Given the prices of new RVs these days, shopping used listings makes sense. And if you want to stand out, reach for a vintage vehicle. This ready-to-roll 1972 Starcraft Star Cruiser is offered here on facebook Marketplace, for $18,000. It’s located in Austinburg, Ohio. The seller notes that the motorhome was once used as an office inside a warehouse; she bought it for road trips and has put about 10,000 miles on the clock. A move overseas is prompting the sale – yet the ad has been up for over a year, so either the Starcraft has been in storage, or this is a slow-motion move. JDC, thanks once again for the great tip!
Starcraft was founded in the early 1900s to make livestock equipment under the “Star” name. A few years later, it was making rowboats, a business that evolved via innovation in galvanized steel, aluminum, and fiberglass materials. By the 1960s, the company had put its expertise to work in the tent camper business, and by the 1970s, it was manufacturing RVs. In 1972, it offered the Star Cruiser in either a 22′ or a 24′ length, both installed on the heavy-duty Dodge M300 chassis. This one’s engine is Chrysler’s 413 cu. in. V8, a high-torque big block with output ranging from 175 hp with a two-barrel, or over 200 hp when dressed with a four-barrel. A three-speed automatic handles gearchanges. I wish the cabinets were original, but perhaps they’ve just been painted.
This is my all-time favorite bedroom in any RV, with all those windows. On the other hand, the bathroom is tiny, and there’s no report regarding the condition of systems like the HVAC, tanks, plumbing, brakes, electrical, and so forth. At this juncture, it’s worth mentioning that many RV parks will turn away vehicles over ten years old, so be prepared to send photos with your reservation – and maybe even repair invoices to show that all systems are “go”.
The full-featured kitchen is roomy, and there’s plenty of space for dining. Starcraft built its RVs from a single piece of fiberglass wrapped around a steel tube frame, with urethane foam insulation between layers. That said, the Star Cruiser was apparently like driving a brick, which probably explains why fewer than 100 were sold. If you can put up with its foibles and you’re a fan of vintage RVs, there’s a lot to like about the Star Cruiser, but nothing beats a personal inspection. Showing up in person also facilitates negotiation. What do you think – any interest in this Mopar-based motorhome?
Was the 413 still around in 1972?
Yes for trucks and motorhomes.
The homeless again invading my neighborhood would love this.
The thing holding it back from showing up in your ‘hood is the price.
It’s a good looking rig, well-kept and interesting. That doesn’t really matter in the RV market, where there isn’t much of a vintage vehicle market. There are no trophies being handed out for old RVs.
It’s a very simple concept: Modern campers want modern rigs, for road safety and convenience. Breakdowns in an RV are far more consequential in all respects than with an old car. Modern rigs also have modern gear. These days, that means 12v appliances, solar, on and on.
The reason that it’s been on the market for so long is because you can get much newer rigs for just about the same price.
This vehicle is a parts nightmare for the body parts. Maybe it is the only one still running? The running gear and other Mopar parts are also a challenge. And you’ll probably have to learn to retrofit appliances if it ever comes to that.
These are what I call hippie rigs. Hippies buy them if they are in decent shape, and take them to festivals. But the primary consideration is price, and at $18k, this is way over what most hippies will pay.
I am not a recent (35-40 years ago) camping person, so I am having trouble understanding campgrounds having an age limit on vehicles??? This little motor home would make a retired couple a handy vehicle for traveling, not fast on back roads, where you can spend just the night in a rest area, state park, truck stop, or a small non-age restricted campground. Yes, I have spent too many years and miles on the Interstate, so ALL my travel today is on back roads whenever possible. The seller states that it was once used as an office, possibly the interior is a lot newer and installed after the office furniture was removed??? As Michelle said, a thorough inspection would be necessary. If it is OK, it could be a turnkey purchase and drive it home. One big question is how thirsty that 413 might be???