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Prevost 100th

History Highlights
1970 - 1979

The 1970s

By the 1970s, Prevost had made a substantial impact on the conversion coach industry with shell versions of its commercial coaches. The company focused on the United States motorhome market, and expansion was on the horizon. Questionable fashion choices, quirky fads, and disco dance music grabbed the world’s attention. Montréal hosted the 1976 Summer Olympics, where a custom-built Prevost coach was showcased and carried the Olympic flame.

In 1970, the first Champion conversion shell rolled off the assembly line as bus tourism grew in Canada and the United States.

1970s - Historical
1970s - Historical

The LeMirage represented 22% of production output in the first year. By 1978, it represented 72% of Prevost's total production.

In 1977, Prevost unveiled its hallmark LeMirage, an upscale, eye-catching, futuristic passenger coach designed for tour and charter. It featured roof-wrapping side windows, a rust-protected integrated frame, all stainless-steel fluted skirting, and fewer rivets than other coaches of the time. The LeMirage was also offered without interior finishing for motorhomes and corporate coaches.

The success of the shell division was driven by the extensive list of customizations available. With increased roof height and powertrain choices, door and window placement options, and detailed floorplans, Prevost captured the attention of conversion firms, leading to long-lasting partnerships in the motorhome and entertainer industries, and quickly grew to dominate the conversion market.

With the coach and motorhome markets combined, LeMirage became Prevost's best-selling coach ever.

Learn more about the rise of the motorhome market

1970s - Historical

In 1978, Prevost introduced the first LeMirage conversion shell at the FMCA convention.
 

1970s - Historical

In 1979, Liberty partnered with Prevost and produced its first LeMirage conversion.
 

In 1978, Prevost approached Liberty Coach as its first converter partner. The following year, Liberty delivered its first conversion. The vehicle received an overwhelmingly positive response at the annual Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) convention and generated record-breaking orders.