In light of the 50th anniversary of the GMC Motorhome, GMC Motorhomes International (GMCMI) will host a homecoming celebration that will take members to the site where their vehicle was originally manufactured.
GMCMI members from Canada and the U.S. will convoy from the Shiawassee Fairgrounds to the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, where the motorhomes were produced. Once at the M1 Concourse, Mayor Tim Greimel will present a proclamation around 2:00 pm EDT.
It’s worth noting that members will participate in a six-day convention at the Shiawassee Fairgrounds prior to this homecoming event from September 19th to 25th, 2023.
“GMCMI believes that this is the first time that 50-year-old motorhomes will caravan from Canada and the U.S. back to the plant location where they were built,” a representative claimed in a prepared statement. “Coaches will be grouped by their 1973 to 1978 year of manufacture while parading through Pontiac, demonstrating the longevity and GMC Motorhome Lifestyle in 2023.”
Notably, this event is not open to the general public. In addition, dignitaries and past employees will be in attendance.
For background on the GMC Motorhomes, these vehicles were manufactured by the GMC Truck & Coach division of General Motors from model years 1973 to 1978, with almost 13,000 units produced in total. As the only complete motorhome built by a major automaker, the GMC Motorhome was available in 23- and 26-foot configurations, and were noted for FWD and a low profile with a fully integrated body.
Despite the aforementioned FWD drivetrain configuration, power was developed from one of two V8 gasoline engines, which were mounted longitudinally and mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. Notably, the Motorhomes were also equipped with a pair of 25-gallon fuel tanks to feed said powerplants.
As for GMCMI itself, the organization has been in the service of over 900 owners and enthusiasts for the past 40 years.
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Comments
It would be nice to see Chevy get back in the RV game again. Don’t want a Ford.
Those were absolutely the coolest motorhomes back in those days, quite innovative as well as good/futuristic looking! I read an article about them a while back, apparently, they weren’t making much money on them. A good chunk of them are still on the road too, unlike many other RV’s (sort of like Airstream Trailers).
These motorhomes used the Olds Toronado drive train. It was an unusual FWD configuration with the 455 cu in V8 mounted longitudinally. It was designed as a motorhome, not built on a a van or truck chassis like most motorhomes of the era.
I believe these were built at Pontiac Central assembly which is about a half mile east from the M1 concorse which is on the site of the Pontiac West assembly plant.
I agree! Plant 2, Building 29, last known as Pontiac Central Assembly!
EM-50 if you know, you know.
EM-50 Urban Assault Vehicle Replica
They Still look modern today!
Nice to see them still around. I heard they were discontinued because GM didn’t make enough money on them too. Very Sad.
Had two GMC’s, a 23’ and a 26’. They were far ahead of their time. Loved the styling and front wheel drive.
Loved the way they drove and the view from the drivers seat plus the way they rode.
My dad bought one new in 74. As a brand new driver even I could navigate the rig easily. They drive like a big car.
I have one for sale. Most of the inside is gutted . The generator is gone and top ac units. Other wise it’s all still there. I wanted to restore it but health reasons have made it impossible. J would love for her to find someone to bring her back to her glory. I bought it fairly cheap. I would take best offer.