this seller, or the one he bought it from) got in way over their head on trying to turn it into something like the one (with the “cinema”) on the Internet. As others are pointing out here in the comments, this thing is worth nowhere near what the seller is asking, given what needs to be done to it to put it back into any kind of functional condition. There may only be 31 of them, but some of those are for sale in much better condition than this shell.
Life is more than MPG. My 1984 Bluebird Wanderlodge was the baby at 36 feet. It was available in 38 and 40 ft versions.
Mine holds 300 gallons of diesel fuel and is proud to get 5 miles per gallon. I don’t care. I have an all steel coach as opposed to the “stick and staples”offerings today.
There…I said it and I’m glad! No regrets.
I have a friend who has a Blue Bird Wanderlodge, and he loves it, says it’s been trouble free.
But what we both find interesting is the Blue Bird logo and emblems. So the question is: When is a Blue Bird not a Blue Bird? When it’s a bus logo! They don’t feature a Blue Bird. It’s a white bird on a blue background.
That’s like the singer Pink having her “PINK” logo lettering in green!
Well, another of these rare one-year-only Airstream 370 LE motorhomes in pretty nice apparent condition is for sale:
https://www.airstreammarketplace.com/airstream-trailers-for-sale/1989-37ft-airstream-motorhome-for-sale-in-arlington/
Owner is asking $70K but it is clearly open to offers, so this project may be a tough sell at $25K less when you can get one you can enjoy today for maybe $50-60K.
BTW here’s a page with more info on this model and a bunch of older listings: http://www.viewrvs.com/motorhome/airstream/airstream-370.php
Good luck to seller and eventual buyer alike. Personally I’d love to see it painted to be a tribute to the famous Airstream Astrovan that NASA used to transport astronauts to and from the launch pad: https://www.airstream.com/blog/astrovan-the-first-leg-of-a-trip-to-orbit/
The Airstream site has some very interesting info on their motorhomes. There was even a Funeral Coach model! https://www.airstream.com/blog/driven-by-legacy/