Page 8 - Summer 2017 GMC Vintage RVing

Advertising in the National Geographic MagazineMarch 1973February 1974Mini Fil Use DealThe Introduction of the GMC MotorhomeThe GMC Motorhome was introduced to the news media atthe Anaheim Stadium on January 3, 1973. The media saw a demonstration of the vehicle’s performance capabilities; rode and drove the motorhome themselves, and particpated in a news conference with top GMC executives. (News releases, articles, etc. available at gmcmi.com.)A number of RV shows anddemonstrations were used around thecountry to exhibit the features of thenew GMC Motorhome. One of themost impressive demonstrations wasof a GMC Motorhome followed byanother brand of motorhome fittedwith a cover to obscure its manufacture(it was a Banner), running over 3" x 4"type timbers spaced a few feet apartdemonstrating the difference insuspension abilities. The GMC handledthe timbers with ease; its tires dancedover the obstacles with the body barelybouncing. The covered motorhomewith leaf spring suspension on acompetitor’s chassis had the tires leaving the ground and appeared to be leaping in the air after the third or fourth timber was crossed. Theviewing crowd loved it.Alex Birch, foremanof the Experimental Engineering shop,was the driver of the GMC in many of these demonstrations. At one demonstration, he completed the pass, pulled up smartly infront of the grandstand, and was to open the door, wave at the crowd, and then drive off. All went well until the door latch jammed andthe door could not be opened. Alex’s quick thinking saved the day, however. He hopped back in the driver’s seat, honked the horn, waved to the crowd, and drove off. That was not the last of the problemsassociated with the latch manufactured by Lake Center Industries, which was used in the 1973 motorhomes.Dolly Cole, wife of GM President Ed Cole, and friends went to a charity ball one evening at the Detroit Orchestra Hall. They chose to arrive in the new GMC Motorhome to show it off. The driver pulled the coach up in front to discharge the passengers, and the door latch jammed again. The passengers disembarked with great difficulty, which the press attending the eventduly noted in the morning papers. Early that next morning motorhome engineers were called into Alex Mair’s office and told in no uncertain terms to fix the problem, immediately. That is why you see a stainless-steel patch with the replacement latch on 1973 GMC Motorhome doors up to approximately serial number 3V101850.Starting in 1973 and continuing through 1977 a number of films were produced to promote the GMC Motorhome. Upon entering a dealership showroom, you might see what looked like a small screen TV set along with a number of film cassettes. GM called these units Mini-Theaters and films could be viewed with this self-containedunit allowing the potential customer to view the many features of the GMC Motorhome. There are thirteen of these sales films, in addition there are three others from a TV program of the time that emphasized the joys of RV travel, “Holiday on Wheels”. There are also several service films intended to instruct service personnel with the proper repair procedures for various motor home sub-assemblies.See video at gmcmi.com.Theatre GMC m Projector.d in Motorhome er Showrooms.GMC Motorhome Mini-TheatresFor these sales aids, advertising, letters, price lists, video and additional information go to: gmcmi.com5068 GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM