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Fri Oct 12, 2012 9:27 pm

I'm shaky on the details but from the bits I've heard, it was originally used as a shuttle Bus at the Hilton Hotel in Milan, Italy. It then was given to a obviously well-liked employee as a retirement gift and finally made it into appreciative collector hands many years ago.

Sat Oct 13, 2012 6:48 am

The previous owner was a collecter in Milan who was in the automotive business dealing in VW Audi Porsche. he was a well liked and respected man in Italy from what I understand the 54 was his favorite from his collection. Upon his death his family sold all his cars the Italian vw community was quite upset the bus was not offered locally.

Fri Dec 14, 2012 7:32 pm

We've got a vintage VW swap meet happening this Sunday in Natick, MA, if anyone is interested. J.P. said something about a 6-leg middle seat showing up at the swap...
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=537258

Thu Dec 20, 2012 2:51 am

Lind wrote: this is damn sexy.

nicest lowest mileage barndoor deluxe known to exist.

i love that pic..

Thu Dec 20, 2012 6:55 am

i'm going to guess that since the low mileage '52 sold for so much more than this one with fewer miles, the '52 has suffered significantly in the value department. still an awesome bus but not worth what was paid for it since this one came along.

Fri Dec 21, 2012 11:17 am

Is this bus repainted? The 52 was still all original paint I believe.

Fri Dec 21, 2012 11:49 am

Even know this is a beautiful bus And I Highly doubt one will ever come better than this I would have to say this bus is light years newer than the 52 when it comes to money spent on the bus the amount might sound crazy to us but to him it could be just a drop in the Hat I would say I still would like to have the 52 over that one

Fri Dec 21, 2012 5:25 pm

Just a few hours ago I was walking around this bus admiring how beautiful it really is. It's just over a year since I bought it sight unseen I had a couple of knowledgable guys helping me decide it was a good buy although not a drop in the hat Im sure I'm ok in it. I have never seen the 52 from what I hear it's amazing as is the 54 that I was really lucky to be able to buy.

Fri Dec 21, 2012 6:27 pm

I have seen both deluxe's the 54 is real real nice.
I just love the all og 52 it has a patena that only untouched time can give plus it is a early 52 .

Fri Dec 21, 2012 6:42 pm

No argument here Jim

Sat Dec 22, 2012 10:10 am

Both owners can relax and know that they have 2 of the most incredible Buses in the world. No restoration can ever compare and no amount of money can replicate exactly what they have. Both of those Buses are in a league of their own.

Wed Dec 26, 2012 7:01 am

I'm still kicking myself. I saw the 54 at the show and didn't realize that the paint and interior were original. It is so nice that I just assumed it was a restoration. Amazing, amazing bus.

Wed Dec 26, 2012 9:29 pm

Ditto... I walked up to it, had a quick look and muttered BORING...! Then got all excited to look at the barndoors with patina. I figured it was just another meticulously restored bus. Now I realize the beauty and significance of that bus, although I still prefer well worn buses even more. Congrats on such a museum piece!

Thu Dec 27, 2012 12:51 am

Unreal..

Thu Dec 27, 2012 6:00 pm

The 54 resides in my Vernon CT. showroom always available to see. There are a few older faded gems in the Glastonbury delivery center everyone welcome to stop by any time.

Wed May 01, 2013 6:22 pm

patsey77 wrote: The 54 resides in my Vernon CT. showroom always available to see. There are a few older faded gems in the Glastonbury delivery center everyone welcome to stop by any time. I popped in on you guys just to say hello and check out some of your collection, and I have to mention that you guys had made my day!!!! All of you were very nice and most of all very hospitable! Got talking to Sergio who then introduced me to Gene and took me for a ride to view the new delivery center and I was in complete awe in what I was seeing!! I was lucky enough to Spend a couple hours chit chatting about vw's and checking out some awesome cars! I had a wonderful time and topped it off with a cool tshirt! Cant say enough of the hospitality you both have showed me especially for an unscheduled visit. Thank guys, much appreciated! Btw it was the best sick day I have ever had...lol!

Sat May 25, 2013 1:35 pm

OldVolks67 wrote: patsey77 wrote: The 54 resides in my Vernon CT. showroom always available to see. There are a few older faded gems in the Glastonbury delivery center everyone welcome to stop by any time. I popped in on you guys just to say hello and check out some of your collection, and I have to mention that you guys had made my day!!!! All of you were very nice and most of all very hospitable! Got talking to Sergio who then introduced me to Gene and took me for a ride to view the new delivery center and I was in complete awe in what I was seeing!! I was lucky enough to Spend a couple hours chit chatting about vw's and checking out some awesome cars! I had a wonderful time and topped it off with a cool tshirt! Cant say enough of the hospitality you both have showed me especially for an unscheduled visit. Thank guys, much appreciated! Btw it was the best sick day I have ever had...lol!

Thank you for your visit, I wanted to share some more photos from the Delivery Center

20130525_151557-1 by 4MRE, on Flickr[/img]

20130525_151442-1 by 4MRE, on Flickr

Everyone is welcome to stop by anytime and take a look

Sun May 26, 2013 8:02 pm

We should figure out a way to get all those buses to the Transporterfest some day. Perhaps bring the commercial ones, or the campers this year?

Thu Oct 03, 2013 6:32 pm

We are expecting a couple barndoor commercial vehicles this year at T'fest, 10/13/13.

Mon Nov 11, 2013 8:18 pm

4 Barndoors again at T'fest, 10/13/13