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View Full Version : Can You Get Inspired by This Mystery Luxury Coach? Do You Recognize it?


Neweller
03-02-2013, 01:19 AM
OK folks, we need your participation on this one. This coach has an interesting history and I really like to know why it's not being recognized in a very famous coaches history timeline. I can say it was left out and I'm not sure why. I believe it deserves recognition as its relevant to this site and our common interests.

I'm going to make this one a challenge for everyone. Do you recognize it? Do you know how it relates to many of us? There some mysteries about her..........

We will start with the dash and see how it goes:

3492

GringoPhil
03-02-2013, 01:25 AM
Does the steering wheel say Ford? Kinda hard to read.

Phil

GORDON HUMMEL
03-02-2013, 02:04 AM
Early Newell / Streamline, the company name before Newell

rellick
03-02-2013, 02:10 AM
It looks to me like late 60s, they used ford 391gas engines in the Newells, looks like it could be one of the first ones?

Neweller
03-02-2013, 03:02 AM
This the original dash. I will release additional pictures of this coach. We are planning to do a special feature on this coach in the near future. So far you guys are doing great, keep the thoughts coming.

larryweikart
03-02-2013, 04:45 PM
I'm going with Mr. Newells first coach that he hand built!

David Carrol
03-02-2013, 05:05 PM
Early Newell / Streamline, the company name before Newell

I had similar thoughts.

Randy J
03-02-2013, 05:55 PM
I'm going with Mr. Newells first coach that he hand built!

I don't know much about Newell Coaches. but what I learn along the way. Larry you might be right.

Neweller
03-02-2013, 07:09 PM
Some great guesses or answers here. Some of you folks have done some homework. Not going to say whether or not anyone is hot or cold just yet. I will reveal another picture soon. This will probably be one of the biggest luxury coach history lessons for most.

NEWELLWIZARD
03-02-2013, 07:26 PM
It's a clean dash. I will be waiting to see more of it before I take a guess. ;)

Neweller
03-04-2013, 12:51 AM
This hint might be kind of cheesy but oh well. I have to give you guys something to chew on.

3499

Neweller
03-04-2013, 10:56 PM
Do you want a inside rear picture or inside front???

MrE
03-04-2013, 11:43 PM
I would like an inside front picture sir.

rellick
03-05-2013, 12:42 AM
How about an outside front picture Ken!!lol

Neweller
03-05-2013, 01:01 AM
You boys are wanting a gravy shot! What gives on the easy stuff. We have to slow the gravy train down and sip our coffee or tea first. Here's a galley shot:

3505

NewellCrazy
03-05-2013, 01:06 AM
Ken, I like a little gravy with my meal.

3506

MrE
03-05-2013, 01:21 AM
Coffee, tea? I'm sipping my scotch...and that's not a Newell.

NewellCrazy
03-05-2013, 01:32 AM
Coffee, tea? I'm sipping my scotch...and that's not a Newell.

Whatcha drinking Jon ? The Glenlivet ?

3507

MrE
03-05-2013, 01:37 AM
Glenmorangie sherry cask, my wife's favorite!

Whatcha drinking Jon ? The Glenlivet ?

3507

NewellCrazy
03-05-2013, 01:53 AM
You drinking 10 or 12 year Glenmorangie ?

Neweller
03-05-2013, 03:05 AM
Jon, you may be in for a shocker but so will many.

MrE
03-05-2013, 04:55 AM
You drinking 10 or 12 year Glenmorangie ?
12, but who's counting?

MrE
03-05-2013, 02:01 PM
I hate to ruin all of Neweller's fun, but I believe I have the answer!
3508

cdat
03-05-2013, 02:12 PM
Think I saw that at a Gratefull Dead concert in 69, wisps of smoke coming out the back window

Neweller
03-05-2013, 02:23 PM
Jon, you're pretty darn slick! This must be where GMC or Cortez Equipment got their ideas for the Olds based motorhomes. What do you think? Maybe they were hanging out with Alice in Wonderland?

GORDON HUMMEL
03-05-2013, 03:08 PM
That Olds/airstream reminded me of another picture from that same era. If you look closely I think that is Tom Mc Cahill driving?3509

1993Newell
03-05-2013, 03:50 PM
Looks like a Newell, a Newell Classic! :thumbsup:

Neweller
03-05-2013, 04:14 PM
Gordon, uncle Tom was definitely an interesting guy. Enjoyed his commentary.:thumbup:

Where is Larry W. on this deal? He should have some additional insight for us!

Viva Las Vegas JDR
03-05-2013, 10:21 PM
Coffee, tea? I'm sipping my scotch...and that's not a Newell.

Sure has newell characteristics if not a newell what could it be ???

Jack Fouts
03-05-2013, 11:19 PM
Does have a lot of characteristics of the original Newell's. Knobs might be a little unique. Is it a one off or prototype?

rellick
03-05-2013, 11:46 PM
Think I saw that at a Gratefull Dead concert in 69, wisps of smoke coming out the back windowI think there was definately some smoke involved when they came up with that rig!!lol

rellick
03-06-2013, 12:05 AM
That Toronado reminded me of this one! I had this thing back in the 80'slol!

Neweller
03-06-2013, 12:53 AM
Keith, you got to be kidding me! lol! A one of a kind pop-up. So, who did that conversion? Looks like a creation my older brother would have came up with. He always liked to chop something up and add to it.

rellick
03-06-2013, 01:24 AM
Im not sure who did the conversion, I bought it from an elderly couple from Saskatoon, I paid around 400 bux for it plus if I remember right she had me prune some trees in her yard too!! It was a 59 chevy stationwagon 283v8 with a 2speed powerglide, original power steering and brakes. It was in great shape and whoever did the conversion did a nice job. I remember turnibg on the radio and having to wait to warm up before it would work. The roof went bad on it and ended up selling it to a guy for parts, he was restoring a 60 chevy convertable. I did have some great times with it!!

larryweikart
03-06-2013, 01:26 AM
I've been on the road to Sebring since late Sunday and missed all the great comments on this thread. What a bunch of perverts we have accumulated along the way. Wish I could meet everyone of them in person. Great Scotch, smoke coming out the back of the camper? Sounds like a party in motion! Glen Turett Gentlemen, Glen Turett! Gem Morangie double cask, is one of my favorites also. I'm still hanging tight with Mr. Newells first hand built "coach", but it does bear some similarities to this little gem I had some time ago.3514

rellick
03-06-2013, 01:27 AM
O hey Ken getting back to the subject at hand how about another pic?

MrE
03-06-2013, 01:32 AM
This is a picture of my very first RV, had to be in shape but she was miserly on the fuel.
3516

rellick
03-06-2013, 01:47 AM
I didn't realize you were asian Jon!! Is that a springer front end on too?!! Wow what a thread!!

Neweller
03-06-2013, 02:47 AM
Keith are you already hinting for another clue? I thought about showing you guys the bedroom but after what Larry stated, It might get some of you dreaming of an exotic excursion or something.rollinglol

rellick
03-06-2013, 02:52 AM
Wouldnt these rigs be an eye catching convoy?? maybe some banjo music to go along??!!:bandit::cheers:

Neweller
03-06-2013, 02:57 AM
Here's a refer shot for you guys!

3518

Newell Attack
03-06-2013, 05:34 AM
Interesting picture are we looking at just a refer? Where is the freezer ?

Neweller
03-07-2013, 12:36 AM
Jeff, it probably has the freezer inside. I never asked the original owner if it has a freezer. The owner who is 80 years old had bought it new and has had updates done on it a couple of times since new. In fact some major updates were done on the coach when it was only about 3 years old at a cost of over half the original price he paid for it. This original owner was a very wealthy man when he purchased it.

rellick
03-07-2013, 01:13 AM
Interesting....

ccjohnson
03-07-2013, 03:34 PM
Just looking at pics today. What happened to stove in the galley pic? looks like there is a vent hood. Was it set up for just counter top microwave cooking?

1993Newell
03-07-2013, 03:36 PM
Interesting good spot Clint.

The Newell
03-07-2013, 03:48 PM
Have another picture :question:

Neweller
03-10-2013, 03:08 AM
Here's another tease of the rear bedroom. I will show a couple more pics of this area over the next couple of days. By the third bedroom photo, you should have a better idea of what this coach is. Maybe, that is?


3551

JustDustin
03-10-2013, 05:26 AM
The curtains and paneling sure look like a older Newell...

Neweller
03-10-2013, 09:56 PM
A lot of good guesses here and many of you are feeling the warmth. If anyone gets it right, there will be a nice gift coming your way. I have some cool treats available and there not from Dairy Queen, for those of you who like to receive gifts.

Let me dig up another photo for you folks.

3558

Jack Fouts
03-10-2013, 11:12 PM
I don't know the history on these rigs but how close do we need to be on its age or what have you?

MrE
03-12-2013, 10:41 PM
Is it this old 'Eagle' bus?
3561

Neweller
03-12-2013, 11:51 PM
Jon, you're smoking hot on this one! Great guesses as usual. I could picture a guy coming out of the side of this one falling on his face from going up in smoke in a Cheech and Chong movie or something.


Jack, here's what I'm thinking; whoever gets any of the details the closes whether it be year, make or model etc..... Would seem fair to me. When I show the final outside picture, the name will clarified we will be out of the choices, but we can still go with the closes year. :beer: until the truth be revealed.

stewart33
04-03-2013, 10:44 PM
What is it?! What is it?! Any more photos?

Neweller
04-08-2013, 02:07 AM
Here's another teaser picture for those of you who are playing along on this one.

3813

rellick
04-08-2013, 02:54 AM
Is it this old 'Eagle' bus?
3561
Eagle bus!!you crack me up Jon!

rollinglol

rellick
04-08-2013, 03:02 AM
Well Ken this has to be a old gasser with a front engine, I've been looking at a doghouse on mine quite a bit today and there is no room in this coach for a rear engine. The rest kinda looks similar to mine. I'm going to guess its a 69 Newell

Neweller
04-08-2013, 04:07 AM
Keith, you many end up liking this unit. It's as clean as they come inside and out. When you hear the whole story, and I know you are familiar with the Pontiac Acadian. This is kind of like a riddle in saying; how does this coach compare to a Newell as the Acadian compares to a Nova?

NewellCrazy
04-08-2013, 05:27 AM
Keith, you many end up liking this unit. It's as clean as they come inside and out. When you hear the whole story, and I know you are familiar with the Pontiac Acadian. This is kind of like a riddle in saying; how does this coach compare to a Newell as the Acadian compares to a Nova?

Here's an easy riddle, figured I'd keep it simple lol!

"Trees, rivers and kitchens all have these"

Sean

MrE
04-08-2013, 06:03 AM
What the fork does a Canadian Nova have to do with Newell or Streamliner?

rellick
04-08-2013, 02:15 PM
Am I getting warmer Ken? I love the caboose rear end on this one:nod:

speedingsport
04-08-2013, 10:35 PM
Keith you might be on the right track...

rellick
04-08-2013, 11:44 PM
Wouldn't that be handy for launching the boat?:cheers:I can hear those banjos again!!

stewart33
04-08-2013, 11:50 PM
I'm guessing it's a late 60's early 70's Newell coach?! :question:

1993Newell
04-10-2013, 09:01 PM
I gotta join in the fun here Jon and Keith are having all the fun... lol! It wouldn't be the Flintstones trailer would it?

3841

jWolfe
04-10-2013, 10:05 PM
No doubt about that it's a vintage coach. But what?

rellick
04-23-2013, 02:43 AM
I gotta join in the fun here Jon and Keith are having all the fun... lol! It wouldn't be the Flintstones trailer would it?

3841
The colors are similar to the inside, Maybe? What do you think Ken?

Neweller
04-23-2013, 02:56 AM
I don't know, I think that belongs on that 6x6 chassis. I was just thinking earlier that you all need another teaser picture of this awesome coach that I started this thread with. Maybe I should just buy this coach and use it as a rally machine.

speedingsport
04-23-2013, 04:47 AM
Ken there ya go. Make it happen friend...make it happen. :thumbup:

stewart33
04-23-2013, 10:07 PM
I think it's time you gave us a new photo or two.

Neweller
05-19-2013, 02:12 AM
This poor little custom luxury coach has gotten lost in the fold around here and I've been holding out too long in anticipation that someone around here is too smart for their own luxury coach or Newell knowledge. I don't even think John Clark could get this one right. hmmmm........... It's way too old school for the best of the Neweller breed.

I'm going to throw down another hint or two and go out on a limb for your folks. Maybe throw in a nice prize for the smarty pants that gets it right. No hat either, there is another gang that keeps stealing my ideas and so I have to go for a free for all type of deal now. Monkey pirates get kind of jealous so you have to be very creative now days. Sorry for all my ramblin I'm just burnt out a little I guess.

Here you go:

41214122

86loco
05-19-2013, 07:35 PM
Looks comfy and it looks like a Newell! 1969 or 1970 Newell Coach maybe???? Am I getting warm at all??

Neweller
05-20-2013, 12:00 AM
Brady, you are pretty warm but still no cigar my friends. Actually I'm surprised our prized Newell historian hasn't taken a shot at her. There is obviously missing a chapter of Newell history and I don't blame most for not knowing since this coach was built prior to anyone currently involved at Newell. I had figured that someone would have known about this coach since they built around 20 or so of them. LK Newell knew plenty about this coach. If I was Newell I'd buy this coach and use it as a factory history piece for a while and then maybe have it auctioned it off later on at one of the Barrett Jackson auctions with proceeds from the sale going to a charity of the company's choice. It might pull well over a 100 G's at that point in time. Now, I'm only thinking out loud here. I tend to do that from time to time.

I'll see if I can't dig up another photo and get this mystery closed out.

ccjohnson
05-20-2013, 02:32 PM
Well here is my guess; It is L.K. Newell's Silver Stream coach. Before he bought the division & started Newell Coach.

1993Newell
05-20-2013, 03:37 PM
Clint that's the best guess so far. :thumbsup:

speedingsport
05-20-2013, 04:17 PM
I see lot's of guesses but I guess no one has gotten it yet. So what kind of lotto are we going to win if we get it right? :thumbup:

stewart33
05-20-2013, 04:58 PM
This coach sure is a mystery coach alright.

Randy J
05-21-2013, 08:02 PM
whatever it is they put some nice flexsteel seats in didn't they?

Neweller
07-16-2013, 03:46 AM
Another pic of this coach as I wind down the mystery. I'm going to hook up the lucky guesser, but If you don't get it soon the time will have run out.

4397

larryweikart
07-17-2013, 03:02 PM
4400I've been sitting out here on the dock for days, scratching my head, drinking scotch, having a little toak now and then pondering the "mystery coach" My wife finally insisted that I get off my ass and do something so I can no longer devote 24/7 to this! I'm sticking to it being the 67 Streamliner L K Newell purchased just before he bought the Company, or the first coach that was sold after he began production. (actually 2 guesses, is that kosher Ken?)

Neweller
07-17-2013, 03:16 PM
So Chillin', Livin' and Ponderin' is what you have been doing. You are livin' the million dollar dream of many right there. Do you realize how many folks would like to be in that chair right there pondering about the mystery coach. And they would be happy for Vanessa to tell them to get off their pride and joy! LMOAO!rollinglol Larry your guesses are the best ones so far and this being such a tough ombre, you are already a winner! I can say that LK Newell did have a hand in with this coach. As some would put it "Nuff Said"!

NewellCrazy
07-17-2013, 04:34 PM
Larry, Your a character and I'd enjoy meeting you one of these days. 3272

ccjohnson
07-17-2013, 08:29 PM
I'm guessing it was either last Steamliner made in CA or 1st coach off Miami production line.

stewart33
07-18-2013, 02:47 AM
Good guess Clint.

speedingsport
07-19-2013, 04:21 AM
I think Clint has got the best guess so far. So, what is it?

Neweller
07-20-2013, 12:09 AM
I'm running out of teaser pictures now. I think I'm down to the exterior pictures and if that's the case I may give you all one more shot at her. I have thought about buying this coach just because, but not sure if that is a good enough reason? :unsure:

larryweikart
07-21-2013, 01:44 PM
You should make up your mind on the purchase issue Ken, before you post this gems picture, as one of us might have the same idea! (I'm really curious now)

Neweller
07-21-2013, 02:29 PM
My problem is Larry, I have my eye on a couple of other Newell's and don't know how far I want to drain the wallet. If I was retired it would be easier. But that's not in the cards for a while. I always thought this one would be nice in a Newell Museum or something, but maybe it doesn't belong there.

Larry, I can tell you it would be one heck of a site with that beautiful boat you own being towed behind it. Talk about turning some heads. Actually this particular coach is so nice that it is a gem and when the economy turns upward again, it could bring six figures at a Barret/Jackson Auction. It would be cool to tour around in as well.

I'm going to see if Mr Rabbit has anymore pictures for me or if I will have to unveil her?

Erika
07-21-2013, 09:06 PM
It will be quite the surprise. ;)

Viva Las Vegas JDR
07-21-2013, 10:14 PM
I'm waiting for an exterior picture :thumbup:

jWolfe
07-21-2013, 10:23 PM
I've got a feeling that the exterior pictures will tell us what it is. :o

Neweller
07-22-2013, 12:27 AM
Jay not so fast....... the rabbit has given me a couple more interior pictures of this fantastic luxury coach.

4410





4411

Erika
07-22-2013, 12:56 AM
4400I've been sitting out here on the dock for days, scratching my head, drinking scotch, having a little toak now and then pondering the "mystery coach" My wife finally insisted that I get off my ass and do something so I can no longer devote 24/7 to this! I'm sticking to it being the 67 Streamliner L K Newell purchased just before he bought the Company, or the first coach that was sold after he began production. (actually 2 guesses, is that kosher Ken?)

I think you might be close Larry. I think you might be close. ;)

NEWELLWIZARD
07-22-2013, 12:44 PM
Whatever it is... it sure seems nicely done.

Neweller
07-23-2013, 12:18 AM
It's a very nice coach. I have interviewed the owner who purchased it new. In fact after owning it for a couple of years, LK Newell contacted him and he brought the coach down to Miami, OK for suspension and trans updating. Newell had made some improvements in their production line and this gentleman didn't mind spending darn near what he had originally paid for the coach having these latest upgrades done.

More to come as I get ready to release a couple exterior pictures the rabbit has revealed to me.

larryweikart
07-23-2013, 02:03 AM
Maybe it was the last streamliner built before L K took over or the last one built before he moved the operation to Miami. That's my final offering!

speedingsport
07-23-2013, 03:01 AM
Larry I wouldn't doubt you've got it hooked line and sinker. :bandit:

But I guess we'll have to wait and see.

ccjohnson
07-23-2013, 03:12 AM
Based on Ken's story, I'm thinking 1st coach out of Miami production line.

ccjohnson
08-30-2013, 03:50 AM
Any more hints? Or a resolution to our agony?

larryweikart
08-30-2013, 11:40 AM
I've been waiting so long on the answer that my daughter gave birth to my grandson and he just pitched his first little league game! Come on Ken, let loose with some info.:party:

Neweller
08-30-2013, 01:26 PM
Gentlemen start your engines! I'll reveal it by Sunday, how's that. I have to do it from my home computer so I can give you the two outside pictures. Glad you guise remember so I will stay on my toes about it.

Hey Kansas is playing in Kansas City tonight.

ccjohnson
09-02-2013, 03:58 PM
It's Monday already! LOL

Neweller
09-02-2013, 04:05 PM
LOL! You are right and you nailed me.lol! I thought about throwing the last pics on last night but I was so wore out from playing catch up on a bunch of stuff I was falling asleep in front of the computer. Also just started a 30 day raw food diet and the first days are the roughest. Let me round the pics up and then I'll listen to my interview with the gentlemen and bring us all up to speed on the details since he is one of the few people around that had spoken with L.K. Newell on a regular basis.

folivier
09-02-2013, 04:13 PM
Raw food diet? Yuck! Guess that doesn't include rice n gravy...

Neweller
09-02-2013, 09:16 PM
Okay here are the last two pictures which are of the exterior. You will notice it has a couple of port hole windows which kind of distinguishes itself from all the vintage or classic Newell's I have ever seen. There might be a couple of other things but for the most part she resembles her cousins.44984499

If any of you ever seen the thread of the shorty classic Newell that was used as a mobile bank I posted about a few months ago, you will notice that this particular coach had fascia curves ahead of it's time as this particular coach is a 1967. Newell waited until the early seventies before they went with some of the characteristics of this particular coach. The original owner of this coach which I believe stills owns this coach unless someone has recently bought it, had stated in our interview that the Newell Coach factory redid the front suspension, upgraded to a 6 speed Allison transmission and a bunch of other stuff bringing her up and ahead of most of her other cousins. I believe only two of these particular coaches were modified at the Newell factory with these kind of upgrades. The owner joked stating it was at a cost almost as much as the original price of the coach but well worth it in his book. Then he had the interior upgraded not too long ago with some newer frills. I'll update some more of the history shortly. I have to go an enjoy my salad now.lol!

Yes Forest you are correct, no rice or gravy, unless it is sprouted somehow. I can eat anything that is not taken past 105 degrees, so my tea must be steeped a little on the cooler side. But, I will surely say goodbye to any high blood pressure or other ailments. I have done 10 day juice fasts in the past and they do wonders for a reboot.

ccjohnson
09-02-2013, 10:00 PM
Ken,
Chicken or eggs at <105F may lead to dramatic weight loss due to the salmonella.

Neweller
09-02-2013, 10:45 PM
Clint, were not doing any meat this go-around unless it is seviche style which would mainly be shrimp or some fish. The first few days is more of the detox period and it contains fruits, vegetables, oats, sprouted grains like quinoa, hemp seed, raw nuts & pumpkin and sunflower seeds. We are using a dehydrator for coconut flakes, some fruits & veggies etc.. It's only for 30 days and then we will consider how much meat we want to introduce back into the diet. Basically going into a clean diet for the long haul that cuts out processed and refined foods. Done this in the past and felt really great never having any sickness or ever really feeling tired, but then you start eating some of the crap again and away things go. Once upon a time I almost left the planet for good being such a junk food junkie that I had to change my ways and have done pretty good since now for almost 18 years. It was always tough when others in the family weren't as keen on the matter, but now life is catching up with some others that the whole family wants to change and improve. There is just way to much crap in our food supply, water and air and I'm not interested in the so-called modern medicine method a bunch of my family and in-laws live for. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

folivier
09-02-2013, 11:21 PM
While I'm not sure I could ever go that drastic in my diet we try to only eat fresh or frozen fruit and veggies. I've cut down on the amount of meat also. While I used to eat 2 or 3 pork chops now I get half of one. Same with steaks or chicken. But I've never gone the de-toxify route. Probably should maybe it'll get rid of some of the aches and pains. It's not something only one person can do, has to be a team effort.
Good luck with it.

Yachts
09-03-2013, 01:18 AM
I read this as I was finishing my quarter pounder with cheese.. I'm pulling for ya:)!

larryweikart
09-03-2013, 12:26 PM
I get on this area to satisfy my yearning for the answer to Kens teasing pictures of an old coach and hear about healthy eating, which has been one of my favorite subjects since I completed the lose of 50# in 1975 using the controversial Dr. Atkins diet which taught me volumes about refined sugar and/or flour. I've detoxed a couple of times and enjoy very good health as I approach the 37th anniversary of my 39th birthday. I would enjoy discussing this subject in depth. In the meantime Ken, if we don't get the answer about that old coach, I'm going to come looking for you and hold you down on the ground and stuff red meat in all of your orifices!:unsure:

Neweller
09-03-2013, 02:20 PM
Thank you again Larry for all your gracious and contributing thoughts.lol! Do you want the details before or after the smoke clears? I can hook you up with the details this evening after I get back home as I need to jettison down to the office and get some other work done and I'm still here lollygagging on the forum with you awesome retired folks, or semi-retired so to speak with you my great friend. And yes, I would be up for more discussion on the healthy side of things. I'll be back..........

MrE
09-04-2013, 04:46 AM
So, the smoke cleared...it's past evening...wazzup?:hungry:

stewart33
09-05-2013, 02:11 PM
Finally a reveal! Thank you, It looks like a lovely classic! I'm interested in hearing more about it's history. This gentleman probably had a lot of great information to share.

Good luck with the raw food. I think that is great you are challenging your health for the better. They say detoxing is something everyone should do and like you mentioned the juice is another way. I have done a fresh juice fast a few years ago for a week. It was brutal but in the end I was happy I made it. Now would probably be a good time to try one again, or maybe I'll give the raw food a try. Forest is right it really is a team effort. If the spouse refuses to give up the meats or processed foods for even a month it will be hard for the one wanting to do it to get through it. I will be looking for an update on the raw diet too.

rellick
09-06-2013, 01:41 AM
That is a nice vintage Ken, does he still take it out and use it?

Neweller
09-06-2013, 02:32 AM
Keith he does take it out once in a while but it spends more time in storage as they are now up their in years and want to sell the coach. It's a cream puff for sure. It is currently in Northern California.

I need to listen to my interview with the gentlemen and decipher the accuracy of the information before I post too much about it. So it's coming and I'm not trying to wait for eternity.lol! I'm just preparing for the red meat Larry is supposed to be bringing by.

Neweller
09-08-2013, 01:06 AM
Well folks here’s the scoop on this here mystery coach. I was kind of hoping to get Larry to chime in on my other post about the 1967 Champion Land Cruiser Luxury Coach, but he missed his chance to share any possible relation to its similarity to this 1967 Mystery Coach.

See, the Mystery Coach is actually related to this same year Land Cruiser by Custom Coach Corp. out of Columbus, Ohio who by the way is still in business today building luxury coaches of different types including a huge division that builds the Farber Specialty Vehicles. Basically the company will build you anything you could probably dream up either on a specialty designed chassis or a conversion chassis. Custom Coach is a top notch first rate builder today as they were yesterday when they actually were considered the manufacturer of this here mystery coach.

This particular mystery coach is a 1967 Columbus Cruiser owned by a Mr. Scully, which was partly built in Southern California at the Streamline factory who shortly after sold out to L.K. Newell. Now my information comes from this very nice gentleman who had purchased the Columbus Cruiser new from Custom Coach Corp back in 1967. I had interviewed Mr. Scully about this coach a few months ago as a representative of this website and with his permission recorded the whole thing. The details in my opinion are quite grand and paint another chapter in regards to the history of Newell. I don’t know if anyone exists at the Newell Coach factory that even realize this part of their history but maybe they do and have just never been shared about it with anyone I have come into contact with. I am planning on uploading the interview to a podcast of sorts sometime in the future and any one ever inclined will get to hear about a piece of history.

Here are some of the details: Custom Coach Corp had made a business partnership with Streamline to build bodies on Ford chassis that Custom Coach had supplied. They were impressed with the build integrity of Streamline products as Miles Elmers whom started Custom Coach Corp. frequently traveled in custom built RV’s etc., around the country promoting his dry laundry soap we know today as the “ALL” brand considered a revolution in the dry laundry soap industry. Mr. Elmers a self made millionaire had Streamline build the body and other details to Custom Coaches specifications and then transported the semi finished luxury coaches up to Miles at his Columbus, OH factory where his team finished out the build to their or their clients liking. Basically the same way bus or Prevost converters do it today, sort of a private label thing.

Basically what they came up with was the cousin to the Streamline (aka Newell Coach) but with some different features and body elevations. They were built with the like features such as interiors, lighting, windows, storage, and running gear all virtually related. When L.K. Newell purchased the Streamline motorcoach division, this canceled out future builds for Custom Coach. All in all I’m told the contract may have yielded up to 24 builds for Custom Coach but I can’t verify this as certain or whether not it did conclude at the Newell factory.

In and around late 1969 Mr. Newell had directly contacted the owner of this mystery coach and shared the details of his take-over of the Streamline Coaches and talked him into bringing his coach down to Miami, Oklahoma for some nice mechanical upgrades. I believe this to be right around early 1970 when Mr. Scully dropped off his beloved Columbus Cruiser coach at Newell factory to be worked over for several weeks.

The upgrades included switching out the 330 Ford engine with Ford 3 speed auto for a Ford 391 industrial engine and Allison 6 speed transmission which I actually never knew Allison were even making back in that day. They also added a hill retarder, replaced the single balloon rear tires with duals, and installed air bags amongst of course some other details. After Mr. Scully picked up his Columbus Cruiser from Mr. Newell, he was overly impressed with his pride enjoy even though we had already liked what he had. The cost for the upgrades at the time was about $15,000 which in today’s dollars would be easily 10 times that.

In recent days this coach has had the upholstery, refrigerator, exterior paint all updated. The tires are only couple of years old. She’s a creampuff and the owner said it has been so trouble free all of these years and extremely economical to work on. Mr. Scully is asking $30,000 for his coach and you could not replace it in this condition for anywhere near this. He may be somewhat negotiable.

There are many more details I am leaving out that would take a couple of pages writing and not sure that everyone wants to read it, that is why I figured I’d do a podcast later on… But, I would be glad to answer any questions I might have an answer to.

larryweikart
09-08-2013, 12:43 PM
Thanks Ken, that is very interesting! I had visited Custom Coach many times in the 70's and 80's and do recall seeing this "look" in their inventory but never put 2 + 2 together. They definitely are a quality converter and very often used MCI's as the shell. I will now recant all of those nasty thoughts I had of you during my many sleepless nights pondering the identity of this coach. Nice job on the research.

ccjohnson
09-08-2013, 02:36 PM
Ken, This has been a great saga. Thank you for all your hard work on these things. In a way several folks were "close, but no cigar" as the mystery slowly revealed more details.

rellick
09-09-2013, 01:12 AM
That is a great piece of history Ken, that coach should be worth quite a bit more than his asking price as far as im concerned. Its stories like this that makes this forum great!!:thumbsup:

Neweller
09-09-2013, 04:51 PM
Thanks guys, It nice to know some of you enjoyed:tea: the info. For personal reasons I wish I had known about this 10 years ago... but all in all I'm glad to learn of it.

Something I ponder is how interesting it is comparing the second generation and later classic Newell's and their much closer resemblance to this 1967 Columbia Cruiser other than of course the change up in the basement area and rear engine configuration.

larryweikart
09-29-2013, 11:41 PM
One of the first Pace Arrows built after I joined Fleetwood. Any guesses on what year this was?

rellick
09-29-2013, 11:48 PM
I have no idea Larry!! I havent really followed any of the history on these, but ill guess 1982?

GORDON HUMMEL
09-30-2013, 12:00 AM
1983..........

larryweikart
10-01-2013, 03:32 PM
Pretty close guys, Actually I know its a early 80's and an educated guess would be an 80 but I'm not positive. No guess Ken? I have a feeling you are out of North America for a while.

GORDON HUMMEL
10-01-2013, 03:43 PM
I owned an 83, 29'. The picture looks like a 31' 83. Differences back then were the grill bars & side stripe details.

rellick
10-01-2013, 04:25 PM
Larry, I think Ken is getting a long deserved holiday,havefun

larryweikart
10-01-2013, 06:42 PM
Good for Ken, he certainly earned it! You may well be right Gordon, that fits the proper time frame. I sent this to a retired Fleetwood expert and he has trouble identifying the year also. It is amazing how retiring eases the necessity to retain certain useless information. ( I hope my wife doesn't read that last part!):banghead: