Originally hailing from the sunny town of Scurry Texas this awsome patina panel van could once be seen performing its daily chores as a tv delivery/repair van for a local business.
Purchased in 2015 as a welded driving bus it was only a matter of weeks before a plan was hatched to make it a true one off, little did I know at that time that this would be the start of a love/hate relationship and the build would be a slow burner with lots of downtime between customer projects.
With transmission, engine and suspension swapped it was sent off to Irvs for some well deserved paint blending and copious coats of satin marine lacquer to protect the original patina from the UK elements.
As the panel is of a 50’s vintage I decided that the interior should also wear a rather big splash of the 50’s. Richard Booth was approached and tasked with the job of replicating my own very specific interior design which featured a one off bevelled frontage, sliding doors, satin black door fronts and worktop and the vintage bullet door pulls that I had stashed for years waiting for that special project to come along.
Richard suggested Iroko or Nigerian teak for the main furniture carcass which has been polished to a perfect lustrous sheen and contacts well with the satin doors and exudes quality.
The upholstery again influenced by contemporary (at the time) furniture design features a pleated design, buttoned at convergence so reminiscent of the Barcelona chair designed by Mies Van de Rohe for the German pavilion of the 29 Barcelona Expo, an iconic design classic.
Other features of the interior are the moquette headliner complete with 1950’s frosted ceiling lights sourced from a vintage river cruiser, Iroko pelmet concealing led uplighters and an overhead locker together with side storage with integral speakers. Once again the 50’s influence makes an appearance with the popular “Atomic” styled fabric to the upper portion of the side walls and clever overlaid panels in black with circular cut reveals.
A hidden fridge and flip out burner/basin confirm that this bus is not just all show but a perfectly functional camper thanks to its full width Rusty Lee rock and roll bed frame specially powder coated in matching black.Whilst focusing on functionality after a few engine transplants the bus is now running a brand new stock 1600 TP motor fitted by the guys at Fellows Speedshop.
A big thanks to everyone that played a part in bringing this piece of modern art to life with me, please enjoy the pictures.
