VIXEN21 RV
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The Vixen was a recreational vehicle designed by GM engineer Bill Collins and was built from 1986 until 1989. A total of 587 Vixen motorhomes of three different types were built: the Vixen 21 TD (1986–1987), Vixen 21 SE (1988–1989), and Vixen 21 XC (1986–1987). Ours is the 1986 TD, the 171st Vixen ever built.
Often noted as the "Driver's RV", or sometimes the "De Lorean of RVs", it has an exceptionally low center of gravity and wide stance for an RV. It had a top speed of 100 MPH, and claimed an average of 30 MPG using a BMW M21 turbo-diesel engine. Wind tunnel testing was used to create a completely smooth fiberglass exterior top and bottom, resulting in a drag coefficient of less than .30 for early TD models.
Despite its small size by motorhome standards, the Vixen was marketed as having all of the features of larger competitors. Such features included a generator and water heater. Two house batteries and one of the first electric inverters in an RV allowed the owner to run the microwave, air-conditioning, and anything else which could be plugged into 110-volt outlets, off the batteries that were charged by the 120-amp alternator. The Vixen could also be plugged-in at a typical campsite outlet. Water came from the fresh water tank or services at a campsite and was heated by a heat exchanger. The same engine heat was used to warm the passenger compartment. Since diesels do not develop waste heat quickly, there was also an auxiliary diesel heater that could raise the temperature of the engine coolant. This helped with winter starting, keeping the RV warm, and the water hot. The heater was fuel efficient, and didn't need to stop for propane to fuel it.
When you got to your destination the fiberglass roof hinged up on one side and fold-out windows filled the gap, allowing a 6'2" individual to stand fully and walk around. A curtain in the bath attached to the raised roof to keep water in the shower and for privacy, with a sump to move water from the shower floor up to the holding tank. The front seats flipped backwards to join the dinette to seat four at meal time. Both seats folded flat to provide the front bed, while in the back above the engine was a full-time full-sized bed that used a standard mattress. The kitchen included a microwave, an electric refrigerator, a sink above the hot water heat exchanger, and an alcohol fired stove. Those who do a lot of cooking, sometimes replace the stove with a modern marine diesel powered cook top.
Though the driving press seemed to love it, the public only bought a bit over 300 of the original TD model in the first two years of business.
I've had much of the interior rebuilt, using fine woods (teak, sapele, and wenge) as well as fabrics and carpeting by Missoni Home. The front passenger seat back flips over to face forward while driving or backward to eat or play chess on the inlaid table. The teak side console has been carved out to accommodate my camera, lenses, pens, spare change, coffee cup, etc. The driver's seat is made by Ricaro. The 5 speed stick shift and powerful turbo allows for very sporty driving. While top speed supposedly is 100mph, I have never taken it past 87 but even at that speed, the ride is exceptionally smooth.
The table drops down to form a bed for a third passenger as well (and a large bed in the back sleeps two.)
The teak side console has been carved out to accommodate my camera, lenses, pens, spare change, etc. The driver's seat is made by Ricaro. The 5 speed stick shift and powerful turbo allows for very sporty driving. While top speed supposedly is 100mph, I have never taken it past 87.
The RV still needs a new paint job, but as you can see here, the top pops up, allowing great light and anyone up to 6' 2" to walk up and down comfortably without crouching.
The design is highly unusual, gets constant attention and starts countless conversations whereever we go.
The kitchen has been left as designed, with a denatured alcohol stove and double sink.
The front passenger seat back flips over to face forward while driving or backward to eat or play chess on the inlaid table.
Detail of the front dash, made with wenge and sapele woods.
Unlike most RVs, the Vixen is small and given its distinctive design, it fits beautifully into almost any environment.
At 21 feet long and 6 feet tall, the RV fits in a garage and any standard parking space.
Salvation Mountain, near the Salton Sea: The only time the Vixen wasn't the most unusual vehicle in a place.
Well over 200 hours of labor have gone into the custom wood interior. Master carpenters Steve Levinson and Richard Draut did most of the work.
Well over 200 hours of labor have gone into the custom wood interior. Master carpenters Steve Levinson and Richard Draut did most of the work.
Detail of the sapele and wenge woodwork, the Missoni carpeting and the 5 speed shifter.
The design is highly unusual, gets constant attention and starts countless conversations whereever we go.
Unlike most RVs, the Vixen is small and given its distinctive design, it fits beautifully into almost any environment.
While rather small, the Vixen does have a toilet, a sink and a shower.
