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1996 Grandvilla Models

I believe that Foretravel offered the Grandvilla models for the model year 1996.  Are there any statistics on how many were built of each model?  I believe that the U300 & U280 were offered in 36 & 40 foot lengths...not sure about the floor plans.
 
Don't see them up for sale ever.  I did see a 1996 U280 36' back in 2003 when I was at the then TN Foretravel dealer.  I don't remember the owner's name, but he had his newly acquired coach in for service, had purchased it from a private party and he also owned an older ORED or mabe even older Foretravel...can't remember...it's been a long time.
 
The gentleman who owned it was a typical Foretravel owner with lots of pride of ownership.  He gladdly gave me a tour of the coach.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: 1996 Grandvilla Models

Reply #1 –
Peter,, I remember a foretravel salesman ,telling me ,many years ago ,that Foretravel sold only six U300's in 1996 that had m11's in them. Also some of them had Aqua Hot.
These are as rare as a U300 with a CAT with an Allison transmission retarder. I've been told that there were only six of them built.

There are a few people who know of, or even own, some 95 U300's that don't realize the retard button is actually a Jake Brake on the motor.
 
There are probably more 96 Grandvilla models and they probably were built in 95 and sold in 96.
I looked for a long time for either one of those six to come up for sale but they never did.
It don't matter now,as I'm very happy with what I have now .All of this is "hearsay" so if any one has real info,,,,I will stand corrected.
 
 
 
Gary O                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
Gary O
2000 U320 4210

Re: 1996 Grandvilla Models

Reply #2 –
The factory knows, and can look it up if someone asks and they want to. They have the original build sheets. You could also check with David R. at MOT or Keith at Encore.
 
I would not be surprised. Those years the factory would build darn near anything you were willing to pay for. Most of these were repeat owners who had a lot of pull.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: 1996 Grandvilla Models

Reply #3 –
Dave,,There is also at least ONE U320 with a series "60" Detroit in it.I believe it was built for a truck fleet owner that liked Detroit diesels.The last I heard of it,was in Dana Point, Ca.
 
 Gary O
Gary O
2000 U320 4210

Re: 1996 Grandvilla Models

Reply #4 –
I would LOVE to get my hands on that one!!!
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: 1996 Grandvilla Models

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Gary Omel –
Peter,, I remember a foretravel salesman ,telling me ,many years ago ,that Foretravel sold only six U300's in 1996 that had m11's in them. Also some of them had Aqua Hot.
These are as rare as a U300 with a CAT with an Allison transmission retarder. I've been told that there were only six of them built.
Gary O                                                                                                                                                                                               

Survey says:
Total of 6 1996 GV's
6 - U280      300hp C8.3
2 - U300      400hp M-11

I think Jimmy Freytag owns one of the 280's
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: 1996 Grandvilla Models

Reply #6 –
Thank you all for your input...especially Barry who confirmed the number.  Gary O. was also right there with the number as well...he should know.
 
I believe these are rare coaches that are very desirable and will continue its own legend through time.  Wish I could find one!  8)
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: 1996 Grandvilla Models

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Gary Omel –
Dave,,There is also at least ONE U320 with a series "60" Detroit in it.I believe it was built for a truck fleet owner that liked Detroit diesels.The last I heard of it,was in Dana Point, Ca.
 
 Gary O

It was a 1995 U320
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: 1996 Grandvilla Models

Reply #8 –
One of the rarest GV' 320's is a 2001 36ft, it is in Fl.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: 1996 Grandvilla Models

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Bill Willett –
One of the rarest GV' 320's is a 2001 36ft, it is in Fl.
Bill,
Are you referring to a GV?
I think the other 2 - 2001 GV are in Altadena CA. & CLATSKANIE, OR
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: 1996 Grandvilla Models

Reply #10 –
Barry, it is a GV320 36 ft. owned buy Pat M. in Fl.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: 1996 Grandvilla Models

Reply #11 –
I met a fellow up in VA last summer with a 2000 U320 36' that was a real beauty.  Wish I had it.  His name was Shapiro I believe and he was from SC.  It had an M11 in it, I bet It would be a real dragster.

Re: 1996 Grandvilla Models

Reply #12 –
Quote
Barry Beam's Quote:  "Survey says:
Total of 6 1996 GV's 6 - U280      300hp C8.3 "
I think Jimmy Freytag owns one of the 280's

One of those 280's is owned by one of our contributors - Jim Freytag.  He learned of a private sale of a '96 U-280 somewhere in California, called the owner, flew out and bought it in a heartbeat. It has the transmission retarder. A low price as I recall.
Don Hay
'92 Grandvilla, U-280
The Hayfever Express
Build #4055
'97 GEO Tracker
Life is like licking honey off a thorn.

Re: 1996 Grandvilla Models

Reply #13 –
When I started here in 2005, Don and he were some of the first I corresponded with. Jim tried real hard to sell me his coach at the time...
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: 1996 Grandvilla Models

Reply #14 –
Yes Barry, I am the owner of one of the 1996 U280's it is a 36ft with the walk thru bath and has the allison retarder.  Yes Don I flew to Calif, to pick it up.  Just got back from a trip to Beaumont for a granddaughter college graduation.  Talked to Jeff & Kent and wifes at campforetravel Saturday nite on my way home.  Every one have a Merry Christmas.


Safe Travels during the Holidays
Jimmy Freytag,  Ardmore, Ok
1999 36ft U320. — -SOLD—-
1988 40ft GV        1990 36ft U280
1993 40ft U280      1996 36ft U280
  TRAVEL WHILE YOU CAN THE TIME WILL COME
            WHEN YOU NO LONGER CAN.

Re: 1996 Grandvilla Models

Reply #15 –
I live near Santa Rosa, California. The mechanic (Lubrivan) who works on my 1994 Grand Villa has a white 1996 Grand Villa for sale. I understand that the interior is in good condition. The exterior could use some work.