Sometimes I’m drawn to the kitschy and camp as well as the practical and refined. I’m generally not a fan of vehicles of any sort, but earlier this fall friends showed me the interior of their recent acquisition… a 1978 Delta Motorhome. I was impressed!
Today, I’m dusting off these photos from a few months ago as we’ve been treated to a “snow day” (and, since we’re not going anywhere, we’ll do what we want instead of working on other people’s stuff!). So, I’m blogging. Please humor me in this departure from more conventional design!
I immediately reveled in the camper’s contrived cheesiness; who wouldn’t be charmed by a fake beamed ceiling replete with numerous backlit faux stained glass panels? Sadly, the interior finishes had been painted by the previous owner. However, I was able to find images online of a 1979 Delta, and those images will follow so that we can see some of what was lost when the paint was applied.
Despite the paint, the camper is still capable of conveying something of the essence of the mid- to late-1970’s — a time which, while far from perfect, was a bit more innocent then the present day. Step inside and join me in praise of yesteryear’s questionable design choices!
The following three photos show a similar, but unaltered, interior:
I do like trailers for their attempt to add so many housie details into such a small space. Here in the 70’s a little rustic nod in the cabinetry. The padded clock is a kick. I especially like the older bigger monster homes, such as the Spartan Imperial Mansion.
I lived in a 70’s model while living at a horse stable out in CA, I enjoyed my little space, but a foam mattress gets old after a while.
I also enjoy the airstreams. One in particular was owned by a woodworking person (no doubt) for all of the lovely, almost Japanese details that were added. Including upgraded seating and a woodstove.
This was a nice distraction near the end of the work day.
Always happy to help with distraction! Now I’ll have to look into the Spartan Imperial Mansion… the name alone has piqued my interest. Maybe by ignoring vehicles all these years I’ve missed out on something… hmmmm. These older motorhomes no doubt paved the way for many of the space-saving efficiency features which are now staples of tiny houses. I love the padded clock, too… it just begs the question: Why?
WOW! This might sound ignorant, but it never occurred to me before this post that people were restoring/preserving 1970’s motorhomes. I want one!
There are indeed a handful of vintage motor home enthusiasts… I don’t think it will be a mega-trend. Like vintage houses they all need work but can be very rewarding in their own stylish way!