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　　1981 Airstream Excella DIESEL 28 ft. Motorhome - Time Capsule! SEE VIDEO TOUR

　　1981 Airstream Excella DIESEL 28 ft. Motorhome - Time Capsule! SEE VIDEO TOUR

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　　Description

　　1981 Airstream Excella 28 ft. DIESEL Motorhome

　　Listed on behalf of the owner.

　　Located near PORTLAND, OREGON.

　　PLEASE SEE ALL PICTURES, WHICH WERE JUST TAKEN FOR THIS LISTING AND SHOW CURRENT CONDITION. 

　　BE SURE TO WATCH THE 10 MINUTE WALK-THROUGH VIDEO TOUR (BELOW) DESCRIBING THIS AIRSTREAM IN DETAIL.

　　Beginning in 1980, Airstream offered a diesel version of their Excella motorhome. Their advertising touted fuel economy of 15 miles per gallon (compared to about 7-8 mpg with a similar-sized gas model.) And with a 70 gallon fuel tank, the range was said to be over 1,000 miles between fill-ups. The engine used was a six-cylinder Isuzu engine, based on a marine design which were built like a tank. 351 cubic inches. 145 horsepower. 289 ft. lbs. of torque. With a 4.56:1 rear axle, gave acceleration of 0 to 30 mph in 10 seconds and 0 to 50 mph was rated at 29.7 seconds - not bad for a 11,150 pound unit.

　　This particular Airstream was sold new in Canada. First owner used it regularly and it was stored outside. Purchased by the second owner in Canada about 20 years ago. It has lived indoors in a heated warehouse in Oregon for the past 15+ years. Second owner used it as an occasional guest bedroom at the warehouse, but did not activate the water system, toilet, shower or sinks. It was stored dry.

　　Recently it was recommissioned for the road. A diesel mechanic checked the engine, added fuel and three new batteries and it started instantly. Idles smoothly. Excellent oil pressure. No unusual noises. Not smoky. Odometer currently shows just over 57,000 miles, which is believed to be correct based on the known history. I have personally driven this Airstream over 100 miles, on back roads, city streets and freeways and it runs and drives well. Steers and holds the road well. Automatic transmission shifts well. Good power. Pulls long hills and steep grades. Runs cool. Brakes were previously serviced by the current owner and it stops well. All exterior lights and turn signals work. Automatic retractable door step works. Tires are older, but have plenty of tread, stored in dark, cool, dry conditions and run well on the road. If it were to be put into regular service, I would recommend replacing them. I noted the fuel gauge does not work. Heater, defroster and dashtop fans work. Dashboard A/C not working but likely needs a re-charge. Two Coleman overhead A/C units also need service, or could be replaced with modern (more efficient) units. Stereo/radio works including front and rear speakers. Passenger-side windshield has small hairline crack, nothing big. Driver's side wiper works. Retractable awning works and is in very good original condition. Exterior was recently washed and has NO LEAKS. Outer aluminum skin is in very good original condition throughout.

　　The interior is completely original and a true time capsule. Because it has had dry, heated indoor storage for many years, there are no odors, no mustiness or mildew. Recent full ozonator treatment inside. Excellent original upholstery. No rips or tears. Banquette seating with removable dining table. One couch up front converts into a double bed. Rear couch also converts into a double bed. Accordian door between the front compartment and the bedroom. LOTS of storage and closet space. Cabinets and doors are all in excellent condition. Excellent original carpeting with indoor/outdoor carpet runners cut to fit on the floors to protect the original carpeting.  

　　Recently we took this motorhome to an RV repair specialist for a full check of all systems.

　　His comments are as follows:

　　Propane system: Tank holds propane and does not leak. Generator (original Onan 6500 watt unit) cranks but won't start. Service person believes the propane regulator just needs to be replaced. The heating system blower works, but also does not heat (again, likely because of the regulator.) Stove and oven should also work when regulator is repaired.The Dometic dual/power refrigerator/freezer works on 110v. AC but not propane, for the same reason. 

　　Water system: Tested with pressurized air. Fresh water tank is good. The gray and black water holding tanks have damage at the fittings (possibly from freezing long ago) and should be repaired or replaced. Kitchen 12v. water pump works. Bathroom faucet works. Shower faucet (Moen Chateau brand) should be replaced or repaired.

　　Electrical system: Shore power converter (110v AC) works. All interior lights work on 12 volt and 110v AC power. Power outlets work on 110v AC power. Refrigerator/freezer works on 110v AC power.

　　Includes ALL MANUALS covering all systems, engine service, coach features and more.

　　There is little to add. If you are looking for a classic, original AIRSTREAM motorhome with the rare DIESEL engine option, this is a good one! Enjoy it for short trips or overnighters as it is now, or restore and upgrade as you like for long-distance, self-contained touring in style.

　　A reasonable reserve has been placed on this Airstream in keeping with its condition, originality and rairty. Please bid accordingly. Has clear Canadian (B.C.) title/certificate of insurance documents. Will include bill of sale from the current owner to the buyer so it may be easily re-titled anywhere.

　　WE WILL HAPPILY SELL TO BIDDERS WORRLDWAIDE AND CAN ASSIT WITH SHIPPING ANYWHERE.

　　Thanks for looking and GOOD LUCK. 

　　If VIDEO TOUR below is inactive, please go to: ​https://youtu.be/sn3Jtm1sd0o

　　1981 Airstream DIESEL 28ft. Motorhome. Charvet Classic Cars

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　　Using the eBay App? Paste link into a browser window:

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　　Payment

　　We gladly sell to buyers WORLDWIDE. Winning bidder please contact us within 24 hours of auction close. A deposit of $2000 is due via PayPal at that time. Vehicle deposits are non-refundable, per PayPal and eBay policy. Balance due in certified U.S. funds via bank wire transfer within 7 days of auction close. We do not accept overseas bank drafts or cashier's checks. Vehicle has a clear title and is being sold by the owner, with our assistance. Please call David at

　　between 9am and 9pm Pacific Time with any questions. Thank you.

　　Shipping

　　Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer and not included in the auction price. Vehicle must be picked up within 14 days of payment, unless other arrangements have been made. Note that vehicle will be shipping from the Portland, Oregon area (Northwest coast of the U.S. between Seattle and San Francisco) with easy access to interstate highways (I-5: north-south, and I-84 east). We will gladly assist your carrier with loading.

　　Terms of Sale

　　Please ask all questions before bidding. Your personal inspection is invited before the close of the auction. Only you know if the vehicle is right for you. All descriptions are based upon information provided by the seller and our own personal inspection of the vehicle. Obviously, with any collector vehicle there are internal areas that cannot be inspected, but the description is based upon the seller's representations and our observation of the vehicle. For that reason, the vehicle in this listing is being sold "as-is" with no warranties of any kind expressed or implied. Mileage listed is that showing on the odometer and unless otherwise noted, cannot be verified due to the age of the vehicle. Mileage of vehicles over 10 years old is considered "exempt" by the State of Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles. By participating in this auction, the bidder agrees to these terms.

　　About Us

　　Charvet Classic Cars assists sellers (all of whom are my personal friends) to find new appreciative homes for their special vehicles. I personally inspect each vehicle. I take the photographs and videos personally. It allows me to represent the vehicle accurately and answer any questions you may have about it. I have been an eBay seller with 100% positive feedback since 1998, and involved with classic cars for many years. I like these cars as much as you do! If you e-mail or call with questions, you will receive my personal attention and knowledge to help you make an informed decision. State of Oregon Dealer #DA4114. Licensed. Bonded. Insured. Thank you - David Charvet

　　Contact Us

　　You may e-mail by asking a question through the eBay site, or call David Charvet at

　　between 9am and 9pm Pacific Time.

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