This is definitely not your typical used vehicle listing, but nevertheless, those that know will undoubtedly appreciate it. What we have here is a highly original 1970 Buffalo Bus, which is still running well with a little under 75,000 miles on the clock. Now, this vintage vehicle is up listed for sale in Texas.
For those readers who may be unaware, the GM Buffalo Bus is a term applied to a variety of different motocoaches built by the GM Truck and Coach Division. Produced across two generations between 1966 and 1980, the GM Buffalo bus was known for its stepped roof design, which placed several rows of seating at different levels, allowing for an expansive cargo area underneath the rear seats, plus a nice view for passengers.
This particular GM Buffalo Bus is a 1970 GMC PD-1408, which hails from the second generation and measures in at 35 feet. The bus is framed as “all original” in the listing, and that includes the exterior. According to the listing (and confirmed by the photos), the exterior could use a fresh coat of paint, but looks cool in an old school kind of way. The stepped roof, slanted window treatment, and long side striping give the vehicle its iconic look, while rounded lighting bits are found up front and in the rear.
The interior is original as well, and incorporates tan and beige upholstery with cloth inserts. Both forward-facing and rear-facing seats are included, while up top is a series of large bins offering further storage.
Providing motivation is the GM 8V-71 V8 diesel engine, which connects to a Spicer four-speed manual transmission. The listing states that the engine recently got a tune up, including an oil change, new belts, new hoses, and two new batteries.
With 74,680 miles on the clock, this GM Buffalo bus apparently “starts instantly and purrs like a kitten.” Now, it’s listed for sale at $17,900 in the Fort Worth, Texas area.
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Source: craigslist
Comments
If I had a band that was going on tour, this would be way cooler than spending the same money on some non-descript, used white van. Thinking there’s probably more than 74K miles on it, though. This bus looks to have crossed the country more than 25 times….
It would make a cool vintage RV but probably gets nasty mileage.
According to Bus Conversion Magazine (yes, there really is such a thing), 6-7 mpg. Other sources say as high as 10, but that seems doubtful. I suppose, though, if you take out all the seats and stuff, it’s only going to get lighter, so maybe not so doubtful.
A turbo would probably help.
It has a Roots supercharger. 567 cubic inches, 318 horsepower. Can you double clutch? This bus will hold between 70 to 80 miles per hour on the highway. Later models of the same engine did incorporate a turbocharger that fed more air to the supercharger. GMC coaches did not require a third axle because they were so light. The bus has stadium seating for the first three rows. The figure listed above is probably fair and reasonable. If it is driven smoothly and responsibly, it might do better than that. I own a 1973 4905 Buffalo with an automatic transmission.
There are probably plenty out there with less original interiors than this one.
It would be a shame to take such a nice seated coach to convert to an RV.
Agreed but I don’t have that many friends who want to hang out with me!
I bet O J Simpson rode in it.
It would be great to be living in this motorcoach van, down by the river. 😂..