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This 1954 School Bus Was Turned Into a Superb Vintage Home on Wheels

Vintage Retro-Looking School Bus Mobile House 19 photos
Photo: YouTube / Mobile Dwellings
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With life in big cities becoming increasingly expensive, it's no mystery why so many people adopt the nomad lifestyle. That rings especially true when considering the benefits of travel, freedom, and closeness to nature.
And one of the best ways to get into life on the road is converting an old school bus. That's because buses are large enough to function as tiny homes on wheels, spacious enough to accommodate all the everyday comforts most of us are used to. Not everybody can deal with the claustrophobia of van life, and many people are willing to trade some exploration capabilities for that little bit of added comfort.

But comfort in itself is only part of the whole equation, as buses do offer a couple of extra crucial features. The one aspect critical in today's nomad landscape is being able to work on the road, thanks to remote jobs providing access to a source of income. And this is where buses shine, as the increased room on board creates an office space. Granted, in this case, it's not a designated area, but it is spacious and feels uncluttered, making work less stressful.

Then there's the simple fact that it's just more practical when it comes to boondocking. There's a world of difference when you consider just how many extra resources can be jammed into this relatively larger package, from a roof that can house more solar panels to enough storage to accommodate a larger battery bank and water tanks.

This particular bus has a battery from a Chevy Bolt, mated to 8 solar panels that feed it through a 4,400W inverter. It also has a water filtration system to ensure any water source can be used when off-grid camping and a diesel heater, among other features. Sadly, there's no specific mention as to how much power the solar panels can generate, although bus builds often use 300W panels, which would amount to around 2,400W. The capacity of the water tank is also unknown, but judging by the shower inside this bus, it's safe to assume going off-grid is a breeze in this bus.

Vintage Retro\-Looking School Bus Mobile House
Photo: YouTube / Mobile Dwellings
This is a fantastic contrast to the bus itself, which is a 1954 Crown School Bus, an absolute warrior from a bygone era. Obviously, with the age of this bus come a vintage allure and aesthetic that make it seem dreamy. Add to that the muted cream paint job, lack of chrome, and numerous rivets, and you get a sight for sore eyes that will take you on a trip down memory lane.

The inside is similarly gorgeous, with a lot of the original details still present. Even the Gauge cluster is a replica of the original. That's not to say some things haven't been replaced, as the transmission has been swapped for an automatic, the engine is not original, and the driver's seat is now an RV swivel captain's chair.

But the overall vibe of the school bus mobile home is still retro, with acres of rich-colored wood adorning the walls and rooms. First off is the living room, which is filled with natural light thanks to an array of generous windows. This is complemented by a light choice of colors for the stand of the miniature wood-burning stove and the couch with its hidden storage.

This area flows into the bar-office combo. Granted, calling this area a bar sound slightly odd, but that's how it's organized. An imposing table made from live edge wood is the central piece here, flanked on only one side by four bar stools, enough to also host a couple of guests. Combine that with the wall-mounted TV to the side, three large windows, and the warm-lighted overhead lamps, and you really do get somewhat of a pub vibe. So, being able to use this area as an office is terrific, as it feels relaxing and unrestricted.

Vintage Retro\-Looking School Bus Mobile House
Photo: YouTube / Mobile Dwellings
Next up is the kitchen, which is located on the passenger side wall and is also built with a retro theme in mind, starting with the two light blue refrigerators that look taken right from the 50s. The same rich brown pinewood was used for the countertop, complemented by a similarly colored backsplash, creating a cozy kitchen vibe. As far as utilities go, there's a sizeable farmhouse sink mounted right next to an oven, a two-burner induction cooktop, and tons of storage and countertop space.

Then there's the bathroom, which has got to be the most vintage/country-looking lace inside this school bus mobile home. It's accessed through a wooden barn door that bears the mark of countless bark beetles. Stepping inside, everything is covered in pine wood, making you feel like you've entered a Swedish sauna. Otherwise, it's not too crazy, with just a toilet, sink, and shower. But the shower is immense and covered in tile, similar to any residential unit.

Last but not least, there's the bedroom, which is separated from the rest of the area, creating a relaxing little retreat come nighttime. It's right at the back of the bus, so it benefits from a couple of small windows and some storage built into the arched rear of the bus. It also has a TV for lazy movie nights and an air conditioning unit to make sleeping extra comfy.

Vintage Retro\-Looking School Bus Mobile House
Photo: YouTube / Mobile Dwellings
Overall, this is a fantastic retro-looking build filled with history, which manages to feel relaxed, cozy, and welcoming. It blends together the intimacy of a home with the social feeling of a pub thanks to its living room and does so within an amazing-looking wood-decorated layout. Even if this is unachievable for most potential nomads, as there aren't many of these buses still around, it's a great piece of work to admire.

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About the author: Bogdan Bebeselea
Bogdan Bebeselea profile photo

As a kid, Bogdan grew up handing his dad the tools needed to work on his old Citroen and asking one too many questions about everything happening inside the engine bay. Naturally, this upbringing led Bogdan to become an engineer, but thanks to Top Gear, The Fast and the Furious series, and racing video games, a passion for automotive entertainment was ignited.
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