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1974-1979 Argosy
The first motorhomes made by Airstream were produced under the Argosy
brand. The Argosy motorhomes are built on the same Chevy P-30 series chassis
that the later Airstream motorhome were made on. They are commonly
referred to as "Painted Airstreams". They do have aluminum riveted skin but
they have galvanized steel panels in the front and rear upper caps. They are very
good units but do not have all of the bells and whistles that the Airstream
models have. The Argosy motorhomes were made up to 1979 and production
shifted to the Airstream brand. The Argosy motorhomes were basically a
test bed for Airstream. The quality of these units is seen by how many are
still in use today. The basic design and style of the 1974 model was used
through 1992!
1979 & 1981
1979 saw the change from the last Argosy motorhomes to the first of the
shiny aluminum motorhomes. The Excella model was produced in 1979 and 1981.
The Excella motorhome is very similar to the Argosy units but with an all
aluminum skin and extra features. Airstream was in the process of being
sold from Beatrice to Thor in 1980 and no units (that I know of) were
produced.
1982-1983
We see the introduction of the 280, 300, and 310 models. The 280 is a
renamed Excella 28'. The naming convention matches the length of the unit
in feet (280=28'). 1982 was the first year of the highly popular wood grain
stripe down the side!
1984
The introduction of the longer 325 and 345 units began. These units are
obvious because of the tag axle in the rear. The 325's and 345's were produced
into 1989. Based on the number that are available today, the 345 was a
popular unit. The first 270 model was produced. This is still a popular
choice for those that want a smaller unit. As a result, the 270 units tend
to have a very short time on the market.
1989
In 1989, there are two changes. First is the exterior paint scheme. Gone
is the attractive wood stripe and in comes a silver, gray burgundy paint
scheme.
There were also a few units produced with a silver, gray, blue paint scheme.
1989 was the only year with the blue paint scheme. At least one of the 345's
was manufactured with a Cummins diesel engine.
The other new item is the 370 (37') with a Ford 460 on a Gillig
chassis. The 370 was produced only in 1989. The owners have reported smooth and steady
handling. Several of the 15 are still running
around although one was totaled in 2006. Insurance paid out $37,000 for the 17 year old unit.
1991-1992
Airstream renames the popular 345 to the 350 (and added 6") and produces
the 300 and 250. The new paint scheme remains (silver, gray, burgundy).
1993
In response to consumer demand for bigger and sleeker units, Airstream
introduces the new Classic 36' unit. The Classic 36' was produced in both
gas (more popular) and diesel pusher models (1994 and 1995 on Spartan chassis).
The Classic 36 was produced
until 1996 when the aluminum sided motorhomes became too costly to
produce when compared to their fiberglass and composite competition. The
poor sales of these high cost units ended their production.
Today!
These units, like all Airstream units, have withstood the test of time. They
continue to look great after all these years. The cost ($10,000-$35,000)
makes them very attractive to newcomers to the RV market. Many consumers
unsatisfied with the quality of their current RVs are purchasing these units
for the quality and durability. These units have the strength and durability
of the Airstream aluminum skin and the conveniences of a motorhome.
There were rumors in 2005 of an aluminum classic style motorhome being prototyped
in 2005. There was no formal announcement from Airstream. Airstream did send out a
survey to classic MH owners to get
their feedback on what things owners liked and disliked about their classic motor
homes.
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