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How and when in the world did it come to this: RV owner’s concerns about towing their autos led to the innovation of a “car swallowing” space to carry them?
For many years, RVs were known for hauling around fold-up bicycles, even motorcycles but mainly for towing cars of all sizes.
But the “car swallowing” concept might be traced back to sometime around the year 2000 when a new era began.
That was when MINI Cooper vehicles began to show up on the roads in America and elsewhere.
That was the apparent inspiration for RV manufacturers to come up with the concept of carrying cars inside of them.
Several motorhome manufacturers began offering models of that capability. And not just MINI Coopers.
But one of the first and best-known that created a minor sensation in 2008 was the German-made Volkner Mobile Performance Bus.
It not only carried cars but had so many luxury features it was widely called a “Palace on Wheels.”
But the trend did not end with Volkner.
“Volkner began building the motorized garage into its high end Performance models in late 2006 and has now built motorhomes capable of swallowing whole Porsche 911s, Jaguar XK8 Cabriolets, BMW 6 Series Cabriolets, Maserati Quattroportes and Mercedes Sports cars,” writes GizMag at the time (which later became New Atlas).
Some observers at the time said that was almost too tame a description for the German-made Volkner Mobile Performance Bus.
No wonder:
The first models were big enough to be a garage for a Ferrari, Lamborghini or other low-slung autos.
Fully customizable and 40 feet long, they featured a wall that slides outward to create extra space, along with a state-of-the-art entertainment system and a fully equipped kitchen.
“The newly-built Volkner Mobil Performance Bus offers an incredible level of luxury for its owners with each model carefully designed over a period of 12 months,” according to Caravan Times.
The most impressive of all was the built-in garage under the vehicle. “For the owner who wants to travel in comfort without leaving behind the Ferrari, this is the way to go,” said one reviewer in The Sun newspaper.
The draft that is used to load the car can also be used to load, stow and unload other gear such as an entire kitchen setting.
For those unappreciative or preferring to continue towing their vehicles, some early customers opted to use the auto space as a comfortable terrace for outdoor dining.
What made the Volkner an object of luxury?
Consider that it had:
—Bathrooms with massage showers equipped with several programs.
—Under-floor heating that covered even the shower floor (so no showers with cold feet…pun intended). Heated towel racks as well.
—Kitchens had real tiles, dishwaters, a large fridge-freezer, and microwaves.
—Living rooms had Bose-Dolby home Entertainment Surround Systems and a widescreen TV concealed in an entertainment cabinet when not in use.
—A computerized “Brain” pilot central computer that was said to be the result of 20 years of technology. It allowed full and automatic control of various systems including heating, energy sources such as gas and other functions.
—In addition to the extra space for the auto, Volkner Mobil had what were called “Wall Out” spaces. These increased the size of living spaces by up to 20 percent. Not exactly a new idea, but Volkner’s version was said to be stronger mechanically, among other advantages.
—A variety of décor choices.
—Seats with pneumatic cushioning.
—Storage was also not neglected. There was an 800-gallon freshwater tank, and a 158-ballon wastewater storage area.
And performance?
Also not neglected.
The vehicle’s options included a 460-horseower engine with the company’s standard i-SHIFT gear.
News reports at the time quoted Stephanie Volkner, who said:
“Our philosophy is to build the ultimate in luxury and we see it as a house on wheels which can be driven all around the world.”
Orders following the introduction of the vehicle came from wealthy customers from all around the world.
Reports said the made-to-order machines took about one year to build.
But worth it for the attention. Said one report:
“The Performance Bus has been wowing crowds at the Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf, Germany.”
Not entirely a surprise considering the cost:
Anywhere from $1.2 to almost two million dollars.
But even at that price, the only negative report was facetious.
No kitchen chef with the car.
And, of course, everyone had to buy their own auto.
By David Wilkening
