If you wanted to design a motorhome back in the 1970s, you probably would have started with a box on a truck chassis with furniture inside.

But not General Motors! The GMC Motorhome was the first of its kind built by a major automotive manufacturer.

Nearly 13,000 GMC Motorhomes in 23 or 26 foot lengths were produced during the 1973-78 production period.

Initially 15 floor plans and four models each with unique interior decor were available. Additional models, colors and interiors were available over the production period. It could sleep four to six people with the convenience of a kitchen, furnace, air conditioning, bathroom and shower.

The GMC Motorhome was a beautifully styled, luxurious motorhome, originally selling for as much as $40,000 fully equipped.

Innovative Ideas

Above the chassis is a complete cage of heavy gauge aluminum ribs and stringers. On top of this substructure are bonded skin panels not unlike that of today’s aircraft. The roof and upper side panels are mirror-smooth aluminum while the lower skin panels, nose and rear sections are molded fiberglass. Imron paint was used for the exterior finish.

• the GMC Motorhome was the first motorhome to be tested in a wind tunnel

• front wheel drive technology utilized by the Oldsmobile Toronado along with the Oldsmobile 455 and later 403 cubic-inch engines and Turbo-hydramatic transmission

• front torsion bar suspension and in-line tandem rear wheels suspended by air bags and an automatic leveling and raise/lower ability for leveling at a campground.

• a low floor for easy entry and exit by occupants

• a low center of gravity for better handling

• a low roofline for maximum clearance

• built in vacuum cleaner

The GMC Motorhome was first offered in the 1973 model year. Over the six year production period, a number of changes and enhancements were made Improving on the original design.

Probably the biggest change was for the 1975 model year when many improvements were incorporated.

Later in mid 1977 the 455 cu. in. engine was replaced with the Olds 403 as a result of General Motors corporate downsizing. Manufacturing continued through1978 when it was decided to end production and use the manufacturing facilities for van and pick up production.

The story doesn’t end there however, of the 12,921 built, It is believed more than half of them are still on the road nearly 40 years later. Some have been well maintained while others have suffered from neglect. Some have been restored and others have been renovated and customized.

A number of dedicated vendors help keeping these coaches running with new as well as innovative replacement parts, providing their owners with a high level of support.

Enthusiastic owners are members of a number of GMC Motorhome chapters that are fully recognized by Family Motor Coach Association.