Having tried their hand at manufacturing just about every conceivable vehicle, it was probably an inevitability that General Motors would turn their attention to motorhome production. The results of their labor were vehicles like this stylish 1973 Eleganza. When it was new, the design must have seemed futuristic, and even some 47-years after it first hit the road, the styling still holds up very well. This is a vehicle that offers the next owner the opportunity to holiday at the destination of their choice, and to experience this in a way that is both practical and comfortable. The Eleganza is located in Stanton, California, and listed for sale here on Barn Finds classifieds. The owner has set a BIN of $25,900 for this great home away from home.

It isn’t often that you can look at a motorhome and say that its styling has the “wow” factor, but that is true of the Eleganza. Unlike the vast majority of motorhomes that used third-party bodies mounted on frames sourced from vehicle manufacturers, the Eleganza was styled and built completely in-house by GM. This allowed it to not only achieve a more integrated look, but it allowed the company to employ some pretty innovative thinking. The body is constructed of fiberglass and aluminum, so rust is not an issue there. This is mounted on a cleverly designed frame, which permits the vehicle to have very low floors by industry standards at that point in time. Both the body and paint of the Eleganza look to be in really nice condition. There are no signs of any bumps, dings, or issues with the fiberglass. The side glass has all been upgraded and includes vented and screened pocket windows for improved interior ventilation. The remaining glass is all in good condition, while the same appears to be true of the bumpers. Adding a real touch of pizzazz to the vehicle is the inclusion of a set of genuine Alcoa alloy wheels, which are wrapped in Firestone tires.

Before you have the opportunity to enjoy your holiday destination, you have to get there in your home on wheels. You do this in the Eleganza in a driver’s compartment that is outfitted with a pair of exceptionally comfortable looking leather captain’s seats, both featuring power adjustments. The view is panoramic through the enormous windshield, while everything is designed for practicality and comfort. There are no obvious flaws or issues with the upholstery, carpet, or the dash. The latter features a shiny new set of upgraded gauges in a stylish timber cluster to monitor all aspects of the vehicle. The dash has also been fitted with a new handsfree Bluetooth entertainment system with an integrated back-up camera. This is a wise investment because I can’t say that I’m a great fan of the entire “reversing by braille” concept. You know? “Back…back…back…bang! Stop!”

Once you arrive at your destination, it is time to kick back and relax. As well as the screened windows, the Eleganza is fitted with a new roof-mounted air conditioning unit, allowing comfortable living in even the hottest of climates. The carpet on the floors is new, while the new kitchen cabinets look neat and crisp. The kitchen isn’t huge, but it features a sink, stove, and a brand new refrigerator. If I was to buy this Eleganza, the only addition that I would be tempted to make would be the installation of a convection microwave oven. That would make the kitchen even more practical for long-term accommodation. The ceiling has been finished in cork, which will reduce noise and provide improved insulation from the exterior weather conditions. Lighting has been upgraded throughout the interior to LED, meaning lower power consumption and less radiant heat. In the rear of the Eleganza, you will find a full-sized bed, while the couch folds out to allow an extra two sleeping spaces. There is also a bathroom with a shower, a new toilet, and a storage cabinet, and if the infrastructure of the vehicle remains original, there should be an on-board fresh-water tank with a 30-gallon capacity, along with an equivalent-sized holding tank. As well as having the ability to hook-up to 110-volt mains power, it appears that power can also be sourced from storage batteries and a 6,000-watt Onan generator.

There are no photos of the engine or underside of the vehicle, which is a shame because it was here that GM broke new ground. Most motorhomes of this era were bodies slapped on top of truck frames. General Motors wanted a more integrated package, so designed a frame specifically for the Eleganza. By utilizing a “bogie” system for mounting the rear wheels, and the Unified Powerplant Package that saw service in the Toronado and Eldorado, no allowances needed to be made for a driveshaft or a solid rear axle. This allowed for a significantly lower floor, which not only provided easier access than was available from their competitors, but significantly lowered the vehicle’s center of gravity. This made the vehicle far more stable and thus significantly safer than a conventional motorhome. The suspension is provided by airbags that can be adjusted manually and via remote control, and the system on this Eleganza has recently been renewed. Power was generally provided by either a 455 or a 403ci V8, but this one has been upgraded to the 500ci Cadillac V8. This should provide significant increases in both power and torque, allowing for easier open-road cruising. In addition, the Turbo Hydramatic 425 transmission has recently been rebuilt, while the brakes have come in for similar treatment. The owner provides this YouTube video of the Eleganza. It shows a good walk-around of the vehicle, along with footage of it running and driving. The engine sounds sweet and strong, while the transmission shifts smoothly. However, the thing that most impressed me in the video was the lack of squeaks and rattles when the Eleganza was up and moving. Older motorhomes can provide a veritable symphony of unwanted noises, but this one appears to be as tight as a drum.

Let’s face it, going on holiday can be an expensive proposition by the time you factor in travel, accommodation and catering costs. Vehicles like this 1973 Eleganza would seem to address these issues and allow you to holiday in style and comfort. This is a vehicle that would attract plenty of admiring glances because it really has a great look to it. Of course, adding a microwave oven could help to make this a great proposition for long-term living. So here’s an idea. If you are approaching the Golden Day of Retirement, why not dispose of your excess possessions, buy this Eleganza, hit the road, go wherever your heart desires, and proceed to spend the kid’s inheritance. That has to be a tempting proposition.