Vix · en (noun)

1. A female fox (from: Fyxe – old English).
2. An intractable, unrestrained and instransigent, but attractive, woman.
3. A recreational vehicle (not to be confused with #2 above). Specifically, the smallest class A Diesel Pusher ever mass produced.

#009

And now one of these Vixens has come and burrowed its way into my shop and our lives. The diesel pusher that is, not the literal fox or the female human variant thereof.

Not just any old Vixen mind you, but #009, the very first, a pre-production Vixen. Yes, the very one whose portrait is on the Vixen Owners Association Website masthead, the original sales brochure, and even the FaceBook page. Notice the ‘extra’ window where the bathroom is located. She was put on a dias at the 1986 Detroit Auto Show to be revered by all, illuminated by specular lights of imminent fame.

When we first brought her home we had no idea of her pre-production status nor her illustrious history. But the facts were not to be denied. Over the next year repairs were performed, conversations and comparisons with other vixeners occurred. Other owners kept saying “they were never built that way” like a mantra.

And like parents of an exceptional child, we gradually accepted the fact that our Vixen was not like other Vixens, but was in fact ‘special’. To wit:

• Our telescoping steering wheel doesn’t.
• Wabasto heater? What is it?!? And it’s supposed to be there?
• Microwave over- yeah, that would be nice.
• In floor shore power A/C unit – never had one.
• Inverter/charger- Nope. Just a converter.
• Miles and miles and miles of wires which connect to – (wait for it-) – Nothing! And look as though they never have.
• And that bathroom window. Anyone else have a bathroom window? No? But it is only a window on the outside, not actually on the inside…’cause on the inside is a smooth, featureless wall.

So what do we have?

A sleek aerodynamic motorhome which looks new and modern at 30+ years old. Which has everything we need for our modest travel requirements. Now, 10 years into our relationship with 35,000 miles of road under us, we have had a great time traveling and exploring all over the West Coast, Nevada, Arizona and California in comfort and style.

What now?

The road beckons. We tasted the pleasures, we have taste for more. The National Parks are calling, friends with empty driveways to exploit, the possibilities are mind boggling. So what’s next?

• Pack up the Vixen, all 21 feet of her
• Pack up the dogs, all 300 pounds of them
• Pack up the trailer (with 2 other vintage BMWs)
• hook ‘em up and chase the sunshine ‘til we catch it!