Growing up in the UK, there were not many motorhomes around, they really only existed in movies that we consumed as kids. We only had caravans which were a whole lot less glamorous than the classic motorhome, and none was more iconic than the GMC Motorhome which appeals to my inner kid today and makes me want to take a road trip across the US in one of these classics. For those of you located in the US, you can pop down to Sarasota, Florida to pick up this one here on eBay, with 3 days left and bidding at $5,300 with the reserve not yet met.
These were only built for 6 years, between 1972 and 1978 by General Motors Truck and Coach Division with 12,921 built in that time. Unfortunately fewer remain today, but these are becoming more and more popular thanks to the space they offer, the simple ladder chassis design, and affordable prices compared to today’s modern campers. It also allows you to relive the 1970s interior design glory days, or fit it out to your taste or whatever you need it for. Our model here is the 26ft version and is running and driving, but needs a good clean and probably a reupholstering on the inside.
And that inside – is by far the best part of this Motorhome. Carpet, carpet everywhere. Brown-ness everywhere. This is pure 1970s and it’s the next owner’s choice whether to rip this all out and start again or live in a 1970s bubble. I would suggest that it needs replacing, given it’s about 50 years old and will likely not survive much longer. The motorhome comes with a clean toilet and shower unit, a large bed at the rear, seating, and kitchen units in the center. The generator still works, and the vacuum is also working as well as the key part – the engine – to run all of this. The only thing according to the seller that needs fixing is the AC compressor.
On the outside, we are treated to an amazingly bright yellow paintwork which has seen better days. Luckily given the body is aluminum, it will not rust, but some of the chassis underneath has a light coating of surface rust. This motorhome looks in this condition because it’s still being used as a motorhome with someone living in it and so has been generally maintained throughout its life. So your next choice is whether to continue keeping this on the road and traveling around the states or to treat it to a restoration and convert it to your fit your next business idea, or become your next home?
Awesome looking Motorhome! IMHO, it’s way better looking than most Class A. motorhomes of the time. I find it way more attractive than anything offered today.
Is it the 455 olds front wheel drive?
As with the Toronado,
The author missed an excellent opportunity to tell about the drivetrain.
It’s what makes these things awesome.
These were definitely different but not sure why they always have such a high reserve on them, and generally never make it that high?????
I could be wrong of course. But I would think there’d be many factors that determine price reserve. One might be condition, understandably one would pay more for something in pristine condition. The other I would think would be rarity. Not many were made in the first place, and for only a few years from 1973 to 1978 before being discontinued.
I guess what i was saying is that people want more than people are willing to pay, thus most of them never sell! Maybe this one will?
The 23 foot GMC coach is by far a better coach than the 26 foot shown in this auction. That extra 3 feet adds 2000 lbs to the coach.
That’s why they call the 23 foot GMC “The 10,000 lb Hot Rod”!
I have had a bunch of them and the hard to find 23 foot GMC coach is the way go. With only 1,500 23 foot coaches of the total of 12,000 GMC coaches built it’s hard to find a good 23 footer!
I’m going to resist the overwhelming urge to start singing “Yellow Submarine” by the Beatles in honor of this one.
One of the best features of this chassis design is the longitudinally mounted Olds V8 which drove the front wheels. This allowed the ladder frame to sit much lower providing a lower entry door and floor. Taller ceiling with a lower center of gravity. I’m amazed that today’s Class C RV builders haven’t come up with a modern chassis based on this design.
It was that they were front wheel drive that allowed them to be so low slung. Longitudinally mounted engines in RVs were the norm. Still are.
the bodies were fiberglass parts of them were aluminum but mostly fiberglass.
The best thing about these was that they were low to the ground and thus didn’t drive or feel like a bus.
The big Toronado/Eldorado V8 makes them thirsty. I wonder what sort of a front drive diesel powertrain would work in one of these.
I’m going to take a SWAG and suggest that a carburetor swap to fuel injection and electronic ignition will work wonders.
GM put diesels in FWD products from 78 to 85. I have a pristine 82 El Dorado Biarritz with the “N” code diesel and the 325-4L Overdrive Transmission. Love it! You have to time zero to sixty with a calendar but, the “Hook and Tow” 4100 wasn’t any better. You could drive forever on a tank of fuel. It’s funny, you don’t even want to run it like a normal car any way. . . . .
Some capable mechanics have swapped a Dura-Max diesel in these-If you have to pay someone to do it, Its about $20K. The 6.2/6.5 is an easier swap, but they have their own set of problems.
It was that they were front wheel drive that allowed them to be so low slung. Longitudinally mounted engines in RVs were the norm. Still are.
These were engineered with a planned lifespan of 15 tears. Unless they’ve been completely rebuilt be wary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YNOpcp1anY
Someone will have 15 tears in their eyes after spending all that money to make it right..! GLWTA
There is a large support group of fans(fanatics). “Most” parts are available
Made it to $6,905, Reserve Not Met.
I was thinking most put reserves on them so that they won’t sell, I guess so they can keep them?
At $5,3000, I’ll bet someone should be able to afford it. They’ll have enough money on hand to do whatever restoration one wants or restomod they want to do, or if it’s driveable as it is, drive it and enjoy it!