![background image](http://html.mh-extra.com/html/gmc/1974-motorhome/1974-motorhome_manual_2235747025.webp)
Bonus Material
Editorial Comment on “GMC MotorHome”
For this document, Gary and I have elected to use the designation originally used by GMC for
their revolutionary product, the GMC MotorHome. By restoring this term we hope to rekindle
awareness that the TZE-based chassis and body developed by GM was truly unique and worthy
of a name that set it apart, though subtly, from other names.
In the early 1970’s the term “motorhome” was somewhat new. Originally these vehicles were
called “house cars.” FMCA used the term “motor coach” because the earlier vehicles were just
that’ repurposed, over-the-road coaches or buses. Out of respect for other material in existence
that refers to the product as “GMC Motorhome” we have retained that term which refers to any
configuration of GMC chassis and body regardless as to whether it was finished by GMC or
other upfitters such as Coachmen. TransModes that have been converted to contain living space
would fall under this designation as would the Navion conversions and others. We prefer to use
the historically accurate product term when referring to the GMC MotorHome as built and
finished by GMC, the Truck and Coach division of GM.
Illus tration b y B yron Songer
November 2012
The illustration is a vector recreation of a clay model that was developed
based on drawings done at the design center for GMC. This particular
model was not in full size and it also included some “forward thinking”
ideas that presented a challenge to manufacturing at that time.
The original model was based on a 23-ft coach. This, of course,
is based on a 26-foot model.
GMC MotorHome Information
Page 25
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Revised July 2014