Photo: Adam Garrett Osuch/Facebook Marketplace
When talking about recreational vehicles from the 1970s, we usually think about companies like Airstream, Winnebago, Shasta, and GMC. That's because these brands built motorhomes and trailers that are still very desirable today. However, the RV market was packed with tens of manufacturers at the time. While some survived the test of time, others are now forgotten. DayStar Motor Homes is one of those companies that few people remember.
Founded in 1972 and bearing a name inspired by the Star of Bethlehem, DayStar was created primarily to generate funds to build church meeting halls. The company focused on premium motorhomes built on Dodge commercial chassis, but the business didn't last long. In 1975, the company was shut down under allegations of money laundering. And DayStar left only one product behind: the St. Tropez.
Built on a Dodge RM400 truck chassis (the same used by Winnebago), the St. Tropez employed Chrysler's now-iconic 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) RB engine, a significant upgrade over the 318-cubic-inch (5.2-liter) mills found in most Chrysler-powered motorhomes. Unlike other RVs from the era, DayStar used Cor-Ten steel instead of fiberglass for the bodies. Penned by W.E. Miller, the St. Tropez featured an unusual shape with a bulbous front roof section (seemingly inspired by trucks from the early 20th century).
The unusual design continued in the front with a circular grille with concentric "slats." The swooping side skirts, belt line, and upper roofline gave the motorhome an art deco-style appearance.
The bold and streamlined exterior hid a lavish interior fitted with the most luxurious features available at the time. DayStar offered a full-size Norcold fridge with rosewood paneling, a teak dresser, and a full-size bath with a self-cleaning toilet. It also came with two power-operated sofas that converted to double beds, air conditioning, leather seats, and a sunroof.
Not surprisingly, the St. Tropez was also among the most expensive motorhomes in its class, and, as a result, it didn't find too many customers. When DayStar was shut down in 1975, only 16 of these motorhomes had left the company's shop. How many of them are still around? Well, no one knows, but most of us will probably never see one in the metal.
The last time I heard about these DayStar motorhomes, one was being auctioned off in Australia. Yup, as incredible as it may seem, at least one made it across the Pacific. Two years later, another one popped up for sale in Grand Marsh, Wisconsin. This one is in really rough shape, though.
Although it was still running when it was parked inside a warehouse in 2021, this motorhome looks like it hasn't been used for decades. The Cor-Ten shell is rusty in places, and the paint is weathered from top to bottom. The front section of the interior looks just as terrible, with damaged leather on the dash and the seats. The floor is covered in debris.
The seller doesn't provide pictures of the kitchen and sleeping areas, but it's safe to assume they don't look much better after so many years of neglect. All told, this rare camper needs to be inspected on-site before dropping the asking $10,000 on it. Because while it may be rare and complete, this Dodge DayStar hauler will cost a fortune to restore. But it's a unique piece of RV history that's worth checking out.
Built on a Dodge RM400 truck chassis (the same used by Winnebago), the St. Tropez employed Chrysler's now-iconic 440-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) RB engine, a significant upgrade over the 318-cubic-inch (5.2-liter) mills found in most Chrysler-powered motorhomes. Unlike other RVs from the era, DayStar used Cor-Ten steel instead of fiberglass for the bodies. Penned by W.E. Miller, the St. Tropez featured an unusual shape with a bulbous front roof section (seemingly inspired by trucks from the early 20th century).
The unusual design continued in the front with a circular grille with concentric "slats." The swooping side skirts, belt line, and upper roofline gave the motorhome an art deco-style appearance.
The bold and streamlined exterior hid a lavish interior fitted with the most luxurious features available at the time. DayStar offered a full-size Norcold fridge with rosewood paneling, a teak dresser, and a full-size bath with a self-cleaning toilet. It also came with two power-operated sofas that converted to double beds, air conditioning, leather seats, and a sunroof.
Not surprisingly, the St. Tropez was also among the most expensive motorhomes in its class, and, as a result, it didn't find too many customers. When DayStar was shut down in 1975, only 16 of these motorhomes had left the company's shop. How many of them are still around? Well, no one knows, but most of us will probably never see one in the metal.
The last time I heard about these DayStar motorhomes, one was being auctioned off in Australia. Yup, as incredible as it may seem, at least one made it across the Pacific. Two years later, another one popped up for sale in Grand Marsh, Wisconsin. This one is in really rough shape, though.
Although it was still running when it was parked inside a warehouse in 2021, this motorhome looks like it hasn't been used for decades. The Cor-Ten shell is rusty in places, and the paint is weathered from top to bottom. The front section of the interior looks just as terrible, with damaged leather on the dash and the seats. The floor is covered in debris.
The seller doesn't provide pictures of the kitchen and sleeping areas, but it's safe to assume they don't look much better after so many years of neglect. All told, this rare camper needs to be inspected on-site before dropping the asking $10,000 on it. Because while it may be rare and complete, this Dodge DayStar hauler will cost a fortune to restore. But it's a unique piece of RV history that's worth checking out.
Google News