By Cheri Sicard
Have you ever stumbled upon a vintage RV and felt instantly transported to another era? That’s exactly what happened when Patrick Botticelli from New Jersey Outdoor Adventures discovered an incredibly rare 1973 Shasta motorhome on Facebook Marketplace. This wasn’t just any old RV; it was a time capsule blending a nostalgic exterior with a beautifully renovated interior.
The ’73 Shasta Class A RV has a certain charm. The owner, Killian, jokes that it looks like it’s straight out of the movie Cars. It’s got that undeniable ’70s vibe, with its blue exterior and original lighting. One of the most distinctive features is the shape of the windows. These rounded windows add character, although Killian shared it was tricky to redo the paneling around them due to their shape.
This Shasta has a huge awning. The rollers prevent the door from scratching or cutting it when opened. The rearview mirrors are iconic, and the front bumper is big and solid, complete with those classic lights.
Under the hood, there’s a 454 Big Block. Killian mentioned his dad’s generation loved the 454s, which sounds great when it starts up. It is also useful for towing and handling hills.
Shasta wings and original details
No Shasta is complete without its wings. These iconic wings are on the sides.
The RV still has its original gray tank, which is pretty cool to see. While the black water tank is currently disconnected, it’s still there, which offers the option to reconnect it later.
The rear of the Shasta has an angled design. This keeps it from looking like a box truck.
Other notable features include:
• A spotlight for the license plate
• An antique license plate
• A fire escape door
• A backup camera
• A fuel tank
• A dog door
• A 6,000-watt surge, 5000-watt continuous generator
Despite some weathering and water damage, the aluminum framing is solid. Killian was relieved he didn’t have to do any framework and he only had to replace the insulation.
An outdoor porch light and handle make getting up the steps easier. The step itself is reused from an Argosy.
Stepping inside the Shasta motorhome: A cozy cedar cabin
Stepping inside, you’re greeted by the inviting smell of cedar. Killian loves using cedar, so he tried to incorporate it everywhere. It smells great and is generally affordable. There was significant water damage, so all the paneling had to be replaced.
The driver’s area feels like a flight deck, offering a panoramic view. The passenger seat can fold into a bed or lounge area. The overhead dashboard has readers for the generator. The swivel seat can lock in place.
Accessing the engine is simple. The “dog house” pulls up and out of the way. Since it’s on a P30 chassis, there’s plenty of room to work on the engine.
The retro dash has a cool layout. You’ll find a lighter, too. The backup camera was built in when Killian purchased it.
The kitchen transformation
The countertops are made of teak. The shades were salvaged. The color scheme is based on the blue in the carpet and couches. The kitchen backsplash pulls in the blue from the living space.
The pull-out faucet is a fun feature. There’s a three-burner stove with an oven. Above the cabinets, there is storage for plates and glasses. Killian’s wife, Kenzie, designed the boho-style doors, cutting out, staining, and gluing them in. There is a drawer for silverware and a large cabinet for cereal (Killian really likes cereal).
Killian removed the original fridge and closet to create more countertop space and installed a new retro-themed fridge.
The flooring is a 20-mil layered waterproof, scratchproof material.
The bedroom and bathroom
There is ample storage for clothes in the bedroom. Killian removed cabinets to open up the space and installed new recessed lighting and fans. The bedroom has a cozy atmosphere.
For the king-size bed, Killian had to work around the generator and water tank. He pulls out half the bed and unfolds the other half. The stretch-fitted cushion covers and memory foam topper add comfort.
The bathroom is designed as a luxurious space. The wallpaper has a ’70s theme, and the cedar counter top with live edge adds a unique touch. There is storage under the sink for toilet paper, where you can also access the plumbing and electrical components.
Killian removed the old fiberglass shower and installed FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) board and a new shower pan. The dry flush toilet is also modern. The bathroom has Edison light bulbs, a dimmable shower light, a night light, and a coat rack.
The renovation journey
The Shasta came with its original advertisement. This shows the original layout and features and highlights the structural aluminum frame, steel roll bars, and aluminum skin.
Information on this model is scarce. Killian found a video from 2019 showing this motorhome in its original state. Most RVs from that time were made of wood and fell apart. This one has a steel roll cage, which leads to speculation that it could be a prototype or a limited production model.
A lot of hard work went into this renovation. Pricing such a unique vehicle was challenging. Killian invested close to $20,000 in the renovation. While he didn’t disclose the exact selling price, he shared his initial expectations. He also considered the possibility of it being used as an Airbnb or movie set. Ultimately, his goal was to keep it affordable and make the buyer happy.
After selling this vintage rig, Killian was more than ready to move on to van conversions.
Watch his story and take a tour of the rig below.
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RVDT2655
Today’s snobby glamping crowd would really sneer at this old RV..but it is rather well kept. As the old saying went “it hasta be a shasta”>
Thank you for calling attention to this and summarizing it, Cheri! Really cool RV. It must have been so exciting to travel in this in the 1970s. Have a great weekend and safe travels!