Gone but not forgotten - the Sunshine Bus now has a new owner

Owner’s name: Scott France

Club Member since: 2003

VW’s name: The Sunshine Bus

VW type: 1976 Kombi – camper

Engine: 2 litre engine with Webers and 2 litre gearbox

Built by: Factory built and some modifications made by the previous owner. Engine now maintained by Brendon Leyshon

Other mods: Other engine mods none.

Wheels: 14” white powder coated Sunraysias

Exterior: Yellow with distinctive decals, side air scoops, fog and spot lights, towbar, white pop-top, window tinting.

Interior: Yellow and purple trim by Cruisin Car Carpets, JVC head unit, Sony splits in the front, Pioneer 6 x 9 rears, amplifier, 3 way fridge (gas, 12 volt, 240 volt), custom cupboard and bench/sink area, thankfully a heater that works!

Background: Acquired in March 2003. I had talked to my wife Dianne about getting a Kombi as a second vehicle and possibly a camper so we could also take the kids away too. Dianne spotted it in a Trading Post Ad and convinced me to go and have a look. Once I inspected it that was enough to not hesitate in buying it.

Prior History: The previous owner Graham had done fantastic work with the paint, the engine and building the cupboard and sink work amongst many things. He was more than helpful both during the sale and also afterwards when I had further questions. From there I had a great base from which to make improvements externally and internally to the Bus.

Best memory: The first camping trip away with the family. Our first drive to Melbourne which went without any mishaps. Our first Nambucca trip.

Horror story: Forgetting I had taken the electronic tollpass out of the Kombi into one of our other cars…..Kombi “1”…boom gate “0”

Racing: Once you’re in the Kombi you just want to cruise, not race!

Shows: Often displayed for fun and interest although I did happen to pick up a first place trophy once.

Future plans: New front seats one day.

Dream Car: 23 Window Kombi or the Batmobile

Projects: Getting around to restoring and installing some side door steps that I picked up some time ago…

Chit-chat: This is a great ride for taking our two girls away. Plenty of room for storage, plenty of distance between parents and kids, everyone gets a good view and it’s fun for the kids to play in when we’re camping. I hope we will all look back in years to come with fond memories of the trips away in the Sunshine Bus.