Most of the time, when you see an old RV for sale, it doesn’t get much more than a second look. But in that cursory glance, you’ll likely notice small details that suggest this isn’t like every other forgotten motorhome project. That’s the reaction I had when gazing upon this Country Coach motorhome listed here on Facebook Marketplace for just $1,500. A few things stand out: first, this looks like it was a highly-prized possession at one time, with custom decals and a body design that looks like it has some intention behind it. Second, Country Coach is still in business today and building high-end conversions.
Some motorhomes appear to be slapped together, with acres of sheetmetal simply bolted together with no thought given to the final design. The Country Coach actually looks decent going down the sides, and even the retrofitted headlights and taillights sit in their space well (are the headlights from a Dodge Caravan?) The brand of Country Coach motorhomes was typically considered one of the best you could buy, with the build quality and rich list of features rivaling that of a much more expensive luxury bus-style coach. I totally dig the graphics going down the sides.
The seller admits he has started this restoration project but didn’t get very far in finishing it. This looks like a classic example of the disassembly phase beginning and then energy or interest quickly running out. The 3-spoke steering wheel is a sporty touch, and the seller notes that it is powered by a Caterpillar 3208 10.4L V8 engine, which apparently has a very distinctive sound and boatloads of torque. The numbers I’ve found indicates it generated 210 b.h.p. and a monstrous 5o0 lb.-ft. of torque.
It’s hard to tell if that’s fresh wood paneling on the side, but it might be. Original fixtures remain and it appears that some of the ceiling has been opened up, potentially to deal with moisture issues. The seller notes that sadly, there is no title, which is going to dramatically limit interest in this project. If you can figure out a workaround for the paperwork, you’ll have a very period-correct vintage motorhome with a reputation for high build quality and tons of torque. That seems like a winning combo to me; do you agree?
I wonder if this is the same small Cat motor that was in the body job Freightliner I drove. It had a 10sp Eaton trans. Howard or geo may know. 🤔
Seems a very low price, thanks Lavery.
Hey Stan, not quite. If it says 210 HP., then it’s a non-turbo, the hair dryer added about 40hp. and probably what was in the Freightshaker. To be clear, the 3208 was a heck of a motor. I never cared for any V8 configuration( 6 in a row makes ‘er go) and in an application like this, probably does an adequate job. Get Geo to work his pump magic now that he’s retired, and this baby will roll with the big boys. It’s when you had 20 tons to move, they fell horribly short. I read these were usually paired with an Allison 4 speed automatic, and will do just fine. Country Coach offered a wide range of power, the Cat most common. Looks like a nice unit, better have deep pockets for this one,,,
Thx for the reply pal. Nice call on the motor configuration. Inlines are proven tough… “six In a row, ready to tow”
Mind you, wasn’t the 500hp Mack V8 a sweet mill ? Never drove one.
pull the drivetrain and scrap the rest, tiers alone are going to be $1000 bucks
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