First generation (1963–1990)
Prior to full production there were a series of 5 to 10 Wanderlodge prototypes built in 1964-65. One of the first prototypes, Body #73145 Serial #2634, is still viable, having been repaired/restored 2017-2019. It is on the road full-time with the original (rebuilt) GM 348W gas engine, and 5-speed manual transmission. The original paint scheme of this specific issue was/is White/Panama Blue. The chassis was built in Flint MI, shipped to Terrytown PA for additional work, then on to Bluebird at Fort Valley GA, where the body and interior was installed.
After the first five orders for the Wanderlodge were completed in 1965, Blue Bird began full-scale production of the Wanderlodge in 1965. Derived from the All American Forward Engine, the Wanderlodge was produced in a 31-foot body length, powered by a Ford Super Duty V8.[7] Along with the availability of customer-specified paint color (as school bus yellow was illegal on recreational vehicles), the Transit Home differed from the All American in its use of a center-mounted entry door.
For 1968, several changes were made, as Blue Bird changed the name of its motorhome from Transit Home to Wanderlodge (a slight portmanteau of wanderlust and lodge). The roofline of the bus saw a revision, adapting a flat front panel above the windshield; vertically stacked headlights were added to the front fascia.
For 1969, nine 35-foot long rear-engine Wanderlodges were produced with the Super Duty V8 (among the rarest Wanderlodges ever built).[7] In the 1970s, while the Wanderlodge remained a front-engine vehicle, 33-foot and 35-foot body lengths were introduced (in 1974 and 1975, respectively).[7] For 1977, to improve the fuel economy and performance of the vehicle, Blue Bird introduced the Caterpillar 3208 diesel V8 as an option, with the 3208 replacing the Ford gasoline V8s entirely after 1978.[7]
For 1979, to mark the fifteenth anniversary of the Wanderlodge, the 1979-only XV model was introduced. Based on the 35-foot forward-engine configuration, the XV differed in its use of double frame rails.[8]
In 1982, Blue Bird introduced a production rear-engine Wanderlodge, produced in 35 and 40-foot lengths.[7] Powered by a Detroit Diesel 6V92 engine, the rear-engine Wanderlodge was fitted with a rear tag axle. Along with the use of a tag axle and a rear engine configuration, the rear-engine Wanderlodge was externally distinguished by horizontally mounted headlights and a taller body height, as it used a double-rail frame (introduced by the 1979 Wanderlodge XV).[7] As part of the introduction, Blue Bird redesignated the Wanderlodge model line, with Wanderlodge FCxx denoting the forward-engine model and its body-length and PTxx denoting the rear-engine model and its body length.[7]
For 1983, Wanderlodge FC models added a second standard floor plan, adding a rear-mounted bathroom (RB) in place of the mid-ship configuration (SB) which was standard since its introduction (note that some earlier models from approximately 1978-1983 had optional rear bath units); the configuration was offered on 33 and 35-foot lengths.[7] To further improve the performance of the FC, the naturally aspirated Cat 3208 was replaced by a turbocharged version, increasing output to 225 hp (250 hp before the closure of the model year).[7] A third version of the PT was introduced, adding a 38-foot length alongside the 35 and 40-foot versions.[7]
Through the 1980s, the Blue Bird Wanderlodge underwent a series of gradual updates. In 1986, the PT line was revised, with the addition of a 8V92 Detroit Diesel as an option; the PT35 was extended in length, becoming the PT36.
1987 marked a transitional year for the Wanderlodge exterior design. While the lower front fascia was redesigned, marking the introduction of rectangular headlamps and a redesigned grille (covering nearly the entire front fascia on the FC), the roof caps were shared with the All American for the last time. In an effort to de-emphasize the school bus origins of the Wanderlodge, for 1988, on rear-engine models, the metal roof caps were replaced with fiberglass versions (allowing for a more rounded appearance).
During the 1980s, federal law restricted school buses to maximum width of 96 in, while motorcoaches were allowed their present-day width of 102 in. To better compete against more recently introduced designs, for 1988, Blue Bird introduced a 102-inch "Wide Body Pusher".[7] While based on the standard 96" Wanderlodge PT, the Wanderlodge Wide Body Pusher shared virtually no resemblance to the All American or TC/2000, with aerodynamic roof caps and redesigned bumpers (specific to the Wanderlodge).
While the use of a school bus body for the Wanderlodge provided for fairly conservative exterior design (depending on owner configuration), Blue Bird marketed the vehicle based on its high specifications and high degree of customization, built entirely to order.[1] By the end of the 1980s, a Wanderlodge was available with nearly 200 standard options. Along with the common bedroom and bathroom (fitted with a bathtub), the Wanderlodge could be fitted with full kitchen, a gas grill, a doorbell, and a central vacuum system; a popular option among owners was a programmable horn with 60 different sounds.[1] From the initial $12,000 at its introduction, depending on version, the base price had risen to $199,000-$350,000 (approximately $441,110-775,822 in 2018);[6] the custom-built nature of the Wanderlodge could allow owners to nearly double the purchase price in options and custom specifications. While also purchased by celebrity owners and heads of state, Blue Bird found that the name of the vehicle was chosen well; many Wanderlodge purchasers were couples with the funds to afford the purchase and a high desire to travel the country by road.[1]
For 1989, Blue Bird revised its rear-engine lineup, with the introduction of a 36-foot long single-axle pusher (Wanderlodge SP), and only the Wide Body Pusher versions of the Wanderlodge PT remained in production. After 23 years in production, 1989 marked the final year of the forward-control Wanderlodge (alongside the generation of the Blue Bird All American it was derived from, introduced in 1957).[7] In terms of size, the FC was replaced by the SP, which continued the use of the Caterpillar 3208 diesel.
Model designations
- Blue Bird Wanderlodge Prototype 1964-1965
- Blue Bird Transit Home (1963, 1965-1967)
- Blue Bird Wanderlodge/Wanderlodge FC (1968-1989)
- Blue Bird Wanderlodge XV (1979)
- Blue Bird Wanderlodge PT (1982-1992)
- Blue Bird Wanderlodge SP (1989-1992)
- Blue Bird Wanderlodge Wide Body Pusher (1988-1990)
