Peyote Chariot: 1974 Mercedes-Benz L508D Motoroam
Looking like the cross-pollination of a Philippine Jeepney, a Dekotora bus, and the infield at Darlington, this Mercedes-Benz camper promises a classy place for illicit activity of any kind. Want to spend all of your money on a mobile drug den for the sole purpose of having no money left for substance? Find this 1974 Mercedes Motoroam for sale in Fountain City, WI for a high price of $14,700 via craigslist.
Tip from Lou Weinert
In 1974, it would take more than a very clever name to up-sell the KOA crowd from their Toronado-based Mobile Command Center for Spoiling Grandchildren. While the GMC Motorhome was freshly baked cookies and a jar of M&M’s at Yogi’s Jellystone, the Mercedes was dirty Martinis after light hiking around Veil, and America just wasn’t ready. The seller suggests that there are fewer than ten Mercedes Motoroams in the US which isn’t too surprising.
Some quick research on Expedition Portal shows that these have traded in the past for about 10% of this asking price, leaving more cash on the table for village construction at Burning Man. The price of buses and RV’s which have been used for personal exploration and expansion of consciousness is driven by scrap value and inconvenience of storage, not rarity or pedigree.
Complete with a happy place to escape the talking Faygo bottles, gauges that watch your every move, and captains chairs trying to approach and smother you, the Motoroam is an appropriate refuge if you prefer your trips to be period correct.
See a better safe place? email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com
Matt, a self-proclaimed bottom-feeder of the classic car market, spends half of his time buying cars, half of his time retrieving them, and the remaining third on keeping them on the road.
Some of the interior shots are severely out of focus. Was that deliberate, to give you an idea of how you might see the van while in an altered state of consciousness?
I cant stand plywood paneling in brown circa 1973 sober much less when I'm communing with Carlos Castenada
I agree with DT's comment about the price and the possibility of this van having collector status. With the exception of anything related to Airstream and the price of VW Westy Vanagons which are nearing Porsche 911 prices???
I can smell it from Tennessee. Oh internet you are such a cruel mistress.
I think $14,700 is a lot of money for a 23" long RV. I know I wouldn't fit in it.
Wow…. Avocado and harvest gold. How fashion forward.
Maybe they figure the custom paint job is worth the extra $10k or so.
Co-incidentally, I drove through Fountain City last Sunday, taking the scenic route home from Minnesota…
– John
That interior is relentlessly hideous.