CORTEZ MOTOR HOME

The Clark Forklift Company began making small motorhomes in 1963. The units were designed from the ground up, rather than using existing truck chassis.
A four speed manual front wheel drive transaxle was used in order to eliminate a drive train that would necessarily have either increased height or diminished interior headroom..
Early units used a Chrysler 225ci industrial slant-6 engine. In 1969 a V-8 engine was introduced,using a Ford 302ci engine but still using the 4-speed manual transaxle. In 1971, the Oldsmobile Toronado front wheel transaxle with a 455 cubic inch engine in conjunction with a GM 3-speed automatic.
In 1970, Clark Forklift sold the Motorhome division to Alco-Standard. In 1975, the company was acquired by 26 owners of Cortez coaches and production continued through 1978 when the company folded. The last units were completed by a bank in 1979. Only 3211 of the units were built from 1963 to 1979.
Cortez Motor Homes enjoy a devoted following. Aficionados prefer its all-steel body [despite rust issues], its smooth ride, and its moderate size.