Classic Winnebago Camper Turns Hot Rod Hauler, Carries Bare Metal Ford Model A Coupe

Since the 1960s, Winnebago campers have been known for providing a mobile home experience on wheels. However, one particular classic Winnebago has undergone an impressive transformation, turning it into more of a hot rod hauler than a traditional camper. Introducing the Rampabago.

Originally built as an early 1970s Winnebago Chieftain, this iconic recreational vehicle remained in the possession of its original owner for many years. It served as a source of joy and fulfillment for the owner and their family, and only changed hands recently when it was sold to a father and son team who specialize in custom builds and go by the name of Rod Shop Collective on Instagram. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, the duo had been dreaming of working on a Winnebago project for quite some time.

Finally, in 2022, their dream came to life. Working tirelessly, day and night, the father and son team brought the project to a stage where it could be proudly displayed at an event. The culmination of their efforts was showcased at Kentucky’s Street Rod Nationals, held earlier this month.

The front half of the Rampabago retains the classic look of the Winnebago, evoking a nostalgic road trip back to the 1970s. However, the rear half of the vehicle has been transformed into a hot rod hauler, featuring a platform for carrying vehicles. The side panels have been modified, seamlessly integrating the hauling capabilities into the camper’s design. While the details about safety measures to prevent cargo from entering the cabin in the event of a crash are not currently available, it’s an intriguing aspect of the project.

Inside the Rampabago, you’ll find a revamped interior with the old furniture and appliances replaced. Some of the original elements may have been refurbished and reinstalled, maintaining the classic aesthetics of the exterior. The iconic V-shaped bodywork and W-side logos, trademarks of the Winnebago brand, remain intact.

To complement the transformation, the father and son team gave the project a fitting name: Rampabago. This name perfectly encapsulates its purpose and nature. Interestingly, the original Dodge V8 engine was swapped out almost 50 years ago by the previous owner, who replaced it with a more efficient Caterpillar diesel engine. This modification speaks to the vehicle’s history and showcases the owner’s hands-on approach.

During the 2022 Street Rod Nationals, the Rampabago proudly carried a 1930s Ford Model A on its back. The Model A, also a custom build by the same shop, features extensive body modifications and a bare metal finish, resulting in a striking visual impact.

While both projects are still a work in progress, they have already captivated our attention. The combination of the classic Winnebago transformed into a hot rod hauler and the striking bare metal Ford Model A is undeniably outstanding. These two vehicles stand as a testament to the creativity and passion of the builders, leaving us eagerly anticipating the final results.

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