Go online and see how many of these are still running. It's got to be one of the best percentages of any car or truck. I own one and they are an awesome machine.
Estimated 9k still on the road. I own one as well, and am very tied into the community. ~8k in the active registers and they add 2-3 others every month.
Another neat feature these motorhomes had was the Thermasan waste incinerator that used exhaust heat to incinerate the contents of the holding tank. These were way ahead of the competition and would still be considered modern compared to the typical RV made today.
@@bjnz4328 How would it not comply with emission standards? I’m pretty sure that there are no poop quantity specifications in parts per million, for any exhaust emissions standards.
The design and engineering in these motor homes was so extreme, and such a complete departure from what was offered at the time, I don’t think they were truly appreciated in their own time, and only now as we look back, can we really begin to appreciate the risks that GM took to build such a truly remarkable machine. The layout of the frame, the suspension, the engine, etc, is unique in the industry. The resulting ride quality, performance, and utility was pretty amazing. The styling is superb. I agree wholeheartedly that this indeed is one of the best vehicles of all time. A very nice one, would certainly be a prized and very sought after collectible and or useful unit. 😍👍🏻
We recently ran into one of these that was in our camping loop at Fort Wilderness Campground at Disney World. I was able to talk to the wife of the guy who rebuild it body off frame. It was the coolest rig in the park. It still packed the original 455.
I had one HEI module fail on me, and it still did not leave me stranded, it was causing a severe miss however, but I was able to make it to the swap meet I was headed to. I found a vendor for ignition stuff and bought a new module, bought a couple screwdrivers and installed it in the parking lot. Never had a problem after that!
They are very dependable, efficient and trouble free,but you just described the best thing about them vs other manufacturers. Try and the right Dura Spark unit at a swap meet. If you find any at all, the connectors will be different from yours.
I’ve always loved these things. They actually have such style compared to the box on wheels Winnebago and similar motor homes of the period and even later. I think they were pretty expensive when new which couldn’t have helped sales. Featured in he movie Stripes as the urban assault vehicle, I think they called it. There is one of these in my neighborhood. I’ve never seen it move but at least from the street it looks to be in pretty good shape.
In 1974 my parents bought a new Winnebago Chieftan which was great. One day we pulled into a service station and there was the GMC Motorhome. It was amazing compared to the box we had. So futuristic looking, it looked like something from Lost in Space. I was a jealous 12 year old! Great video Adam!
I remember those. As a kid I would wish that dad would buy one and go camping in it, but we had a tent trailer which was more affordable. Oh well. Memories come back watching these videos. Great job.
I love these Motorhomes. I have driven one and would love to have one. All original not modernised. The designer did a wonderful job and interesting he also designed one of my favourite buses - the RTS. Coincidently you say he did the clamshell wagons too. I have a 1974 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser with the 455.
Two years ago, I bought an RV, a Class B Winnebago Solis. When doing some perfunctory research into RVs and the various types, I stumbled across a video of the GMC Motorhome. I was enamored of it, it is such a beautiful, well-designed, and well-engineered machine. Truly one of GM's masterpieces. If something similar were offered today, I have little doubt it would be a brisk seller. Nowadays, just as in the 1970s, most RV designs are either those behemoth Class A's which are ridiculous gas guzzlers and too large for easy mobility, Class B's with their obvious size limitations, or ugly, boxy Class C's usually based on bumpy, tough-riding truck chassis. The GMC Motorhome was technically a Class A, but with the svelte size and low-slung handling of a Class B. Plus it was streamlined and very eye-pleasing. It's too bad that GM discontinued this model - the decisions they made in the 1980s and the ugly cars they churned out in that timer period is what killed them.
Designed by aircraft engineers in a wind tunnel, the GMC body was more aerodynamic than the contemporary Corvette (CD 210 vs. 218), but with more frontal area. Many "cult" members are aviators. Corvette guys did the SMC "fiberglass", and drive train by Cadillac guys. Halo vehicle for GM, killed by OPEC oil embargo.
I love these videos. Please keep doing the odd topics. Videos about GTO's and Mustangs are everywhere. I saw these motorhomes extensively in my youth but knew nothing about them. I always admire your knowledge, I am a car nerd but you have me beat.
I have fallen in love with the TH425 platform since I got my 68 Toronado. It is so unique in the way it feels. Amazing power across the curve. El Dorados and Toronados are very underrated in my opinion. I want to get a GMC motorhome.
A neighbor, down the road away, when I was a kid, had one but the interior was a cross between Harvest Gold and Brown. They were retired and drove that thing South, to Southern California or Arizona, every winter. In the late 1980's he bought a huge trailer and 3/4 ton Ford truck. He missed the reliability of the engine, maneuverability, but not the airbag suspension, as it failed a few times, and the outdated interior. It was the coolest thing I'd seen, as a kid, growing up in rural Washington state, for a motor home.
We used to service one of these at a dealership I was employed at, all around awesome machine. As for weight/traction distribution as Adam stated, the tech who always serviced it would leave our back lot in a glorious smoke show to go on a test drive.
thanks for this. in 1983, I drove one from Savannah, GA to Los Angeles, CA and it was a wonderful experience. If I had one today, I would live in it. Mine was the Goldenrod version and everyone wanted to see inside.
They were also sold as a shell with no rear side windows. Saw 2 at a local dealership. Was going to the 1980 24 hours of Daytona and passed one of these converted to a car carrier. Had a Porsche turbo in the back.
The Trasnmode's were sold bare and used for airport busses, mobile company showcases, laboratories, ambulances, and whatever else a big van could be used for.
Revolutionary in ways, and to this day has not been matched in some ways. I would love to have one today. I saw one that was silver and gray base coat/clear coat paint and tinted wheels, not only did it look good, but it looked modern.
I worked for a GM dealership as a HD mechanic. As we lived in Calgary, during the stampede *Greatest outdoor show on Earth*, many motorhomes were stopping at the deanship for repairs or routine maint. One year, this GMC motorhome on a hook was brought in for engine knock. I was handed the keys and was tasked to diagnose. Sure enough low end knock. Customer was told, est costs were explained. They said Fix It. Not ever having seen one before, 455 rocket engine, front wheel drive transaxle, all crammed into a small engine cover. All white interior, which I had to lay clear plastic over everything. Used two engine lifts coming in from drv and pass frt windows, with chain block and tackles on both, lifting front end to max ht, lowered the power pack to the floor to then disassemble. Not one person ever came over to see my Frankenstein operation. Engine was sent out for overhaul. Got it 2 weeks later, put the monster back together. road tested. Thought the engine sounded snug, as too tight. Sure enough engine lost a rod halfway to Edmonton. Got a call from a mechanic in Edmonton, asking how I got the thing out. He was not impressed. Impressive unit though and a time I never forgot.
Screaming Jimmys! I rode a SEMTA to school in the early 80's and the 6V71 was in those busses with an Allison automatic - I'll never forget that sound.
Cortez also had a front wheel drive motorhome in the 1960's. Great video, Olds drivetrains again showed their durability in this unique motorhome. That plaid interior was similiar to many 1970's Chevrolet pickups. Since you mentioned "Screaming Jimmys" would you consider a video on the history of the two cycle Detroit Diesels?
Jim Bounds, he is down in Florida, and restores/repairs the GMC motorhome. He has a great you tube channel and has enormous knowledge of this motorhome on every part of it. He even bought the original molds for the body which he may reproduce at some point. He is a GMC motorhome "guru". Anyone needs help on anything about the GMC motorhome, contact Jim.
Fascinating to learn that the same individual, Michael Lathers, was involved in or largely responsible for three of my favorite GM creations, the Motorhome, the RTS bus, and the Glide-Away tailgate. The Motorhome and original RTS were literally generations ahead of their contemporaries, and still look stunning today. On a side note, I do have to wonder if the 403 used in the last two years of Motorhome production was hardened for the more demanding duty cycle.
When I was a kid & these came out I thought they were very futuristic looking!! I really liked them, one of the kids I went to school with, his parents bought one & I got to go inside & I thought it was super cool. Thanks Adam for showcasing this classic motorhome!!! 👍🙂
Good subject Adam! I forgot all about these RV's. I wonder if they appreciated in value over the years especially having both a frame and body that can withstand the salt belt states. Your right on there appearance as it definitely retains good looks as the years went on. Great episode.
They're still a screaming bargain compared to the junk being sold nowadays. Solid ones can still be found in the $20k-35k range. Note, the frame is steel so those of us in the snow belt have to be careful about frame rust.
Met a Guy who had worked as a Engineer designing equipment for Campbell Soup and he still owned and used his 76 GMC motorhome which he bought new, it came with a color matched Yamaha Chappy which he sold to me. He was quite the Character lol.
Great stuff, really enjoyed seeing this content. Saw one at a campground in Florida last year outside Orlando. With new Class B camper vans fetching upwards of $200k and RV sales spiking, it would be great to see something similar come out off Detroit again. All the best!
Ahhh yes, love these GM rigs, either the 403 or 455 Olds with a fwdTH475 transmission, air ride, and featured in the movie Stripes. I have also seen a few of these converted to 472/500 Cadillac power.
This holds the world record for the highest top speed of any motorhome at 99 mph! This was due not only to the smooth front and sides, but the fwd drivetrain and perimeter frame meant it wasn't way up in the air, with all the frame and suspension in the airflow, and it had a smooth underbody, giving it great aerodynamics. It was easy to step into, almost like getting in a minivan, rather than climbing up into a traditional motor home.
Great video and presentation. I can remember as a teen going and looking at these, brand new, at the local Pontiac and GMC dealer. I thought they were the best back in the day. BTW, my parents bought a brand new ‘79 Pontiac Trans Am with T Tops in white with a baby blue crushed velour interior and 403 V8 from that dealer. It was a gift from my dad to my mom. She had it forever and never drove it. Sat in the garage. Eventually traded on a 1990 Oldsmobile. I think the Pontiac had all of 20K miles on it. Wish she would have kept it!
Nice presentation. 2 corrections. The 455 was used until 1/77 production, almost half the 77 model year. I have a 77 with a 9/76 build date and 455. They did not have dual exhaust. They had dual front pipes and 2 mufflers that then merged into a single 2 1/2 inch tail pipe, so larger that a pass car single 2.1/4". Another nice feature was there was a liquid to liquid heat exchanger in the water heater with heater hoses running al the way back to the bath, so you had hot water underway or as soon as you arrived for a shower. Don't forget the Transmodes which level Pontiac as a bare shell. These became airport shuttles, ambulances, bookmobiles etc and were sold to outside upfitters such as Coachman for the Royalle or Birchhaven models. Cinnabar Engineering Sandusky MI. both the rights from GM for parts a publications and is the most " authorized" service facility. They restored the former Trans Am territory Pontiac promo coach which is now the GM Heriitage collection coach.
That was great. Thanks for the video. GM used to be quite the transportation company - locomotives, city buses, and these motorhomes to name a few. Pretty cool.
Gotta do one of these on the bricklin sv1 sometime...I wish more people knew about the car and the story behind it...I own car 2129 and am restoring it and think how it came to be and what it is makes me appreciate what few of them are out there and why I wanted one for myself... Keep up the good work ...I like the porch best/worst of videos!
Hi Adam, you are doing a great job with your channel. Real cool stuff, accurate informations, and genuine automotive passion all combined together. Raffaele from Italy.
Awesome video. I've seen a few GMC Motorhomes over the years. I consider it unforgivable that it was discontinued when it was. Compared to the Winnebago motorhome of the 1970s, the GMC is perhaps the best looking motorhome.
Love your channel. Watch all of your vids on cars. GM under the name of Frigidaire made THE most awesome ovens/ranges when I was a kid in early to mid 1960s. I didn't know about the Motorhome part. We had a Frigidaire Custom Imperial oven when my Dad bought our house in 1963 and sold our house in 72 when we moved outside of Chicago. Sorry, it way off topic but I sure do watch you bud. :) I heard the name Frigidaire and I had to comment. Keep up the good content. :) Enjoying it down here.
As a kid, I rode many miles on GM Detroit powered Greyhounds. Later I drove trucks powered by the famous 2 strokes. It was fun racing through the gears when I was young. Later I became more impressed with other Deisels that seemed to start better in cold, have more low end torque, and leak less oil. Recently I've found out that the industry loved those engines. Given how wide spread their use, they must have been a great success for GM, and gave tremendous economy to customers. RV, truck, and buses being quite the boon.
I always thought this was the best motor home ever. I remember always being excited to see one on the road back in the 1970's. I occasionally see one even now.
Totally agree with poor traction, even on slight wet inclines !!! I had to buy chains just in case...I get way more attention at campgrounds than a Prevost Bus conversion !! And let's not talk at the gas station when refueling !!
I own a 76 Palm Beach - there are over 9000 still accounted for and on the road. A great community of owners - that also reproduce some of that hard to obtain parts. The biggest killer of these was the fuel crunch of the 70's. All the major platforms were being forced into early emissions controls, as well as the reducing of fuel consumption. I've worked in the Coach business (Prevost coaches) and the RV business (towable design) and no manufacturer, has had one this old, still on the road. The body designer was from Boeing, for the Aerodynamic "space frame" look and feel, the power plant I believe was assisted in design by an engineer from Corvette - and the interior from an engineer from Cadillac, for the luxury aspect of the interiors. There's a real interesting video on youtube showing one on a shaker table and the amount of testing that went into these. I can tell you, no RV manufacturer today - goes thru that rigorous of testing. They are definitely a testament to a by gone era. Made in America -
A really nice feature. I knew most this information about the engines and transmission but it was nice to hear you talk about it from your knowledge set and about your thoughts on the motor home as well as its eventual demise.
When I was a kid I was memorized with these I had hot wheels palm beach edition. In those days my parents bought a new travel trailer we hit a lot of campgrounds and would see a lot of these GMC transmodes some people let me & my Dad look inside totally cool 😎 you mentioned Detroit diesel well I was a truck driver I got to drive some of those engines In Ford 9000s And GMC JD 9500s. And Brigadiers we called them old Sing a Songs
My father's friend had one of those in the 70s and it was awesome. So, so much better than anything else. I really feel like GM dropped the ball on these- if they could have toughed out the late 70s recession, they would have owned the Motorhome market forever. They were (relatively) quiet, rode great, and got much better mileage than truck based ones. Only real shortcoming was traction in snow or soggy ground.
I saw one of these that was converted into like a science exhibit, the whole roof was cut and put on rollers. It would open up and they had a big telescope in it. It was mint.
Never owned the GMC motorhome but I do own a 2007 Roadtrek 170 that I absolutely love. Roadtrek converted a Chevy Express van into a fully contained RV. The Roadtrek is powered by the wonderful 6.0 liter vortec engine that propels the van like a rocket ship. I take great pleasure in blowing past all the other RV’s on the road! The 170 is their smallest model so its not very spacious but the advantage is it is very easy to maneuver and park. Just a really comfortable, reliable and fun ride.
I own a '74 GMC "Glacier National Park" model 26 footer, which I love. It's the first, and only motorhome I have ever owned, but I have spent countless hours researching many others. In my opinion, the Roadtrek is the next coolest Motorhome out there. Very well made and a very practical.
The reason I have had such good luck with the 4 pin HEI module with the Duraspark distributor and the TFI coil is separated components, having them on heat sinks and in a cool place . I think that is the key Also measuring impedance they all within .1.5 ohms cold and hot, an ohm and a half resistance cold and hot shows that there is nowhere to build heat as long as there is air circulation. I drill 1/4 holes around my cap adapter to cool and prevent ozone build up. Oh and the 6V71 was the sound of my childhood too! That and that hydramatic!
Love seeing this featured. These are SO cool and if I had the $ and someplace to store it, I would absolutely get one of these, as original as possible. I've never seen a Palm Beach version but there was one I saw at a vintage RV show a couple years back that was very swanky (and again, mostly original).
Great video, Adam. GM Design still has one of these GMC motorhomes that was converted for use for outdoor design reviews. Affectionately known as the 'Chuck Wagon'.
There are a lot of fun for a car guy, They can be worked on in a driveway, lots of hot rod parts too! Engine upgrades, suspension upgrades, brake upgrades.
The GMC motorhomes were by far the coolest of any motorhome ever built. I would love to have a short wheelbase version. I always wondered why GM did away with the motorhome. Thanks for explaining.
Another great presentation, thanks again! Very intelligent and resourceful of GM to co-opt the Oldsmobile UPP from the Toronado. ( Unitized Power Package).
I have always appreciated the design of the GMC motorhomes. They were aerodynamic for the time, unlike the block-shaped motorhomes made by other manufacturers (Yes, Winneblocko, I'm talking about you!). 12.9K and two still reside in my neighborhood - one is in the backyard next door, and the other is across the street. The one next door has been parked there for years since the husband died. The other is parked somewhere for the winter, but makes its appearance when the nice weather comes back.
I get a kick out of the "I was in the parts business and we sold a lot of HEI modules" so many electronic parts are replaced by people who don't know how to diagnose anything? I'm a licensed tech with over 40 years in the trade, many of them at GMC dealers in the 80's and HEI is super reliable, we even used in our stock car.
Regarding the sound of the GM 2 stroke diesel... a friend worked at a firm doing armor research. They had a late 70s LAV - a wheeled tank like vehicle, with a Detroit 2 stroke V8. We were renting a garage in Dexter MI. Once afternoon my friend and a coworker came buy with the LAV... and we decided to go do some doughnuts in the back field. I was holding on to the metal grate above the engine, sitting on top of the LAV. It was quite something! Some days later we got an angry call from the landlord, asking what we had done to the field. "Well Ron... we had a tank...". He paused for a moment, and responded "OK, don't do it again!" The GMC motorhome shows what happens when you let GM engineers really sink their teeth into a problem. It's too bad it got discontinued so soon.
After seeing various episodes where you show cars from your collection like the nearly 20 foot long Imperial, I had to chuckle when you said that you had no space to store a 26 foot long motor home. Nonetheless, thanks for the review of the GMC motor home. Always loved this design, and still see the odd one around where I live.
I know the guy that did the final inspection on those GMC motorhomes and he currently has one he is restoring himself and said that there is an annual meet up and parts swap amongst the owners of them. His name is John Metts and lives in Potosi, Wisconsin. My uncle owned a 1967 Riviera before I was born that he bought new. I owned a 1974 Riviera myself. The Riviera, Toronado, and El Dorado were called the E body, the Electra 225 and similar were the A body, and the Le Sabre and similar were the B body (at least for the 1971-1976 years) and the Monte Carlo, Regal, Cutlass Supreme, Gran Prix, and Malibu were G body from 1973 to 1988, not sure before and after.
I always thought that they were a nice looking motorhome so it's nice to learn more about them. There is a very sad looking example gradually rotting into the ground in the yard of a house just a few blocks from where I live. I would imagine there must be very few survivors of these by now.
Hello. I own one and am very tied into the community. Actually, it is believed that there are 9,000 still on the road. There are ~8k in the active registry. Would you be willing to knock on that persons door and ask if they want to sell it? The RV market is high right now and these are sought after. It would also be nice to get the serial # for the Regustry.
@@shawnbryan8177 Well I walked to the place yesterday (Sunday) afternoon and it was GONE!!!! There is a big long rectangular patch visible on the yard (a corner plot) where it was standing. It was definitely there just before Christmas. Let's hope it's gone to a good home.
Go online and see how many of these are still running. It's got to be one of the best percentages of any car or truck. I own one and they are an awesome machine.
Estimated 9k still on the road. I own one as well, and am very tied into the community. ~8k in the active registers and they add 2-3 others every month.
I know of two in my city that I know of that still run/registered
Another neat feature these motorhomes had was the Thermasan waste incinerator that used exhaust heat to incinerate the contents of the holding tank. These were way ahead of the competition and would still be considered modern compared to the typical RV made today.
I read that the Thermasan made the exhaust smell like soiled diapers. It probably also wouldn't comply with modern emission standards.
@@bjnz4328
How would it not comply with emission standards?
I’m pretty sure that there are no poop quantity specifications in parts per million, for any exhaust emissions standards.
@@patrickflohe7427 Your president would do it just to be an a*hole.
www.gmcmi.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Thermasan-Brochure.pdf
Bull shit.
The design and engineering in these motor homes was so extreme, and such a complete departure from what was offered at the time, I don’t think they were truly appreciated in their own time, and only now as we look back, can we really begin to appreciate the risks that GM took to build such a truly remarkable machine. The layout of the frame, the suspension, the engine, etc, is unique in the industry. The resulting ride quality, performance, and utility was pretty amazing. The styling is superb. I agree wholeheartedly that this indeed is one of the best vehicles of all time. A very nice one, would certainly be a prized and very sought after collectible and or useful unit.
😍👍🏻
I just bought a 77 p b . Love it ! & It does have a 455. Production date December '76.
We still have our 1977 gmc kinsley.so many happy memories
45 years old
We recently ran into one of these that was in our camping loop at Fort Wilderness Campground at Disney World. I was able to talk to the wife of the guy who rebuild it body off frame. It was the coolest rig in the park. It still packed the original 455.
Another great presentation! GM made a motor home that still looks contemporary.
I had one HEI module fail on me, and it still did not leave me stranded, it was causing a severe miss however, but I was able to make it to the swap meet I was headed to. I found a vendor for ignition stuff and bought a new module, bought a couple screwdrivers and installed it in the parking lot. Never had a problem after that!
They are very dependable, efficient and trouble free,but you just described the best thing about them vs other manufacturers. Try and the right Dura Spark unit at a swap meet. If you find any at all, the connectors will be different from yours.
Retro RVs will have their time in the sun again! I had no idea how much design went into this particular vehicle
I’ve always loved these things. They actually have such style compared to the box on wheels Winnebago and similar motor homes of the period and even later. I think they were pretty expensive when new which couldn’t have helped sales. Featured in he movie Stripes as the urban assault vehicle, I think they called it. There is one of these in my neighborhood. I’ve never seen it move but at least from the street it looks to be in pretty good shape.
The “EM-50 Urban Assault Vehicle” lol
Yes!
I knew this thing looked familiar! Great movie
Its the em50 urban assault vehicle 😂😂😂 from strips
Stripes was partially filmed in my town LOUISVILLE KY and boy oh boy was Goldie Hawn on fire for like an 8 year period
@@MyNameIsCurrentlyUnavailable Goldie Hawn? I think you have your military movies mixed up.
A friend owned one and it drove much like a car. It was smooth riding, a well thought out design, and seemed to be glued together regarding integrity.
In 1974 my parents bought a new Winnebago Chieftan which was great. One day we pulled into a service station and there was the GMC Motorhome. It was amazing compared to the box we had. So futuristic looking, it looked like something from Lost in Space. I was a jealous 12 year old! Great video Adam!
I remember those. As a kid I would wish that dad would buy one and go camping in it, but we had a tent trailer which was more affordable. Oh well. Memories come back watching these videos. Great job.
I believe these are the only motorhomes completely made at a automotive factory, I've wanted one for a long time
I love these Motorhomes. I have driven one and would love to have one. All original not modernised. The designer did a wonderful job and interesting he also designed one of my favourite buses - the RTS. Coincidently you say he did the clamshell wagons too. I have a 1974 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser with the 455.
I agree the Palm Beach is the best one.
Two years ago, I bought an RV, a Class B Winnebago Solis. When doing some perfunctory research into RVs and the various types, I stumbled across a video of the GMC Motorhome. I was enamored of it, it is such a beautiful, well-designed, and well-engineered machine. Truly one of GM's masterpieces. If something similar were offered today, I have little doubt it would be a brisk seller. Nowadays, just as in the 1970s, most RV designs are either those behemoth Class A's which are ridiculous gas guzzlers and too large for easy mobility, Class B's with their obvious size limitations, or ugly, boxy Class C's usually based on bumpy, tough-riding truck chassis. The GMC Motorhome was technically a Class A, but with the svelte size and low-slung handling of a Class B. Plus it was streamlined and very eye-pleasing.
It's too bad that GM discontinued this model - the decisions they made in the 1980s and the ugly cars they churned out in that timer period is what killed them.
Designed by aircraft engineers in a wind tunnel, the GMC body was more aerodynamic than the contemporary Corvette (CD 210 vs. 218), but with more frontal area. Many "cult" members are aviators. Corvette guys did the SMC "fiberglass", and drive train by Cadillac guys. Halo vehicle for GM, killed by OPEC oil embargo.
Yay! No desire for a motorhome whatsoever, but I love these. A fine example of GM engineering when they're allowed to.
I love these videos. Please keep doing the odd topics. Videos about GTO's and Mustangs are everywhere. I saw these motorhomes extensively in my youth but knew nothing about them. I always admire your knowledge, I am a car nerd but you have me beat.
If GM brought this back, it could rule the RV market with an iron fist.
I just don't see that ever happening
You act like the feds would allow it, like your president wouldn't ruin any fun.
Your lord and green new deal savior Joe Biden wouldn't be pleased
I’ve long been fascinated by the GMC motor home. To this day, it’s one of the only truly unique designs in the RV industry.
Your knowledge is vast and any topic you choose is interesting.
I enjoy your conversations on all these different topics. Thanks This is a sweet motorhome.
I have fallen in love with the TH425 platform since I got my 68 Toronado. It is so unique in the way it feels. Amazing power across the curve. El Dorados and Toronados are very underrated in my opinion. I want to get a GMC motorhome.
A neighbor, down the road away, when I was a kid, had one but the interior was a cross between Harvest Gold and Brown. They were retired and drove that thing South, to Southern California or Arizona, every winter. In the late 1980's he bought a huge trailer and 3/4 ton Ford truck. He missed the reliability of the engine, maneuverability, but not the airbag suspension, as it failed a few times, and the outdated interior. It was the coolest thing I'd seen, as a kid, growing up in rural Washington state, for a motor home.
A snow bird. Always hated those.
Not all of them came with those ugly 70s interiors.
this is my favorite porch chat! i am a camper and remember these from the 1970s. they were cool then and still are. thanks for the lesson!
We used to service one of these at a dealership I was employed at, all around awesome machine. As for weight/traction distribution as Adam stated, the tech who always serviced it would leave our back lot in a glorious smoke show to go on a test drive.
thanks for this. in 1983, I drove one from Savannah, GA to Los Angeles, CA and it was a wonderful experience. If I had one today, I would live in it. Mine was the Goldenrod version and everyone wanted to see inside.
I agree totally. I wish this had been like the Avanti story - others taking the technology over to keep them going.
They were also sold as a shell with no rear side windows. Saw 2 at a local dealership. Was going to the 1980 24 hours of Daytona and passed one of these converted to a car carrier. Had a Porsche turbo in the back.
The Trasnmode's were sold bare and used for airport busses, mobile company showcases, laboratories, ambulances, and whatever else a big van could be used for.
Revolutionary in ways, and to this day has not been matched in some ways. I would love to have one today. I saw one that was silver and gray base coat/clear coat paint and tinted wheels, not only did it look good, but it looked modern.
I’ve always wanted one of these. I wish I were around in the old days when vehicles had character and technology had its quirks. Well done!
Adam - you made my day, I've been wanting to see your take on the GMC motorhomes!
Those motorhomes were epic! Fun and informative video as always, thanks!
The Palm Beach edition... Oh, my God... That is just so 70's it hurts!
I worked for a GM dealership as a HD mechanic. As we lived in Calgary, during the stampede *Greatest outdoor show on Earth*, many motorhomes were stopping at the deanship for repairs or routine maint. One year, this GMC motorhome on a hook was brought in for engine knock. I was handed the keys and was tasked to diagnose. Sure enough low end knock. Customer was told, est costs were explained. They said Fix It. Not ever having seen one before, 455 rocket engine, front wheel drive transaxle, all crammed into a small engine cover. All white interior, which I had to lay clear plastic over everything. Used two engine lifts coming in from drv and pass frt windows, with chain block and tackles on both, lifting front end to max ht, lowered the power pack to the floor to then disassemble. Not one person ever came over to see my Frankenstein operation. Engine was sent out for overhaul. Got it 2 weeks later, put the monster back together. road tested. Thought the engine sounded snug, as too tight. Sure enough engine lost a rod halfway to Edmonton. Got a call from a mechanic in Edmonton, asking how I got the thing out. He was not impressed. Impressive unit though and a time I never forgot.
I remember back when these weren't all that uncommon to see on the roads and highways!
These things were so far of the competition at the time. Still looks modern.
Screaming Jimmys! I rode a SEMTA to school in the early 80's and the 6V71 was in those busses with an Allison automatic - I'll never forget that sound.
EM-50 Urban Assault Vehicle. Thinking the Ukraine could use 1000 of these now. Sure, it was a movie based RV....but it has rocket launchers.
Haha, I was thinking the same thing!
Adam, these talks on the porch have been enjoyable.
I love these so much. I would love to own one
Cortez also had a front wheel drive motorhome in the 1960's. Great video, Olds drivetrains again showed their durability in this unique motorhome. That plaid interior was similiar to many 1970's Chevrolet pickups. Since you mentioned "Screaming Jimmys" would you consider a video on the history of the two cycle Detroit Diesels?
The Cortez was pretty cool. Some were powered by a slant six.
Jim Bounds, he is down in Florida, and restores/repairs the GMC motorhome. He has a great you tube channel and has enormous knowledge of this motorhome on every part of it. He even bought the original molds for the body which he may reproduce at some point. He is a GMC motorhome "guru". Anyone needs help on anything about the GMC motorhome, contact Jim.
Yes. Jim is a great resource. Look up "Cooperative Motor Works" or "Motorhome Rehab Ranch".
I saw a restored one on the road last summer. A real beauty it was and in that condition, it looked totally modern!
Great idea to include this particular motor home in your platform, thanks !
You should do an episode on screaming Gimmies, so much neat engineering and that sound. Nothing sweeter than a v12 2-stroke
Talk about encyclopaedic knowledge of all things automotive. You got it bro. The GMC motorhome is still the best design, best performing RV ever.
Fascinating to learn that the same individual, Michael Lathers, was involved in or largely responsible for three of my favorite GM creations, the Motorhome, the RTS bus, and the Glide-Away tailgate. The Motorhome and original RTS were literally generations ahead of their contemporaries, and still look stunning today.
On a side note, I do have to wonder if the 403 used in the last two years of Motorhome production was hardened for the more demanding duty cycle.
Yes, it has proven to be durable. The switchover to the 403 happened in mid-77. I have an early 77 with the 455.
When I was a kid & these came out I thought they were very futuristic looking!! I really liked them, one of the kids I went to school with, his parents bought one & I got to go inside & I thought it was super cool. Thanks Adam for showcasing this classic motorhome!!! 👍🙂
Great review! I always thought it looks a bit like a AMC Pacer in some angles.
Good subject Adam! I forgot all about these RV's. I wonder if they appreciated in value over the years especially having both a frame and body that can withstand the salt belt states. Your right on there appearance as it definitely retains good looks as the years went on. Great episode.
There is a very active community around these motor homes to this day
@@russellrobins5320 also one just sold on the 24th on bring your trailer site for 34k.
They're still a screaming bargain compared to the junk being sold nowadays. Solid ones can still be found in the $20k-35k range. Note, the frame is steel so those of us in the snow belt have to be careful about frame rust.
I just bought a77 with 82,000 for 10k.
Great stuff dude thanx
Met a Guy who had worked as a Engineer designing equipment for Campbell Soup and he still owned and used his 76 GMC motorhome which he bought new, it came with a color matched Yamaha Chappy which he sold to me. He was quite the Character lol.
I knew I was right that this is from the warren , roseville, east detroit area. Love your videos , thanks for posting
I’m really digging your porch chats and impressive commentary! Keep it up! Looking forward to one on the indestructible Panther platform Fords.
Very interesting and thanks for the information.
Great stuff, really enjoyed seeing this content. Saw one at a campground in Florida last year outside Orlando. With new Class B camper vans fetching upwards of $200k and RV sales spiking, it would be great to see something similar come out off Detroit again. All the best!
$200,000 class b camper vans . . .🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️
i probably know who that was. 2 of my semi regular customers have 1 each. i'm in swfl.
A motor-home that was so cool, even Barbie had one... TRUTH! =:D
Ahhh yes, love these GM rigs, either the 403 or 455 Olds with a fwdTH475 transmission, air ride, and featured in the movie Stripes. I have also seen a few of these converted to 472/500 Cadillac power.
Yeah that 455 olds was a torque monster that's why they like that engine pulling those big hills out in the West in the mountains
I thought that some came originally with the 500
@@jamesengland7461 they were only converted. Most of them came with Oldsmobiles just for the torque
This holds the world record for the highest top speed of any motorhome at 99 mph! This was due not only to the smooth front and sides, but the fwd drivetrain and perimeter frame meant it wasn't way up in the air, with all the frame and suspension in the airflow, and it had a smooth underbody, giving it great aerodynamics. It was easy to step into, almost like getting in a minivan, rather than climbing up into a traditional motor home.
They were very cool, probably the pinnacle for GM Truck and Bus as far as recreational vehicles go.
Great video and presentation. I can remember as a teen going and looking at these, brand new, at the local Pontiac and GMC dealer. I thought they were the best back in the day. BTW, my parents bought a brand new ‘79 Pontiac Trans Am with T Tops in white with a baby blue crushed velour interior and 403 V8 from that dealer. It was a gift from my dad to my mom. She had it forever and never drove it. Sat in the garage. Eventually traded on a 1990 Oldsmobile. I think the Pontiac had all of 20K miles on it. Wish she would have kept it!
Nice presentation. 2 corrections. The 455 was used until 1/77 production, almost half the 77 model year. I have a 77 with a 9/76 build date and 455. They did not have dual exhaust. They had dual front pipes and 2 mufflers that then merged into a single 2 1/2 inch tail pipe, so larger that a pass car single 2.1/4". Another nice feature was there was a liquid to liquid heat exchanger in the water heater with heater hoses running al the way back to the bath, so you had hot water underway or as soon as you arrived for a shower. Don't forget the Transmodes which level Pontiac as a bare shell. These became airport shuttles, ambulances, bookmobiles etc and were sold to outside upfitters such as Coachman for the Royalle or Birchhaven models. Cinnabar Engineering Sandusky MI. both the rights from GM for parts a publications and is the most " authorized" service facility. They restored the former Trans Am territory Pontiac promo coach which is now the GM Heriitage collection coach.
That was great. Thanks for the video.
GM used to be quite the transportation company - locomotives, city buses, and these motorhomes to name a few. Pretty cool.
Gotta do one of these on the bricklin sv1 sometime...I wish more people knew about the car and the story behind it...I own car 2129 and am restoring it and think how it came to be and what it is makes me appreciate what few of them are out there and why I wanted one for myself... Keep up the good work ...I like the porch best/worst of videos!
Hi Adam, you are doing a great job with your channel. Real cool stuff, accurate informations, and genuine automotive passion all combined together.
Raffaele from Italy.
Awesome video. I've seen a few GMC Motorhomes over the years. I consider it unforgivable that it was discontinued when it was. Compared to the Winnebago motorhome of the 1970s, the GMC is perhaps the best looking motorhome.
Love your channel. Watch all of your vids on cars. GM under the name of Frigidaire made THE most awesome ovens/ranges when I was a kid in early to mid 1960s. I didn't know about the Motorhome part. We had a Frigidaire Custom Imperial oven when my Dad bought our house in 1963 and sold our house in 72 when we moved outside of Chicago. Sorry, it way off topic but I sure do watch you bud. :) I heard the name Frigidaire and I had to comment. Keep up the good content. :) Enjoying it down here.
and the Frigidaire Flair with lift up doors! Samantha Stevens - Bewitched - had one.
I would like to hear about the Chrysler boats, and other industries related to the auto industry, I thought this was a fascinating video. Good Job!
As a kid, I rode many miles on GM Detroit powered Greyhounds. Later I drove trucks powered by the famous 2 strokes. It was fun racing through the gears when I was young. Later I became more impressed with other Deisels that seemed to start better in cold, have more low end torque, and leak less oil. Recently I've found out that the industry loved those engines. Given how wide spread their use, they must have been a great success for GM, and gave tremendous economy to customers. RV, truck, and buses being quite the boon.
You really know your stuff. I'm impressed! Thanks for your videos.
I always thought this was the best motor home ever. I remember always being excited to see one on the road back in the 1970's. I occasionally see one even now.
Totally agree with poor traction, even on slight wet inclines !!! I had to buy chains just in case...I get way more attention at campgrounds than a Prevost Bus conversion !! And let's not talk at the gas station when refueling !!
My vote would be for the Futurliners of the 40's and 50's. They were amazing.
Have you ever seen a Futurliner? I have not. I have seen 30-40 GMCs.
I own a 76 Palm Beach - there are over 9000 still accounted for and on the road. A great community of owners - that also reproduce some of that hard to obtain parts. The biggest killer of these was the fuel crunch of the 70's. All the major platforms were being forced into early emissions controls, as well as the reducing of fuel consumption. I've worked in the Coach business (Prevost coaches) and the RV business (towable design) and no manufacturer, has had one this old, still on the road. The body designer was from Boeing, for the Aerodynamic "space frame" look and feel, the power plant I believe was assisted in design by an engineer from Corvette - and the interior from an engineer from Cadillac, for the luxury aspect of the interiors. There's a real interesting video on youtube showing one on a shaker table and the amount of testing that went into these. I can tell you, no RV manufacturer today - goes thru that rigorous of testing. They are definitely a testament to a by gone era. Made in America -
A really nice feature. I knew most this information about the engines and transmission but it was nice to hear you talk about it from your knowledge set and about your thoughts on the motor home as well as its eventual demise.
When I was a kid I was memorized with these I had hot wheels palm beach edition. In those days my parents bought a new travel trailer we hit a lot of campgrounds and would see a lot of these GMC transmodes some people let me & my Dad look inside totally cool 😎 you mentioned Detroit diesel well I was a truck driver I got to drive some of those engines In Ford 9000s And GMC JD 9500s. And Brigadiers we called them old Sing a Songs
My father's friend had one of those in the 70s and it was awesome. So, so much better than anything else. I really feel like GM dropped the ball on these- if they could have toughed out the late 70s recession, they would have owned the Motorhome market forever. They were (relatively) quiet, rode great, and got much better mileage than truck based ones. Only real shortcoming was traction in snow or soggy ground.
The 23 footers would burn rubber 🔥💨
There's actually a limited-slip differential option available now, as well as more appropriate final drive ratios than the too-tall stock 3.07.
I saw one of these that was converted into like a science exhibit, the whole roof was cut and put on rollers. It would open up and they had a big telescope in it. It was mint.
Loved the GMC motorhomes. Going to look for any shows or clubs pertaining to them just because now.
Never owned the GMC motorhome but I do own a 2007 Roadtrek 170 that I absolutely love. Roadtrek converted a Chevy Express van into a fully contained RV. The Roadtrek is powered by the wonderful 6.0 liter vortec engine that propels the van like a rocket ship. I take great pleasure in blowing past all the other RV’s on the road! The 170 is their smallest model so its not very spacious but the advantage is it is very easy to maneuver and park. Just a really comfortable, reliable and fun ride.
I own a '74 GMC "Glacier National Park" model 26 footer, which I love. It's the first, and only motorhome I have ever owned, but I have spent countless hours researching many others. In my opinion, the Roadtrek is the next coolest Motorhome out there. Very well made and a very practical.
I've been waiting for this one. Very well done. Thank you !
These were great. Wish I owned one
The reason I have had such good luck with the 4 pin HEI module with the Duraspark distributor and the TFI coil is separated components, having them on heat sinks and in a cool place . I think that is the key Also measuring impedance they all within .1.5 ohms cold and hot, an ohm and a half resistance cold and hot shows that there is nowhere to build heat as long as there is air circulation. I drill 1/4 holes around my cap adapter to cool and prevent ozone build up. Oh and the 6V71 was the sound of my childhood too! That and that hydramatic!
Love seeing this featured. These are SO cool and if I had the $ and someplace to store it, I would absolutely get one of these, as original as possible. I've never seen a Palm Beach version but there was one I saw at a vintage RV show a couple years back that was very swanky (and again, mostly original).
Great video, Adam. GM Design still has one of these GMC motorhomes that was converted for use for outdoor design reviews. Affectionately known as the 'Chuck Wagon'.
Yes I have seen that at the Tech Centre.
There are a lot of fun for a car guy, They can be worked on in a driveway, lots of hot rod parts too! Engine upgrades, suspension upgrades, brake upgrades.
The GMC motorhomes were by far the coolest of any motorhome ever built. I would love to have a short wheelbase version.
I always wondered why GM did away with the motorhome. Thanks for explaining.
Another great presentation, thanks again! Very intelligent and resourceful of GM to co-opt the Oldsmobile UPP from the Toronado. ( Unitized Power Package).
I have always appreciated the design of the GMC motorhomes. They were aerodynamic for the time, unlike the block-shaped motorhomes made by other manufacturers (Yes, Winneblocko, I'm talking about you!). 12.9K and two still reside in my neighborhood - one is in the backyard next door, and the other is across the street. The one next door has been parked there for years since the husband died. The other is parked somewhere for the winter, but makes its appearance when the nice weather comes back.
I get a kick out of the "I was in the parts business and we sold a lot of HEI modules" so many electronic parts are replaced by people who don't know how to diagnose anything? I'm a licensed tech with over 40 years in the trade, many of them at GMC dealers in the 80's and HEI is super reliable, we even used in our stock car.
This was a great overview of the GMC Motorhomes, Adam. I've always appreciated these and like you, think the Palm Beach is the best of the lot.
Regarding the sound of the GM 2 stroke diesel... a friend worked at a firm doing armor research. They had a late 70s LAV - a wheeled tank like vehicle, with a Detroit 2 stroke V8. We were renting a garage in Dexter MI. Once afternoon my friend and a coworker came buy with the LAV... and we decided to go do some doughnuts in the back field. I was holding on to the metal grate above the engine, sitting on top of the LAV. It was quite something!
Some days later we got an angry call from the landlord, asking what we had done to the field. "Well Ron... we had a tank...". He paused for a moment, and responded "OK, don't do it again!"
The GMC motorhome shows what happens when you let GM engineers really sink their teeth into a problem. It's too bad it got discontinued so soon.
After seeing various episodes where you show cars from your collection like the nearly 20 foot long Imperial, I had to chuckle when you said that you had no space to store a 26 foot long motor home.
Nonetheless, thanks for the review of the GMC motor home. Always loved this design, and still see the odd one around where I live.
It’s tall!
I know the guy that did the final inspection on those GMC motorhomes and he currently has one he is restoring himself and said that there is an annual meet up and parts swap amongst the owners of them. His name is John Metts and lives in Potosi, Wisconsin. My uncle owned a 1967 Riviera before I was born that he bought new. I owned a 1974 Riviera myself. The Riviera, Toronado, and El Dorado were called the E body, the Electra 225 and similar were the A body, and the Le Sabre and similar were the B body (at least for the 1971-1976 years) and the Monte Carlo, Regal, Cutlass Supreme, Gran Prix, and Malibu were G body from 1973 to 1988, not sure before and after.
I love these motorhomes I'm on the look out for one the right one will come along
A very cool motorhome, I also believe it made an appearance in the movie “Stripes” with Bill Murray as an urban assault vehicle.
"It's not Moscow... It's Czechoslovakia!"
the EM-50 Urban Assault Vehicle
Also see it briefly in movie 'Nashville' 1975.
Anchor man with Will Ferrell, also,
A great choice for the initial chapter of this segment!
I always thought that they were a nice looking motorhome so it's nice to learn more about them. There is a very sad looking example gradually rotting into the ground in the yard of a house just a few blocks from where I live. I would imagine there must be very few survivors of these by now.
Hello. I own one and am very tied into the community. Actually, it is believed that there are 9,000 still on the road. There are ~8k in the active registry. Would you be willing to knock on that persons door and ask if they want to sell it? The RV market is high right now and these are sought after. It would also be nice to get the serial # for the Regustry.
@@shawnbryan8177 Well I walked to the place yesterday (Sunday) afternoon and it was GONE!!!! There is a big long rectangular patch visible on the yard (a corner plot) where it was standing. It was definitely there just before Christmas. Let's hope it's gone to a good home.
Adam, I think you can make anything sound interesting. I will be watching