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Nicer Than Most: 1977 GMC FWD Motorhome
This 1977 GMC Motorhome (chassis TZE167Y100154) is a thoughtfully upgraded 26-foot Palm Beach trim example, which appears to be in very decent condition throughout. A few issues are listed as needing to be addressed, including a broken fridge and generator, but these cool rigs enjoy strong community support to this day, and employ an interesting big-block FWD layout originally derived form the Oldsmobile Toronado. A substantial amount of recent work is listed by the seller, highlights of which include fresh carpeting, new interior lighting and restored cabinetry, while a host of mechanical servicing is also mentioned. Find it here on eBay in Stanton, California for $16,950 OBO.
The GMC Motorhome was produced from 1973 until 1978, and used innovative underpinnings including a frame constructed of extruded aluminum components which were then welded together. The tandem rear wheels are independently suspended, which allowed for period industry-leading interior headroom and living space. In terms of the body and exterior, it’s said that GMC produced nearly everything in-house. Originally conceived under codename TVS-4 (Travel Vehicle Streamlined), lower portions of these coaches’ exterior are constructed of fiberglass, while upper panels above the belt line are sheet aluminum. Condition looks nice on this example, which is the more popular 26-foot length version. Things appear straight and true down the sides, while the seller describes the front and rear bumpers as shiny but imperfect.
New Firestone truck tires are mounted on aluminum wheels that look factory, and the seller says the rear suspension is currently using conventional struts. These RV’s were originally sold with a complex rear air setup, which was intended to keep things balanced while going down the road, in addition to offering manual adjustability to level things out for uneven campsites. Exterior finish seems consistent and clean from most angles, and the seller goes on to mention refurbished exterior stripes and Palm Beach decals. In addition to a lower profile compared to most motorhomes, these were among the first to offer panoramic privacy glass, a feature that would soon catch on throughout the industry. In addition to the factory ladder and roof rack, there’s also an operational roof-mounted A/C unit, while a hitch receiver is visible below the rear bumper.
The cab contains a few extra gauges, while a CB radio and controls for power mirrors are also listed. Wood veneer trim and a radio that could be original are also listed, but photos don’t show the finer points.
The interior is said to benefit from new deep-pile carpeting and revamped lighting. Seat covers are said to be original but appear nicely kept, and the cabinetry has reportedly been restored. The roof-mounted A/C unit is said to provide cool air, and there’s also an integrated vacuum cleaner. A total of three fresh Interstate coach batteries are listed, but it sounds like the original Onan generator is not in running order–these units become problematic when left to sit, but are not particularly difficult to completely replace as a whole. The NorCold fridge is also non-operational, and in need of attention or replacement according to the description. Sleeping room is said to accommodate a total of six, and capacities include a 30-gallon fresh water tank and a 30-gallon holding tank for combined black and gray.
The engine isn’t shown, but there’s not much to see with the front covers lifted anyway. Although the FWD design was innovate, the first RV to use a similar concept was actually the Clark Cortez of the mid 1960’s. The first few years of GMC Motorhome production used the Oldsmobile 455ci Rocket V8, while later examples like this came with a 403. The seller says the original engine remains with this one, and benefits from extensive servicing in the way of a rebuilt cooling system and an overhauled carb. A new alternator is also mentioned, along with a brake service that included a new master cylinder, calipers and lines, among much more.
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