what is it ?

[darrylm]

20ft airstream motorhome.1976 gmc running gear,454 eng.all aluminum with blue stripe.vin # cpl374v316434 .not sure of the chassis year.i cant find another one like it on the internet.please help.check out my profile for pic.

[wkerfoot]

Originally Posted by darrylm

20ft airstream motorhome.1976 gmc running gear,454 eng.all aluminum with blue stripe.vin # cpl374v316434 .not sure of the chassis year.i cant find another one like it on the internet.please help.check out my profile for pic.

A 20 foot Argosy. Check out this site: ViewRVs.com - 1976 Argosy Class A Motorhomes

Bill

[darrylm]

its all aluminum and has airstream emblems.

[darrylm]

Originally Posted by wkerfoot

A 20 foot Argosy. Check out this site: ViewRVs.com - 1976 Argosy Class A Motorhomes

Bill

its all aluminum with airstream emblems.

[vswingfield]

Welcome!

Checked out your profile photo. Neat looking Airstream motorhome. That photo only whetted my appetite for photos, though. You need to post more!

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by darrylm

its all aluminum and has airstream emblems.

Wouldn't be the first time someone has painted and re-badged an Argosy.

Argosy was made by Airstream - with steel endcaps and painted aluminum sides. They did the experimental designs, and tried to have a lower price alternative to the traditional Airstream for the younger, less affluent purchaser.

If I found the right Argosy, I'd probably keep it painted - perhaps something unconventional like cherry red - rather than try to make it look like it's richer half brother.

Anyway the 20's are cute little "peanuts" regardless or label or badging. Happy hunting if that's your future unit!

Paula

[Forrest]

Darrylm, is this your MH? Would very much like to see more photos of it. I think it is an Airstream and not a rebadged Argosy due to the segmented rear end cap, tail light design and window in the door. However, it isn't likely a 1976 model. It very likely could have 1976 running gear, but since Airstream Classic MH began in model year 1978 (builds might have begun in 1977) it isn't much of a stretch to think that Airstream used an earlier chassis, engine, etc.

However, a Classic 20' Airstream MH is a real find, and I don't think it was ever a regular production model and it was either a prototype or built to spec as a special order for additional $$$ or for a "VIP," such as an Airstream executive or WBCCI President.

[ViewRVs]

Originally Posted by darrylm

its all aluminum with airstream emblems.

The front and rear end-caps are likely galvanized steel. You can use a magnet to determine aluminum vs steel. Airstream never made a 20' motorhome under the Airstream brand. They are all Argosy units.

It is fairly common to see Argosy units re-badged as Airstreams.

Did it look like this one?

[ViewRVs]

After looking at your gallery pictures, they did a great job! Even the door has a window which very few Argosy units had. I also noticed the aluminum rims that were only on the Airstream units. Sharp looking unit!

I guess it is feasible that during the transition from Argosy to Airstream in 1978-1979 that the guys in Jackson Center had some fun with one of the remaining 20' units on the lot. You just never know! There are lot of variations out there.