First Argosy MH Prototype

[Carrma]

Back in the early 70's, Beatrice told AS that they wanted an AS MH to sell since Winnebagos were selling like hot cakes and GMC was producing a beautiful looking MH. They also told AS that if they could not produce a MH, they would buy a MH manufacturer. AS did not want to use the AS name for it first attempt to produce a MH so the Mid Price Line (aka Argosy) was chosen to get the bugs out before using the AS name. The first Argosy MH built was a 24 footer with the 454 motor. Never got to drive it, but took a few test rides in it when it was driven very hard over bumpy and hilly back roads. Everybody fell in love with the prototype. It was turning heads everywhere it went. About the same time the Argosy MH went into production, General Motors came to AS and wanted to know if they would be interested in doing all the interiors in the GMC MHs. They provided a GMC MH for AS to estimate what they would charge to do the work. It was decided that AS would not put its name on any GMC MHs since the Argosy and eventually AS MH were going to be produced. While the exterior of the GMC MH was beautiful, the interior was low quality and the Argosy MH interior had a better fit and finish. The AS dealers could not wait to get the Argosy MH on their lots.

[martin300662]

Nice piece of history

[66Overlander]

Hi, I am curious where you came upon this information because I have never heard anything remotely similar before. As the Wally Byam Airstream Club Historian, I am always looking to learn Airstream History. Thanks in advance.

[Carrma]

Joe,

I worked at Airstream from 1972 to 1974 as their National Cost Accountant. Was based in JC but had responsibility for the Cerritos and Versailles plants. It was a dream job until the oil embargo hit and everything started to contract. Hated to leave but did not see any upward moves there so I left.

Mike

[kdickinson]

That is a fascinating piece of A/S history! Thank you, keep it coming ..

[Louie Dee]

Hi Joe,

If there is anyone who could verify the Argosy MH info, my friend Fred Coldwell, contributor to Airstream Life & member of the Denver A/S Club, can be counted for accurate data. He also is a long time A/S Historian.

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by Louie De

Hi Joe,

If there is anyone who could verify the Argosy MH info, my friend Fred Coldwell, contributor to Airstream Life & member of the Denver A/S Club, can be counted for accurate data. He also is a long time A/S Historian.

Hi Louie De, I am well acquainted with Fred Coldwell. I succeeded him as the Vintage Airstream Club Official Historian. Fred fully admits that his Airstream research and interest stops with the 1968 model year. As the current VAC Historian, I am researching and writing about the later years. I submitted a story for the VAC Newsletter about 1970 & 1971 Airstreams a couple of months ago. Hopefully it will be published soon.

[Glenritas]

Thanks for the history on the MH.

Don't forget the history of the Argosy Bus . Can you fill in the blanks on them ?

We had several running around San Luis Obispo every day back in the 70's.

They were 20 footers or there about and ran on Propane and had regenerative brake assist down to 5 mph.

When they came up for sale after years of service my boss bought one to convert into a MH.
Boy did that thing rattle and leak like a sieve. He decided to sell it instead .