Buick’s ShamRockAway Motorhome Built to Last a Lifetime

The Unknown, Yet Memorable ShamRockAway

Throughout history, numerous vehicles have shown the world that true passion leads to unforgettable genius. The ShamRockAway is one of these vehicles. Even though there was only one ShamRockAway ever built, this motorhome has managed to leave its mark on the world and prove that Buicks last.

Let’s look at everything you should know about this incredible motorhome that defied the odds. If you’d like to know more about Buicks after having read about the ShamrockAway, you can contact us about your dream vehicle at Buick GMC in Rochester. We can share more about this amazing motorhome or tell you about our current inventory.

Who Invented The ShamRockAway?

The ShamRockAway has become a legend in RV circles, but who is responsible for creating this motorhome that was a masterpiece for the time? According to historical accounts, the ShamRockAway is a Buick motorhome (the only one of its kind) that J. Dennis McGuire built during the early 1960s.

As an avid RVer and well-known Buick enthusiast, McGuire took it upon himself to invent something that had never been done before. He chose Buick to bring his dream to life because of his respect and love for the brand’s reliably smooth riding, comfortable vehicles. Unsurprisingly, to this day, Buick is still just as highly regarded in the automotive industry for these qualities as it was in the 60s.

Building the ShamRockAway

Unlike other motorhomes of the time, the eight-wheeled Buick ShamRockAway was hand built from four 1962 Buick station wagons. These station wagons were placed together to create one long motorhome. A whole one was in the middle, another was split in half, and pieces from two others were added.

After it was built, this RV had a standing height of 6 feet with an overall length of 28 feet. It also weighed 9,960 pounds, with the weight evenly distributed across its wheels.

This extraordinary feat that led to a fully functioning RV might have been a sight for sore eyes, but it was incredibly reliable and was kept on the road for decades. Even though it isn’t functional anymore, it retains its form and is still around, proving that Buicks really do last (even when cut and glued together).

What Features Did The ShamRockAway Possess?

The ShamRockaway was built to last, predictably, it had a few noteworthy features. For example, this classic motorhome was equipped with a specially designed steering gearbox. This gearbox was built by McGuire’s son to ensure enhanced control was achieved. With this gearbox, the ShamRockAway could turn four tires without experiencing any problems.

Some of the other features include:

• Solid frames
• Two gas tanks
• Dynaflow transmission
• A 401 cubic inch v8 engine sourced from an Electra 225 Buick
• A double core radiator
• Two air conditioners and heaters
• Auxiliary battery switch
• Comfortable furnishings

                              Pictured: 1973 GMC Motorhome

Learn More About Modern Buicks

The ShamRockAway was an ingenious one-of-a-kind Buick motorhome that has earned its place in the history books alongside the many other extraordinary Buicks. Over the decades, there have been countless changes to Buick vehicles, but their reliability, affordability, and comfort remain the same.

You might not be able to build your own ShamRockAway, but you can find your dream Buick and drive away with it by speaking with our team at Buick GMC Rochester. Contact our dealership today so that we can help you.