Since we all like to buy 'older' motor homes, maybe one of our younger members will be able to buy one of these in about 20 years, for next to nothing.
Humbo (aka Jim)

Based on the Washington DC mindset, here's my prediction: For the next couple years, they will be stored in a climate controlled building & kept in pristine condition - maybe even a full time "coordinator" to keep them polished and secure. After a few years of non-use, they'll be moved elsewhere as new "priorities" will need the space. Eventually, they'll be parked outside, where they'll deteriorate and no longer be suitable for "executive service". Then a new administration will come to town, promise to scale down government, and they'll be put up for public auction, bringing a few cents on the dollar at scrap prices. The circle is now complete

Did I hear correctly on the news that these coaches were made and outfitted in Canada?

No the Prevost chassis is Canadian, the work was done by a custom coach company in Indiana. The name escapes me but it is listed in one of the press releases.

Should Barth have stayed solvent, there is a good chance The Beast would have been a Barth Custom Coach. MCI is the closest thing to a US made bus anymore, but it too has its roots in Canada. Although owned by an investment group, MCI was owned by DINA out of Mexico in the recent past.

I wonder why they didn't use Newell Coach here in Oklahoma.

This coach could have been built with American workers.

If I had to guess, it likely boils down to a couple of factors that wouldn't favor Newell. 1) They build RVs and this coach is more of an Executive (multi seat) coach, 2) backlog, Newell may have production booked up for a while, 3) safety, other than the Wanderlodge, no RVs were ever built to high (commercial) safety standards, and 4) price, a Newell is known to be an expensive starting price $2M +.

See! All you people complaining about what a spender the president is - he saved us $900,000 right there!

You're exactly right!

Next time we upgrade the Presidential Limousine Fleet, I'd bet we could buy Chinese-built Cadillac knock-offs and save a bundle.....


maybe even Chinese-built Suburban knock-offs.....


now that's an idea.....

quote:

Next time we upgrade the Presidential Limousine Fleet, I'd bet we could buy Chinese-built Cadillac knock-offs and save a bundle.....


maybe even Chinese-built Suburban knock-offs.....

careful for what you wish; the way some things are going, we may not have a choice.

The story with the most credibility to me said that this was a Secret Service decision, not the president's. And by purchasing these vehicles outright, taxpayers save money over the cost of leasing similar coaches, which was the practice in the past.

quote:

Originally posted by Roger in Seattle:
The story with the most credibility to me said that this was a Secret Service decision, not the president's. And by purchasing these vehicles outright, taxpayers save money over the cost of leasing similar coaches, which was the practice in the past.

I heard the same thing too. Let's hope it works out that way.

Being someone who makes my living dealing to the Federal Gov't, I can attest that they are as cheap as a Scottish pawn broker. The term they use: Best Value

quote:

they are as cheap as a Scottish pawn broker. The term they use: Best Value

Times, I hope, must have changed since the days of reports of thousands of dollars spent for a toilet seat or hundreds of dollars for replacement laces for combat boots and such.

Hemphill Brothers Coach Works, Nashville Tennessee. www.hemphillbussales.com