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GMC Motorhome: classic front-wheel-drive camper
GMC Motorhome — the 1973–1978 camper with front-wheel drive, the only one of its kind fully built by a major automaker. We look at its history, tech, and what to check when buying.
Motorhome in brief
The GMC Motorhome was produced from 1973–1978 and stood out with its unusual design: a low, integrated body and front-wheel drive. Around 12–13,000 units were made.
It came in two lengths — roughly 7 and 8 metres. Many have survived to this day and are cherished as classic campers.
What makes it special
Unlike many campers of the time, which were built on a truck chassis, the GMC Motorhome is all-in-one: body, mechanics, and most of the interior were crafted in-house by GMC.
The low floor line and rear suspension with air bags provide better handling and comfort than typical campers.
Engine and transmission
The Motorhome used a 7.5-litre (455 cu in) V8 engine and an automatic transmission from the Oldsmobile Toronado. Drive is to the front wheels.
Such an engine is powerful and reliable, but fuel consumption is high. Spare parts are available, thanks to an active enthusiast community.
What to check when buying a GMC Motorhome
Most importantly — the body condition: look for water leaks on the roof and in the ceilings, corrosion on the sides and under the floor. Also, check the air suspension and frame.
Check the engine and gearbox, electrical system, water and gas equipment. Opt for a car with documents, repair history, and if possible, one suited to daily use.
Versions
The motorhome came in two length versions and many variable interior layouts.
23 pėdų (apie 7 m)
1973–1978Shorter version.
- 7.5-litre V8
- Front-wheel drive
- More compact than the long version
26 pėdų (apie 8 m)
1973–1978Longer version.
- 7.5-litre V8
- Front-wheel drive
- More interior space
Comparison
| 23 pėdų | 26 pėdų | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | Smaller families | Families and longer trips |
| Length | Around 7 years | Around 8 years |
| Engine | 7.5-litre V8 | 7.5-litre V8 |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | €€ | €€ |
Choose according to your needs: 23 feet is more compact, 26 feet is roomier. Most importantly, a dry and sound body.
Pros
- Unique construction and low floor line
- Front-wheel drive
- Active enthusiast community
- One of the most iconic classic campers
Cons
- High fuel consumption
- Risk of water leaks and corrosion
- Complex operation
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the GMC Motorhome have?
7.5-litre V8 from the Oldsmobile Toronado.
How many were made?
Around 12,000 to 13,000.
Is it hard to find parts?
Not too difficult, as there's an active community of enthusiasts and parts suppliers.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
