Those of you you’ve been around for a while know that in addition to trains, planes, buses, bikes and tractors, we also can’t resist motorhomes. The older ones are disappearing fast, and who else is going to document them while they grace our streets, often being lived in by folks with no other home? This rather stately old Barth caught my eye, with its handsome paint scheme and a bit of ribbed texture to its flanks. Beats some of the decrepit old Class-C el-cheapo hulks that are favored by the permanent city-street campers.
Barth was an old-time trailer, slide-in camper and RV manufacturer in Milford, Indiana, going back to 1963. They tended to make larger (in the old-time meaning of that) and better-than average quality motorhomes, and have a bit of a loyal following to this day.
Actually, from the “hip” sculpture on the front, this one doesn’t look like a permanent abode, but more likely a rig with which to go to the many music and “alternative culture” festivals in the PNW.
Barth seems to have had a strong affinity to Chevrolet drive-trains, as this steering wheel and instruments make clear. Many wore a big bow-tie on the front grille. Undoubtedly, there’s a 454 hiding under the engine cover. I don’t know the exact year of this rig, but from this Barth-lovers site, it appears that 1973 or 1974 is a good call.
Wow what a dash, much more upscale than the typical plywood or particle board normally used to support that instrument cluster. Also a pretty elaborate ladder for the back to work around the taillight and the bump out on the back. Definitely a Cadillac of motorhomes, it even has triple AC.
My sole experience with a motorhome was in the late ’80s when the industrial design firm I worked for was hired to redesign the dash and console for the Wanderlodge (don’t remember the specific model, other than it was a very expensive vehicle).
We were loaned one for a couple weeks, and made good use of it, both for design reference as well as lunch runs to Fuddruckers.
Found a copy of the rendering we did of our design concept:
Milford, Indiana… sorry to be the spell-checker Paul 😉
Fixed; thanks!
I guess I never really paid much attention to these. I do remember the bustle-butt – if this was unique to Barth, then I have seen them out and about. The only one of these I ever drove was a late 1970s Pace Arrow that my father rented/bartered for a 1979 family vacation. Also a Chevy or GMC powertrain.
My grandfather was the president of the Barth Rangers club in the late ’70’s or so. His rig was a ’68 Travel Trailer. Barth’s are very nicely crafted vehicles. Though my grandparents have passed we still use the old Barth. It’s currently permanently parked on a camp ground near the lake waiting for the next family get away.
The name “Barth” sounds perfect for this vehicle. I’ve never heard or seen one of these rigs before but I like it. It appears to be sporting what I assume to be the original Chevrolet aluminum wheelcovers which are very difficult to find in decent shape.
To have and old school 29 footer in this present time could not be in favor of a 30 year old motor home. The current economy, the oil price on the world market doesn’t have any good news for her. But she will always be a part of me. After reading so many entrée like this I’m now aware that there are people like me love “Barth”. This will keep me inspired that I will always have a place to call home.
I wish I could say that I find this attractive to look at. It’s better looking than the Winnebago of the same vintage. But still, that’s not saying much. The only Barth Motorhome I’ve seen that looks attractive is the MCC Diesel motorhome. Now *that’d* be the ultimate in motorhomes.
Nice How much would it take to get it?