Here It Is!

The Cortez is a fully self contained Class-A motorhome that was manufactured in the United States between 1963 and 1979. While most were built as motorhomes some were completed as mobile showrooms, classrooms, and ambulances.  NASA used a specially built Cortez to transport astronauts to the launch pad during the Apollo space program. Mock-ups for Cortez trucks and travel trailers were built but never went into production.  Only 3,211 Cortez vehicles were ever produced.
 

The Cortez was designed by the Clark Equipment Company in Battle Creek, Michigan from the ground up rather than being based on an existing truck chassis.  The uni-body type construction and four wheel independent suspension gave the Cortez a ride said to be smoother than a Cadillac.
 

Clark coaches from 1963-1968 were powered by a Chrysler 225ci industrial slant-6 engine.  These units were 18.5 feet long and had passenger and driver doors and a rear door. A four speed manual front wheel drive transaxle was used in order to eliminate a driveshaft tunnel that would have reduced interior headroom or raised the height of the coach. The drive train on all models is held in a cradle that can be removed as one unit.
 

In 1969 Cortez introduced Ford engines a straight six cylinder or a 302ci V8, but still using a 4-speed manual transaxle. The length of the coach grew by a foot, the floor plan changed and the passenger door went away.
 

In 1970 the Clark Equipment Company sold its motorhome division to Alco-Standard (Kent Industries) in Kent, Ohio.  No units were completed that year. In 1971 the first “Kent” models came off of the line.  They were equipped with an Oldsmobile Toronado 455 front wheel drive engine and a GM 425 3-speed automatic transmission. Length was extended to 21 feet, and a passenger door was re-introduced.  1971 and 1972 models had the option of with either a side or rear door.  Later models were equipped with a side door.

In 1975 the line was acquired by 26 owners of Cortez coaches and production continued through 1978 when the company folded. The last units were completed by a bank in 1979 from unfinished units that were still on the assembly line.

 

Cortez motorhomes enjoy a devoted following with an active support network on the internet.  Aficionados prefer its all-steel body-in spite of some rust issues, its smooth ride and its moderate size. Everyone who sees a Cortez is curious as to what it is. Compared to the current “big box” RV’s the Cortez is a sports car. The Cortez is a classic that is still superior in many ways over current RV’s. It's small enough to maneuver around in town yet it holds its own on the highway.
 

I purchased this rig in 2005 from a local newspaper ad.  I am the third owner.  Some clean up, mechanical work and upgrades have been undertaken since then and I have used it to travel in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and California.  It is nicknamed “EM-50” after the GMC motorhome that appeared in the 1981 comedy movie “Stripes”.

My blog will cover my travels this fall in my vintage motorhome along with my two Jack Russell Terriers "Piper" and "Quincy".  We hope that you enjoy the trip.