We’ve all seen them. Stories all over the Internet about fancy RVs with gold plated hot tubs and pop up second stories. While it’s fun to look, these kind of over the top RVs are rarely realistic for the average joe. That’s what makes this RV story so different! It’s the story of outdated, much loved RV that was brought back to life. Yup. You guessed it – we’re talking about the Winnie Brave.
Winnebago recently re-issued a completely updated version of the iconic Brave RV, which was one of the most popular motorhome models in the 1970s. Itasca (sister company to the Winne) is re-releasing another flash from the past, the Tribute model.
In an interview with BBC.com, Winnebago’s chairman and chief executive, Randy Potts said. “This is the most exciting product launch I have ever been involved with. With Throwback Thursdays all the rage, this is a perfect time to launch the new Brave and Tribute.”
His timing could not be more perfect. We are living in a time where we are readily embrace nostalgia and cherishing items from the past. Look around you will see flashes from the past everywhere. There’s the VW Beetle, The Mini Cooper, and even the amazing Ford Mustang, which has been hotter than ever since 2005. Consumers love a touch of retro, and that’s exactly what inspired the updated Brave.
Here is a 1975 Winnebago Brave:
And here is the brand new version.
Pretty nice right? The vintage vibe is working for Winnebago. The company first defined the boxy shaped motorhome in 1966. It was a 19ft model called the F-19, and over the years the name has become very well known. In terms of design, the Brave is a box on wheels. Yet is the iconic rectangle shape with the flying W graphic that makes it turn heads all over the globe.
The 2015 has a few simple changes to the original exterior. The front end is flater and it is twice the height of the 60’s version. The large eyebrow style still looms above the flat front windshield, though the glass is twice as big as the original.
The inside of the Winnie Brave is decked out in traditional retro style. No, you are not having a flash back. The cabinets and upholstery are new, yet completely theme appropriate. Don’t let the first glance fool you. It may have a vintage look, but this RV is high tech all the way. A movable dashboard console houses a rearview mirror, a navigation system, and a radio that can stream music via Bluetooth. Power-operated bunks drop from the ceiling, and the awning is automatic. All these refinements save space while making life on the road a more enjoyable. So while this unit looks “retro”, it functions in a very modern way.
The Brave and it’s sister, The Tribute are both built on top of Ford’s F53 Motorhome chassis. They are fitted with 362-horsepower and a V10 engine. These RVs come in several varying lengths such as 26 ft, 27 ft, and 31 ft. Want to take your family on the ultimate blast from the past? No problem. The Brave can be purchased for as little as $96,424. The 31 foot Brave comes fully equipped at $120,000. This is a bargain when you consider that some of the biggest motorhomes can cost between $800,000-$2 Million dollars.
One glance at the Winne Brave will bring back memories of the ultimate childhood camping experience. Yup, I am talking hot dogs, baseball and apple pie. Long road trips and fights between cousins over who gets the top bunk. Ahh…memories!
The Winnebago Brave is love at first sight. I mean, what’s not to love?
Question: Would you buy a Winne Brave or an Itasca Tribute? Why or why not? Did your family own an original? What are your best Winne memories?
Share them in the comments box below. Now take just a moment to share this article with your friends, family and anyone else you know that loves all things retro. Tweet, text or like this article!
