A rare 2001 Blue Bird Wanderlodge LXi Millennium Edition motorhome, originally costing $1.2 million, heads to auction with 26,000 miles.
A 2001 Blue Bird Wanderlodge LXi Millennium Edition, once among the most luxurious motorhomes ever produced, will cross the block without reserve at the Raleigh Classic Car Auction’s September Special.
Showing just 26,014 miles, the one-owner motorhome represents one of fewer than 350 LXi models believed to have been built between 1999 and 2001. The Millennium Edition was the pinnacle of the Wanderlodge lineup, retailing for about $1.2 million when new.
Built in Fort Valley, Georgia, Blue Bird’s Wanderlodge series had become synonymous with durability, craftsmanship and customization by the early 2000s. The Millennium Edition stretched 43 feet in length, featured two slide-outs for expanded living space, and was powered by a 12.7-liter Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine producing 500 horsepower. An automatic transmission and double rear axle chassis supported its air ride suspension for long-haul comfort.
Inside, the motorhome offered high-end appointments uncommon even by modern RV standards. A tan leather interior, solid wood cabinetry, quartz countertops, a Fischer & Paykel full-size refrigerator, and a queen-size bedroom highlighted its luxury. Entertainment came via a Sony audio system with Bose speakers, while rooftop air conditioning and privacy window shades provided comfort.
Though Blue Bird’s production records were lost when Parliament Coach acquired the brand through bankruptcy, collectors believe only a handful of Millennium Edition coaches survive in original condition. This example, part of the Raleigh Classic Collection, is presented with some exterior imperfections including paint cracks, windshield seal wear and mismatched tires, but retains its original specification.
The Wanderlodge’s reputation for overbuilt quality has helped the model earn a dedicated following among collectors and enthusiasts of vintage luxury coaches. Its offering without reserve marks a rare chance for bidders to acquire what was once considered the “Rolls-Royce of motorhomes.”
The September Special, featuring 38 vehicles from three private estates, runs from September 15 through October 3 at the Raleigh Classic showroom in Zebulon, North Carolina. See it here.
