Here is a photo of Helen my Kombi, she has just moved into her new garage which is a recent extension to my house. Much of the building material and most everything inside has been transported to the site either inside or on the roof racks of Helen.
She is sporting her new 2009 rego label having just passed inspection.
I bought this 1971 Kombi (later to be called Helen) in 1975, I am her third owner.
From new she was an airport shuttle bus for a Sydney hotel, then travel van for a young couple, then my life companion. She has been used for almost every conceivable purpose, but most notably as a means of recreation and travel in the Eastern half of Australia.
Over the years, she has, like me enjoyed the company of parents, sisters, niece, nephews, numerous girlfriends and often their children, workmates, friends, acquaintances and the occasional hitch hiker.
For the past 10 years, and for a few other periods in her existence she has had no garage to call home. Her body has suffered from this exposure and I will have to undertake some serious work on her in the coming years if she it to remain registered.
She is however in pretty good shape mechanically, with added oil filter and oil cooler under the floor pan she copes well with summer temperatures of the inland. An S.U. carburettor to replace that horrible solex 34-pict-3 has done wonders for her temperament.
I have just turned 60 and am contemplating priorities for the years ahead …. and who can guess just how many years.
Certainly more adventures in Helen would be wonderful, and perhaps her dream of the full lap around Australia. But now that I have almost finished the additions, and restoration of my home I am keen to spend time in my new workshop. Model engineering and old stationary engine restoration are also a priority amongst numerous other interests.
I am in the process of scanning some old photographs and intend to compile a bit of a visual history of Helens adventures through the years, and will send them along.
Cheers,
Bill
Brookie
Great post Bill-nice to see another Lowlight with a good history.
Photos are terrific and look forward to many more
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kimba
Welcome Bill and Helen.
I have a 71 deluxe also... aren't they just divine?
kkombii
Hi Bill and Helen,
You have certainly had a long and meaninful relationship since 1975.
36 years years of faithful service, for better and for worse, you have stuck by each other.
May there be many many, more to come and may the black bitumeum lead you one day to the west and to meet some of the class of '71.
Ruby Dear, and many more lovely low lights will escort you into town or nudge up to you at Alfreds.
Ruby Dear's owner is also that magical number, but has been told it is the "new" 40's.
I am glad we can celebrate and tell the same stories over and over again even if the listeners have heard them before.They just smile and say to them selves '' I've heard that story before."
So Bill put a bit of makeup on Helen, keep her indoors when it's miserable outside and keep posting to the forum.
All the best
Ruby Dear and Alan
Keith D
Welcome to the forum Bill and Helen!
From another '71 (Campmobile)
Keith
Gabbo's Run
Welcome Guys, lovelly read there. cant wait to see yor pics, should be very interesting indeed.
Piratekombi
Welcome Bill. Helen looks great! Thanks for your post, it is great that you still own and love your kombi after 34 years.
Diddlie
Lovely post, wonder if me and klaus will still have a meaningful relationship in 34 years!!
liam:-)
thats an awsome effort keeping hold of such a woman for that many years, who needs the girlfriends wen u got such a loving companion....mind you there always fun to
just bought my first kombi (73) and can only hope i can keep her as long u have.
keep it up mate and hope to see you round aus if i manage my trip over the next couple of years!
