With a top speed in excess of 120 mph, this $95,000 GMC Motorhome will get you across the country in no time.
The recreational vehicle is a symbol of America and has become a staple on our roads, especially during vacation periods. They're large, comfortable, and majestic. But fast? No, not even slightly. Unless, of course, the RV in question is this 1977 GMC LSR Motorhome.
As you may have guessed, this isn't your average recreational vehicle. This mighty machine is the world's fastest “Class A” motorhome, with a startling official timed speed of 121.50 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats, where just about anything goes for glory. Some of you may be wondering what would possess someone to build something like this.
The back story is rather heartwarming, with The Autopian reporting that the owner, Britt Palmer, wanted to raise awareness about Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a little-known disorder that damages nerves in the legs and arms. Diagnosed in 2010, Palmer decided he wouldn't let it get him down and set about building the “MoHo,” as it's affectionately known.
With a goal of breaking the former record of 102.7 mph, Palmer approached Dennis McCarthy of Vehicle Effects, a company known for its work on vehicles in the Fast & Furious film series.
Here, the GMC Motorhome's interior was totally stripped, with all the appliances, wood floors, cabinets, and appurtenances of mobile living making way for fiberglass and aluminum components, along with a full-length roll cage. But to beat a record, more work had to be carried out.
The wobbly suspension made way for a quad rear airbag setup, new stabilizer bars at the front and rear, as well as Fox shocks. To ensure it stops as quickly as it accelerates, disc brakes were fitted to all six wheels. Even the front fascia was redesigned to cut through the air cleanly.
Of course, the engine is the star of the show. Powering this behemoth is a Chevrolet Ram Jet 502 V8 that produces a dyno-verified 700 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. The MoHo even has a 125-shot wet nitrous system for that added bit of speed. Other features include a 360-degree camera.
Remarkably, this record-breaking motorhome is road legal and includes the necessary lighting system and turn signals. According to the seller, it's comfortable to drive and can be used as a motorhome. With a TH-425 automatic transmission, it should be easy to pilot.
Unlike some high-end RVs, this example has a rather spartan interior that will need to be refitted with some creature comforts. Of course, you could just throw a couple of sleeping bags into the rear and call it a day.
At $95,000, it doesn't come cheap, but it's a lot cooler than an unoriginal GMC Savana kitted out as an RV. The seller notes that the LSR Motorhome could be used as a charity vehicle, a food truck, or a race crew support truck. We'd love to see it return to its original form but still retain the superb performance. We could see the rear fitted with carbon fiber fixtures and fittings, along with modern appliances and luxury features.
It wouldn't be as quick as it would be in its record-breaking guise, but it would still be a fun and unique way to tour the country. With a modest budget, you could get the entire thing completed for less than the price of the new Lightship L1, an all-electric trailer that will set buyers back $125,000.
Keyword: Take A Shower At 120 MPH In The World's Fastest RV