I don't know between the two of us (my husband Meryl or myself), who's idea it was to start shopping for the van, but I remember why I wanted it. Meryl had just finished his chopper, and was off to enjoy highway adventures, but had reservations at leaving us all behind. So in order for the entire family to come along for the ride, we sought out a vintage bus. It was February of 2009. We had a road trip planned for that Easter in Salmon Arm BC, so we wanted to have something by April. Surprisingly it didn't take long to find some, searching Kijiji online.
There were a couple, some Kombi vans, a pop top that needed lots of work and a tricked out black one abandoned in Calgary, and then there was lil blue...
Located in St Albert, and already inspected, this ride was perfect. Without hesitation we contacted the owner and to our delight the van was still available!
Like kids at Christmas, we drove to the city, snow piled waist high, on our way to see what this unit was all about. Pulling up to a wonderfully maintained modest home, we noticed several treasures in the yard. A Porche, twin Alpha Romeo's (the sisters) and of course the van. We were dealing with a pro...
In a thick Italian accent, Nick introduced himself and showed us around to the side of the house to look at the van.
Hidden under a large green tarp, you would have never know from the street what treasure was beneath. It was immaculate. From the custom engine, with less than 5000 k on it, to the brand new interior with diamond plate floors, full blown black interior (he even stitched the VW logo onto the upholstery in the back seat!) We were in love.
Upon viewing the van, we proceeded inside so he could show us his build journal. In a cozy office filled with treasures from his travels, Nick brought out the binder that held every receipt, manual, photo, maintenance schedule, hell he even built a wiring diagram and matrix on his computer to illustrate how he had wired the thing.
Originally from Vancouver Island, the bus, originally a pale blue, made the journey the summer of 2005 up to St Albert where Nick proceeded to completely restore it. Virtually rust free and not a dent or ding in it, we viewed the photos of the build, the paint, the trial and error with the decals. (Originally red) We saw it all. He showed us the awards from Air Riders Club in the Modified class, he showed us pictures on line, it just went on an on. Talk about having confidence in this ride. We didn't even start it up, no need, this guy knew what he was doing.
So the obvious question. Why was he selling it? You could tell he had a passion for what he did and loved driving it, so what was the deal? "The wife is making me choose, she said I have too many cars, it's time to sell some".
Grinning from ear to ear, we made the deal and signed the bill of sale. Now for the hard part. Getting this thing home. Remember, this is February and St Albert had seen a substantial snowfall. over 4 ft of snow stood between us and lil blue, and no amount of shovelling was going to get it out of there.
"Leave it here until spring" suggested Nick. Insert hesitated awkward pause here. Well what could we do? We didn't want to wait until spring to pay for it, out of fear that he would sell it. We knew we had found a treasure and a deposit wasn't going to cut it, in case someone offered him MORE than what he was asking and cut us out of our own deal. It had to stay.
So off we went, with a snowbank and a tarped van in the rear view mirror. Nothing more than a piece of paper saying "Sold" on it. But to be honest, although we left with a bit of trepidation, it didn't last. Nick seemed like a real stand up guy. His values included the sanctity in a handshake, you could tell he was old school.
Weeks went by, more and more snow, not less. Our trip to BC was fast approaching and it wasn't looking good. Weather was miserable, and the long term forecast was no better. I would like to tell you it all worked out in time, but alas it did not. Our trip to BC was made in the pick up truck, and we returned to get the Van at the end of April. BUT it was worth the wait!!! I've never been more anxious or excited to drive a vehicle in my life. Nick was like a father sending his daughter off to be married... he meticulously went through every detail, every facet of his van, showing us every trick, every detail, right down to the AIR HORNS!! Yeah, that's how we roll...
As a footnote, we saw Nick last summer, as we were cruising the St Albert garage sale scene, we literally passed his house. Out front raking his leaves, he waved us down. He was so delighted to see us using it, loving it, noticing the few adjustments we made to it including the new Empi wheels and DVD system. He laughed when we told him how many miles we had put on it in such a short time since he owned it.
"I regretted selling this van" he said, "but I am so glad it went to people who love to use it" In the end he had sold most of the other cars, keeping one of the Alpha Romeo's for himself.
I expect we will see Nick again this year. Who knows what kind of car he will be working on then?
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