Take a look at a true RV classic, the 1978 GMC Eleganza II 26-foot Class A motorhome. Patrick Botticelli from New Jersey Outdoor Adventures gives us a tour of this iconic fiberglass RV in the video below. He says at the time there were several models of similar GMC motorhomes that were mostly distinguished by their interior decors.
This classic RV boasts a 6.7-liter, 403-cubic-inch GMC V-8 gasoline engine. The motorhome has dual rear tires (not dual axle, but dual rear tires) that Patrick says give it a low center of gravity.
The GMC motorhome was what Patrick calls a “barn find,” meaning it had been tucked away in someone’s barn for years if not decades. Therefore, it is in mostly original condition. Even the floors are covered in the original avocado green shag carpeting, although the rugs have seen some wear. The molded fiberglass bathroom retains its original shower curtains. Although someone during the years did update the coach to LED lighting.
Watch the video as Patrick shares some of the original layouts and brochures for this GMC motorhome that had several versions of this length. All feature the classic surround sliding glass windows.
Built much like an airplane, the solid oak cabinets bolt into the aluminum fuselage frame. An insulated aluminum-clad ceiling covers the interior.
I love how the dining table folds to make more space while retaining the cup holders. Someone should bring that design back. Ditto the sofa that creatively unfolds into two separate bunks.
This was an innovative luxury RV at its time. It even has a central vacuum cleaning system. Watch the video to see a full tour, including under the hood.
The sink, the cabinets, and the appliances are all original, even the ahead-of-its-time AC/DC refrigerator. For its age, everything seems to be in good condition. However, unlike some of the other classic RVs we have toured, this one has yet to be lovingly restored. As it was recently sold, perhaps we will see a future video of that.
RELATED
- GMC Motorhomes make full circle: Hatchlings return to the nest
- Incredible makeover turns this 1973 GMC RV into an out-of-this-world spaceship
##RVT1124b
Check your facts. GMC were last built in 1978. The GMC Motorhome was not fiberglass. The body was largely aluminum. Both end caps were SMC, not fiberglass.
Beautiful and excellent motorhomes. Built better, for their time, than anything mass produced now.
That shag carpeting was just like the shag in our house when we bought it. Both ‘made’ in the 70’s . . .
Couple years ago I looked at a GMC motorhome and decided not to buy it. Was in pretty good shape but the engine was all torn apart. Had a new in the crate refrigerator amongst other things. Now that I’m retired i could use a project like that, but alas. $5000 was the asking
Fun to see the vintage GMC motor home. Rode in one for weekend trip from LA to SF for a football game. (1979) Four couples. So much fun. Such high quality. I wonder how much it weighs. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!
Slap a Duramax/Allison combo in there and this would be quite a rig!
Several of them have had diesel conversions using the 6.5L from 1990’s Army Humvees, but the Toronado/Eldorado front wheel drive system limits the transmission options. They originally came with the 455 from Oldsmobile, which provided plenty of torque. They downsized to a 403 in the last 2 years of production (’77 & ’78) due to the Arab oil embargo and rising cost of gasoline. Even without diesel power, they’re still great rigs.
Thank you, Cheri! The GMC RVs are such cool RVs