1977 Birchaven GMC Motorhome For Sale By Owner in California $10,500

$10,500

Here is a 1977 Birchaven GMC motorhome for sale by owner with 60,000 miles. Many enthusiasts consider the Birchaven and Royale among the most luxurious GMC-based conversions ever built.

 

 

• Circa 1977
• 60,000 miles

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If interested, please contact the seller via the Facebook Marketplace link below.

Contact Seller : Charlie

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Niche

Huntington Beach, California $10,500

 

 

 

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The 1977 Birchaven GMC Motorhome is one of the most distinctive RVs ever built. It was not a standard GMC factory motorhome interior; rather, it was a 23-foot GMC TransMode chassis and body that was completed by Coachmen Industries (through its Jimmy Motor Homes division) and sold as the Birchaven.

Origins

The story begins with the groundbreaking GMC Motorhome, introduced for the 1973 model year. Unlike most motorhomes of the era, which were built on truck frames, GMC engineered an integrated front-wheel-drive coach with a low profile, aircraft-inspired construction, and independent suspension. The design quickly became an icon among RV enthusiasts.

By 1975, GMC no longer produced its own 23-foot finished motorhomes. Instead, it sold unfinished “TransMode” shells to specialty companies that installed custom interiors. One of the most successful upfitters was Coachmen Industries.

Birth of the Birchaven

Coachmen introduced two luxury GMC-based models in 1976:

• Birchaven — 23-foot model
• Royale — 26-foot model

The Birchaven was aimed at buyers who wanted the maneuverability of the shorter GMC while retaining upscale accommodations. It featured higher-end cabinetry, unique floorplans, and more luxurious finishes than many GMC factory interiors.

Typical Birchaven features included:

• Solid wood cabinetry
• Cedar-lined wardrobe closet
• Custom window treatments
• Fully equipped galley kitchen
• Side wet bath or rear bath layouts
• Optional microwave and other luxury appliances
• Distinct Coachmen interior styling

The 1977 Model Year

The 1977 Birchaven was produced during a pivotal year for GMC motorhomes. GMC began transitioning from the large Oldsmobile 455 V8 engine to the smaller Oldsmobile 403 V8. By the end of January 1977, the 403 became standard for remaining production.

Important 1977 developments included:

• Production moved from Pontiac Plant #3 to Plant #29 in Michigan.
• GMC announced the phase-out of motorhome production on November 11, 1977.
• Only 2,403 GMC motorhome and TransMode units were built during the 1977 model year, down from peak production levels.

Because GMC ended production in 1978, the 1977 Birchaven represents one of the last years of this innovative platform.

Why the Birchaven Is Special Today

Collectors prize the Birchaven because it combines:

• The legendary GMC front-wheel-drive chassis
• The shorter, easier-to-drive 23-foot length
• Coachmen’s upscale handcrafted interior
• Limited production compared with standard GMC models

Technical Specifications (Typical 1977 Birchaven)

Today, surviving Birchavens are highly sought after by vintage RV collectors. Many have been restored with modern drivetrains, upgraded electrical systems, and contemporary interiors while preserving their distinctive 1970s character.

 

 

 

 

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