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Calling all Thompson Coaches
I have appreciated Prevost coaches since the 80’s and really started researching Prevost’s 20 years ago. Through this time I have owned a few (older) and looked at or been in hundreds of them. Mostly at rallies and at the Prevost-Stuff event. Growing up in the collector car business has taught me the unique approaches to design and differences in build quality.
Fast forward to about 4 weeks ago. Jessica and I had the opportunity to buy a “Thompson” Coach. It was about a year or so before we intended, as our 1993 Liberty has been treating us well and our, new to us, two year old business still has us tied down in SW Florida. Over the phone this deal seemed very enticing and within a few hours we made an 8 hour drive to take a look. I was actually mostly excited to take our again, few week old to us 2016 Audi S8 plus on a proper road trip. If you own or have owned one of these incredible German sedans you know how enjoyable they can make a multi-state trip. At 605hp and massaging seats the trip could not have been more enjoyable.
After stopping for gas once, we finally arrived where the 2005 Thompson XLII has lived inside a beautiful garage with its 2nd owner for the last 14 or so years. It was just starting to get dark, but the coach was pulled out, generator running and all of the interior and exterior lights on. The condition appeared to be far better than expected and the maintenance records were absolutely incredible. Some of the best I have seen in both the automotive and coach realm. To be completely honest I did try to talk both Jessica and myself out of buying this coach. Our loosely laid plan was to wait another year or so when we would have more time to leave our new business for a week or two at a time. I had in the back of my mind that I wanted to try a 2000+ vintage H3, maybe XLII and probably would lean toward a Liberty, Marathon, American Carriage (which I absolutely love) or Millennium. As mentioned earlier I truly appreciate build quality. Fit and finish is very important to me.
Around 9pm we said our goodbyes and went back to the local hotel. We assured the owner that we would have a decision by 9am the next morning. By 9:04 we made a deal over the phone and said we would be over around 11 to discuss the completion of the sale. Jessica and the Mrs. took care of the sale while he, the entire extend family and I unloaded over 10 years worth of essentials and memories. All the while trying to accelerate a multi-year learning curve into 2 hours. At the end I installed our dealer tag and with Jessica driving the S8 we headed back toward FL.
We have already used it for two weekends and it has worked nearly flawlessly. I will get into more of those details in my next post.
For now I would really like to hear from anyone that owns, has owned or has any knowledge regarding the few Thompson coaches that have been built. I understand that the builder will still take calls and give support. If so, that says a lot! Once I get a few minutes to develop my thoughts on what I would like to ask, I will reach out and see if this is still the case:)
For now please contribute any experience you may have.
Bill III
PS This just reminded me that for the first time I need to update our PC signature:)
2005 XL Thompson Coach
Rarely tow anything behind us.
Sold: 1993 Liberty that we loved for 12 years. -
2 Replies
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Congratulations Bill! Good luck to you and Jessica.
2005 XL Thompson Coach
Rarely tow anything behind us.
Sold: 1993 Liberty that we loved for 12 years. -
Thank you! Still love the old Liberty. I’ll get into the differences over the next few days:)
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