a Bus with Big Band History!

40' 1973 GMC model P8M-4905A Bus Conversion

   

This GMC P8M-4905A (#296) was factory outfitted as a Parlor Coach.  The original buyer was the Glenn Miller Orchestra, purchased to serve the Glenn Miller Second Generation band on their tour route. 
She was never used as a commercial passenger bus.  
Sometime in the late 80's she left the band and went on a mission, first with Sharrett Ministry, Inc who in 1989 sold her to the "Richard Wilkerson Crusade".  I know nothing about those groups, I just have some receipts for work done on the road.

In 1991 she was sold to a retired logger in Washington who had her professionally converted to a House Car / Motor Coach in 1992. (we Do Not say "motor home", those things are all sticks and staples, not a real highway machine) He was an older man, became ill, and did not use the bus from 1996 until he sold her in 2000. 

During 2000 and 2001 she was owned by a commercial fisherman out of Washington who was unable make full use of her. 

We discovered her on eBay, being treated as common chattel, and we felt that she deserved a loving family and a warmer climate.  
The eBay auction ended with a Canadian making the high bid.  I sent a note to the seller offering to pickup the pieces if the deal fell thru.  A couple of days later the seller emailed back with a phone number, the eBay deal had gone sour, it seems the Canadian had a problem importing her to Canada.  
We flew up to Oakland on Friday, January 25, 2002.  The seller picked us up at the airport and brought us over to see her in Richmond.  We fell in love so we adopted her.  That evening we drove over to the valley and spent the night in a truck stop in Santa Nella.  We drove the rest of the way to San Diego on Saturday.  

We have been using her to continue our exploration of the Southwest and Baja.

Baja Bus Specs      detail Photo Page        Bus Rally...

after over 10,000 miles racked up on the odometer I have gotten very comfortable at the wheel. Unfortunatly Sandi is still intimidated by the size, once I get her behind the wheel I am sure she will be right at home.  Why?  This thing drives so smooth, it is the best driving vehicle I have ever owned (except my '72 Harley), and Sandi loves to travel this way so much.... 

where we have been so far:  
The Delivery Run   Trip #2   San Felipe   Arizona  Reunion in Sonoma County  Arizona #2   2002 Baja1000 race  Arizona #3  

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