Re: [AMC-list] AMC Motorhomes?

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Date: Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:13:42 -0500
This is a new on on me! Just looked it up -- was in January 74 Popular Mechanics (not Science!), and it was Holiday Rambler. I didn't find it in "AM Family Album", thought I had the last edition (76 Copyright, shows though 77 models). Marc probably saw it somewhere else... no big deal! The front drive setup is tall -- it looks just about like a Jeep frame cut off just behind the transfer case. The frame box is straight though, no curves at all. The axle looks to be near the center, so it's pushed further back under the engine. Looks like they may have used a center or front sump oil pan -- axle appears to pass under just in front of the bell housing. 

=----------------
From: Wayne E Lamothe <superglider@xxxxxxxx>
To: amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx

AMC considered the purchase of GMC motorhomes in 1978 when GM axed the
program.  AMC built 5 units using a Chevy 454 and a transfer case setup
in lieu of the discontinued Toronado front drive setup that had been used
by GM in the motorhomes from 1973 to 1978.  The program was not
considered feasible without having a front wheel drive transaxle so the
deal never went forward.  There would have been a huge revamp of the
chassis required to use a tranfer case and it was too much engineering
expense for an unknown financial gain.  Part of the reason GM quit making
the GMC motorhome (the best ever made with its air suspension) was the
second gas crisis of 1978.  The one in 1974 really hurt RV sales but the
second one in 78 was the death of many RV lines.  I have more info on the
AMC involvement at home.  Bill Bryant is the official history of the GMC
motorhome association and I met with him a couple of years ago to get
more info on the coaches and to look over his Palm Beach model.  My wife
and I will be buying a 78 GMC Royale in the spring when the owners return
north.

Wayne

--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)

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