This venerable Silversides is looking for a new garage – but this isn’t just any old bus: it’s been converted to an RV with all the comforts of home. Find it here on facebook Marketplace from an owner who apparently has more than one GM bus! This one runs so well that the seller offers delivery for the price of gas. It’s located in St Croix Falls, Wisconsin, and the price has been marked down to $11,000. Compared to most any other travel vehicle you want to consider, this is a bargain, despite a few warts. Thanks to NW Iowa Kevin for the great tip!
Raymond Loewy designed the Silversides – with its distinctive corrugated aluminum siding – in 1939, on behalf of Greyhound. Production under GM’s Yellow Coach brand began in 1940, drawing to a close when WWII began. The post-war version of the Silversides was made from 1947 through 1948. Two seating arrangements were available, for 37 or 41 passengers. Altogether, fewer than 2600 Silversides were made, and estimates suggest that only a small fraction survive. This is a PD-3751 – originally configured for 37 seats. The bus is powered by the fabled two-stroke, supercharged Detroit Diesel 6-71, mounted transversely in the rear to maximize cargo space. Factory-rated output from this inline six in 1947 was around 190 hp. The gearbox is a non-synchro four-speed with a verrrryyyy long linkage. The seller notes oil seepage and an exhaust leak, but the fan belts, starting batteries, water pump, alternator, and several other items are new.
The interior has been well-kept. The fridge, plumbing, and fresh water tank are new, and all the lights and gauges work. The relatively new air conditioning keeps everyone cool, and a battery/inverter combo will run components for 4-5 days. The bath is positively commodious compared to some trailers I’ve seen. The bedroom offers plenty of storage and a window by the bed, great for stargazing.
I’m slightly claustrophobic, so this bus with its generous helping of windows feels a lot better to me than the typical RV. And see that table there? Perfect for writing for Barn Finds! Of course, learning to drive this guy might take the rest of my life. The right buyer will find this PD-3751, fix its few niggling issues, polish it to radiance, and have a stylish rolling retreat. How about you – does this old Silversides fire your imagination?
Here’s a gear jammer for ya. ⚙️
Cool rig, thanks Michelle.
“And I was born in the back seat of a Greyhound bus, rolling down Hy.41”,,actually born in Milwaukee, but considering my background, you’d think so. Couple things I’m sure the author won’t mind. The motor, was typically 238hp, and turbos could push it to almost 290hp, with catastrophic results. This bus had a V drive, and the shift linkage mentioned was indeed a marvel. Apparently, it was a 2 rod setup, and was a chore to drive. I read only ’47&’48 had those. The 1st Silverside was issued to a James F. Stone, for his 17 year safety record with Greyhound. As said, these were made by Yellow Coach and was Greyhounds idea to put the silver siding. The “fuel converter” motor ( converts diesel fuel into noise) isn’t “supercharged”, per se, the “supercharger” is actually a blower, and blew the exhaust out of the crankcase. It wasn’t until later, drag racers used it as a supercharger.
This is a good find, with a crash box and column shift, I can’t begin to say what is wrong for the future. I think I’d have issues with it,,,nah, I’ve driven much worse, but seriously, who could handle this today? Many here could, but we represent a small portion of the people that might even half consider it, needs an automatic and I’m sorry, those “camper terlets” are gross, being an expert on that subject(cough)
Now some say there is an age rule for campgrounds, generally 10 years old, and that’s true, but I read there is also what’s called a “judgement call”, and upon inspection, these are allowed in, provided they are nice. I’ve also dispelled any interest in a camper, I think driving this would be a hassle coupled to a bother. And don’t forget to slam your finger in the door, to get in the right frame of mind,,, it is a cool find.
Oh, one more thing( Columbo), don’t let a cop see that stack, as exhaust stacks like that need a guard. Ask me how I know,,,,and if a straight pipe, it may sound nice, but you’ll be glad that motor is 50 feet behind you, again, ask me how I know.
SOLD!