Page 5 - Fall 2016 GMC Vintage RVing

The GMC Royale and GMC BirchavenJimmy Motor Homes, a division of Coachmen Industries, Inc. produced and introduced the GMC Royale (26 foot) and the Birchaven (23 foot) in 1976. While the GMCs (1973 and 1974 only) offeredthe four models in both 23 foot and 26 foot using the same model names for both lengths, 1975 to 1978 23 footers were only made as TransModes and none were upfitted by GMC, but by other companies.While the exterior is the familiar silhouette of the GMC motorhome that we have grown to love, the interior is not as familiar. The Royale and Birchaven were distinct in styling and beautifully engineered. Both offered side and rear bath models which were lavishly appointed with spacious fully-equipped interiors. They featured rich solidwood cabinetry, cedar lined closet with light, separate tub/shower, (Birchaven had side wet bath) and beautiful window treatments. The kitchen included double stainless steel sink and optional microwave and food blender.The GMC Motorhomes front wheel drive, air suspension, tandem rear wheels and cruise control provide a quiet, smooth and responsive ride. The exteriors of these motorhomes, from 1976 to 1978, ranged from white, gold and then tan. Exterior colors were coordinated with the interior to Coachmen’s specs.Regarding pricing, the Royale and Birchaven model retail prices were somewhat higher than the equivalent models of the Palm Beach, Eleganza II and Kingsley. Due to their interiors they also weighed more than equivalent models.No doubt there have been changes made to these original coaches, as has happened with many GMC motorhomes over the years. But the beauty of the solid wood and the creative interiors will be long remembered in the GMC community.Glenn and Elaine Gardner with “YODA”, from Miami, Florida pictured with their 1976 Royale.Check out Glenn’s website of GMCMI Convention photos at: g2photosmx.com.ROYALE AND BIRCHAVEN FACTOIDSIntroduced in 1976Actual production numbers of each of the models are not available, but we do have the following information.Production of Motorhome Models by Model YearModel YearGMC Interiors Transmodes 23 foot 26 foot 23 foot 26 footTotal2,059 1,664 1,657 3,260 2,402 1,87912,921Total23 362 408 703 1,4961973 461 1974 168 1975 – 1976 – 1977 – 1978 – Total 6291,598 – 1,496 – 1,196 36 2,413 549 1,694 253689 1789,086 1,016–– 425 298 455 1,012 2,190Vin Numbers recorded atthe GMC Motorhome RegistryModel Year1975 1976 1977 1978 TotalRoyale17 109 249 578 953Birchaven6 253 159 125 543FALL 2016GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL 5