GM Design Studio Concepts
Pre-Production design Prototype assembly |
In about 1968, GM decided to
enter the booming RV market by introducing a complete RV under their
name. Unlike other RV models that GM had offered, this was to be a
complete motorhome, with body, interior, equipment, etc. An
unusual front drive layout was chosen for the design, and as for the
styling, it too was very sleek and stylish for a motorhome, epically at
that period. Pictured are some design studies that GM had made. |
The Production GMC Motorhome
Transpo 72 Brochure-Alternate Uses |
Eventually, the Motorhome was
decided to be marketed under the GMC name, to hopefully give the brand a
more civilian image for at this time, their main business was heavy duty
trucks. The Motorhome was debuted at the TRANSPO 72 fair at Dulles
International Airport. The Motorhome was billed as also a
multi-purpose vehicle, as it could be used for other needs. Envisioned
applications included ambulances, transit busses, and handicapped
accessible vehicles.
The Motorhome was slightly
altered in shape for it's production version. The basic lines were
still evident, but it was heightened to give more walking room.
There were two models available: the 23 or the 26 foot models were
offered, with more people opting for the 26 than the 23. The way
to tell the difference at a quick glance is the 26's side door is
towards the rear wheels of the coach, whereas the 23's is just after the
front wheels. |
GMC Motorhome chassis
GMC Motorhome Body
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As the original design concept planned, the Motorhome used an all-new
way of thinking to construct the vehicle. The chassis was
front-wheel drive, mated to a four-speed automatic and a 455 CUI
V8. The powertrain came stock from Oldsmobile's Toronado, and the
early Cadillac Eldorados, also. The chassis of the Motorhome
was also unique. The body was a one-piece body made of an aluminum
frame with fiberglass panels. The
chassis utilized a single wheel layout in the rear, rather than the
traditional "dually" design. The rear suspension was an
air suspension type, often found in buses or heavy duty trucks, and
allowed a smooth ride and a level coach. Floorplans and models
offered are listed on the pictures at the bottom of this page.
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GMC Transmode Bus
Pictures of Motorhome Assembly
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Two basic models were
manufactured. There were the Motorhomes, which were all ready for
camping, and then there were the Transmodes. The Transmodes were
an empty Motorhome shell, except for the cockpit. Many of these
were converted to motorhome useage by other companies, but they were
also used for such buisness purpaces that GM envisioned early on.
GMC Motorhomes were all built in Pontiac, MI, where most other GMC
trucks were built. The factory interiors were done by a company
called Gemini, located elsewhere in Michigan. However, their
components were installed in Pontiac. The rear panel was installed
last, allowing the components and trim to be wheeled into the interior,
compared to wrestling it in on other coaches. Some Transmodes had
this panel replaced by two cargo doors, as seen on the full-size GMC
van. |
Early GMC Interior
GMC Motorhome Dashboard
GMC Motorhome Cockpit |
The interior of the Motorhome
was as up to date (at that time) as the styling was. The picture
at right shows one of the early interior schemes. Don't worry,
other colors were available and eventually other patterns too.
Since the chassis was a FWD configuration, this allowed for a lower
stance of the coach, and a flat interior. The cockpit also avoided
and doghouses and had swiviling chairs. A double-wide swiveling
passenger's chair was available. As evidenced by this photo, the
Motorhome was very bright with it's large window areas, allowing also a
better line of sight. |