2010 and 2011 saw quite a few bay window busses and pick-ups change hands, and not all at give-away (ZAR) prices iether. Face it, if you want a split bus and IF you find one at a good price, then you are a lucky bugger.
All the splits that were lying on fields, parked on pavements down the side roads, and in back yards i.e the busses that were visible from passing motorists have all gone (restored, spares/donor busses, exported). The few that are popping out now and in future will probably be better condition busses i.e preserved under a roof, garage, afdak, out of sight and mind for all these years. And now that grannie, pops, etc. has passed on they are getting pushed out into the sunlight by family members, heirs and so on who perhaps don't have a clue. And lucky is the sod who happens to be walking passed or hears about this and that while quaffing a beer at the local bar one day after work .......
I'm serious, if you happen to have a heads up on a split bus and you are humming and hawing, and twiddling thumbs, you had better shake up and get the money together, because that bus ain't going to be there forever. Even if it is a wreck and on dear uncle's farm, get your mate and stuff together, hire your trailer, and go and get it.
And it seems to me that this started happening with the humble bays a few years back already, the Westys started dissappearing fast, then the early bay De Lux busses, now any early bay "lowlight" in fair nick gets the tongues wagging and causes a few heart palpatations
It's happening guys, just looking at Gumtree tonight shook me a bit, our bays window busses are going down that same road that the splits went nine to ten years ago.
If you own a "used" bay window bus thats languishing in the back yard, cover it up, push it into the garage, preserve it - or sell it to the guy that has been pestering you for it - don't let it rot away and end up in the scrap yard.
I went on a bus "mission" today in an area where I should have seen at least 1 bus lying in the driveways or back yards - I did'nt see even one driving on the road - the whole day !
Love them or hate them, apart from the fun you and the family can get out of a VW bus, they are increasing in value, especially good solid, original paint, unmolested examples.
On my trip to and from Plett in my split bus last year, so many people approached me and offered their ("the story" Fig and Mrs Fig's favourite) story and the most unlikely of characters who kindly informed me how much my bus was worth, and how they wished they had one or still had their old one.
From one extremely affected kombi nutter to another potential kombi nutter, er, owner - if you know of a bus and you can get it at a good price, don't hesitate too long, because if you lose that opportunity, you will kick yourself forever, and those opportunities are far and few these days !
