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Topic: most likely the rarest of all foretravel coaches..... (Read 1383 times) previous topic - next topic

most likely the rarest of all foretravel coaches.....

http://www.rvt.com/rvdetail4599767.htm?utm_source=oodle&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=oodle&utm_campaign=oodle

This link should bring you to what is quite possibly the rarest of all Foretravels. These magnificent machines were the epitome of luxury and comfort. Most of these rigs I've seen were 40' footers; however a 37'and a 35' were also produced. The early ones from 1977-1979 had double entry doors as well. The last known year of production was 1982. I don't know how many were produced but I've only personally seen 5. This coach was built on a Hendrickson commercial bus chassis and had a flat floor from front to rear. Most of them had the V-8 Cummins 555 turbo diesel but, a few had the 6v53 Detroit. Most also had full bars, fireplaces, dishwashers, and washer/dryer units. These were truly fantastic rigs; and for a classic Foretravel nut like myself... The Holy Grail..but, I just couldn't sell my '83 could I?
James Holder
'83 3500 FTX ORED LIMITED

Re: most likely the rarest of all foretravel coaches.....

Reply #1 –
I thought the brass rail below the bar was a neat touch, but I like our 2000 model better.  It is easy to see that the Foretravel interior quality was there in 1980.
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: most likely the rarest of all foretravel coaches.....

Reply #2 –
You mean like this one ? Sorry the photo is sideways.
The company I worked for had two of these, I always thought that they were on Dodge Chassis but Hendricklson sounds more logical.  These were custom built in about 78/79 and in use til 81 or so when Transit Casualty went bankrupt.  These had a little Cummins V8 but I don't remember that it was a turbo.I have no idea where they went.  You will also find a photo in the Album " FT Through the years "

Re: most likely the rarest of all foretravel coaches.....

Reply #3 –
These were actually on a dodge chassis M-600 with the 504 cummins non-turbo. These coaches were available as a pusher or front engine. These were more common the the Hendrickson coach. My understanding is the hendrickson was a custom order only coach
James Holder
'83 3500 FTX ORED LIMITED

Re: most likely the rarest of all foretravel coaches.....

Reply #4 –
What a great looking coach  for that year.. :o  Way ahead of the competition, The pictures sure show the Foretravel quality........  8)
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Gerry & Brenda
CHARLOTTE HARBOR, FL
1994 Grand Villa - # 4466
U300 Unihome - 6V92 Detroit
4 speed Allison - Jake Brake

Re: most likely the rarest of all foretravel coaches.....

Reply #5 –
It seems to be in amazing condition on the interior - such a great classic "period" look with the fabrics and window treatments.  I hope whoever buys it keeps that look.  Would really be a stellar display item for the factory interior show room.

It's incredible to see how well-featured Foretravels were even back then.  Aside from the 8-track, it still "has it".

-M
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: most likely the rarest of all foretravel coaches.....

Reply #6 –
The "faux Leopard" throw is a nice touch.  I am thinking "Shagalicious, Baby!" , with a lava lamp, incense and Barry White in the background. 

All kidding aside ... that is really a remarkable machine.  I am impressed by the condition and the craftsmanship.  Very, very cool.
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: most likely the rarest of all foretravel coaches.....

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Carol Savournin –
The "faux Leopard" throw is a nice touch.  I am thinking "Shagalicious, Baby!" , with a lava lamp, incense and Barry White in the background. 

Mike and Carol Brady's weekend escape from the 6 kids and Alice.... ;D
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: most likely the rarest of all foretravel coaches.....

Reply #8 –
James, Thanks for the look at a vintage coach. The Transit Casualty Coaches were probably on Dodge Chassis, I know the little Cummins V8's were noisy and difficult to maintain. At the time Transit Casualty had these safety coaches  I was not really into motorhomes, At times the safety staff really was resentful about these safety coaches.  In typical American Business fashion the executives that thought these up never sought any input and I doubt that they even drove one more than a mile.  The maintenance of the equipment in them really took up a lot of time that could have better been spent. Added to the fact that the company was on an austerity program we all resented that 250K could be spent this way and of course we saw no raises.

Re: most likely the rarest of all foretravel coaches.....

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Steve & Michelle –
Quote from: Carol Savournin –
The "faux Leopard" throw is a nice touch.  I am thinking "Shagalicious, Baby!" , with a lava lamp, incense and Barry White in the background. 

Mike and Carol Brady's weekend escape from the 6 kids and Alice.... ;D

We could go on and on!!  This coach should DEFINITELY be in the Foretravel showroom.  I hope they see this link.  Some one should SEND it to them!!!  It surely would be cheap advertising ... 15K is NOT that much, really.
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs