What is this bus??

[bazza23]

can I get a bit of guidance here please?
The bus you see is owned by an arts organisation I work for here in the west of UK and they converted the interior to be used as a video and recording studio. Basically it's now empty apart from folding benches and some cupboards. Mechanically it's in great shape and has an onboard generator and wheelchair lift. Shamefully I dont even know what model it is -also we want to sell it now and have no idea what to ask for it. Any advice at all would be appreciated.

[Keyair]

Hi Bazza!
That is the facelifted Classic, and as it has a Tag axle, I assume its a 360 or a 350. Measure it... 360 is 36' and 350 is 35' etc.
Its not a pusher from the look, so I bet a front engine.
Diesel or Petrol?
If I am correct, they were made from about 1993 to about 1997.

What you have there is clearly a custom order tho... would love to get more info!
Value would be interesting...
Find and Talk to Montreal, who just imported one... he will be sick! Or Chuckles, or Tincrumpet.

Also suggest you repost this over in the Classic section of the Motorhome threads, as that where all us Aluminum bodied Classic odd-bods hang out...
You will get more hits and info there methinks...

How is the weather down there in Swindon... I was brought up not far from you, between Swindon and Oxford.. on the A420, a little place called Kingston Bagpuize, or Southmoor!

[Skater]

Here is what they normally look like:

[bazza23]

thanks guys -most appreciated.
Yes Rivet -it's a front engine and it's petrol.
Will, as you suggest, post on the Classics section.
Weather is grey and miserable here in wiltshire an all us Brits are in hibernation (as far as we can). Kingston B. -yes indeed, on the Oxford rd near the Folly innit.
again, thanks
Bazz

[Aage]

What's they do with the windows!? Must be mighty dark inside...

[bazza23]

the windows are all down the other side

[ViewRVs]

It is definitely a 1993-1996 36' gas unit. The tag axle is the key to identifying the gas units.

Airstream did have a custom shop. I have not seen that unit before. I have several of the custom units on my Unique Units page.

[Mike Leary]

And, if you triple click on the stern pic, it says "left-hand drive", so it was made in the States and shipped for some custom use overseas. Wonder what, without any windows? MI-5, MI-6, a James Bond flick? The nose looks very odd, hmm.

[klattu]

Thats a long walk to get out for fuel.

Needs polishing.

[streamquest]

Glad that it's not for sale locally. I could think of some crazy stuff to do with that rig. Hmmm..... wonder what it would take to get it back to its home?

[Keyair]

Paying about $9/gallon in the UK will make the walk worthwhile... if you dont get killed by passing traffic as you get out on the streetside!

[Boom Sounds]

Hi - poor you! I heard that this vehicle was (probably mistakenly) purchased by Swindon Borough Council for some arts project. God knows how that got approved, but I think someone has tried to polish it and really messed up by the clear-coat. Unfortunately, it looks like a real mess. Looks like a Commercial Division vehicle. Your best bet is to contact Chuckles (Dorset Streamer) down in Irwene Minster who might be able to suggest something. He is a great guy, honest and will give you a frank assessment of what is possible. He is without doubt the UK expert on Airstream Motorhomes. PM me if you want to talk it through. good luck Nick

[bazza23]

Hey Nick thanks for your brutally frank comments. I work for that same swindon arts organisation but we're not sensitive and we do want to sell the old girl now. These pictures show the bus between paintjobs. In fact it's now black green and pink (Airstream heresy no doubt). Do you think we should strip it and polish it to sell or just offer it as is? Searched yer man Chuckles on this site but couldnt find him. Any more info on him?
thanks for your time
best
Bazza

[bazza23]

sorry Nick scratch that -found Chuckles. Ta

[ViewRVs]

I would highly recommend including current pictures showing the paint job and several interior pictures. I would also describe things like plumbing (water closet?), water heater, generator?, AC units?, and anything else that tells someone what is inside.

Also, is the unit road worthy and inspected? Has it been used recently? Can I drive it to France tomorrow?

Would this be a good mobile office for a construction site? Mobile classroom? Doctor's office? Bloodmobile?

Buyers will typically use these units for a specific purpose. Only a small adventurous few want them to convert them to a camper but they want a deal since they will have the costs of building in the camper parts. As a result, these unique units don't hold their value as much as RV would. The mobile smoothie unit had a hard time selling due to the unique intent.

[Boom Sounds]

One of the key issues here will be the length of the vehicle, small roads being a major constraint in the UK,and, to a lesser extent, on the continent. Out of interest, do you know what happened to the interior? I'd definately be interested in buying a few parts

[bazza23]

some interiors of the bus. And the current paintjob. As I said, mechanically very sound -lots of new parts and meticulously maintained. Not quite ready to cannibalise for parts yet.
Gotta find her a new home soon...

[bazza23]

no toilet. Very powerful heaters throughout. Wheelchair lift and generator. And yes, you could most definitely go to France -or wherever- at a moments notice.

[Keyair]

Sweet!

[SARGE/AF]

I wonder if that is one of the NASA buses that went to England or over there somewhere and then converted to its current state. I know that 2 was shipped over by the Air Force to be used as hursts for soldiers, but then just irronically disappeared off the books in a sale.