What Adelaidean wouldn’t recognise a bus like this!

This is 1001, the first Volvo B59 built for Adelaide in 1977, and a very special addition to BPASA’s fleet of member-owned buses.

1001 was a ‘lady in waiting’ for many years.

After retirement in 2001 it was purchased by a keen lover of these buses, and stored in its own purpose built shed in Angaston, safely tucked away under cover and out of the elements. Remaining there for 17 years, the shed did an amazing job keeping it so tidy and original.

In 2018, a to-be BPASA president purchased 1001 to preserve, and fully restore 1001 to as-new 1977 condition.

It is a beautiful bus, and both past and present owners should be proud of their efforts. This bus represents a type of which there were over 300 built, and were the last of this body style on Adelaide’s roads. Truly a recognisable icon for many!

In preparation for the 2023 BPASA Bus Rally, 1001 had undergone an exterior restoration, which had included re-painting the front, and roof of the bus.

Closer to the 2024 Bay to Birdwood, 1001 also received an extra ‘garnish’ of stickering, denoting the bus was “Proudly Designed and Built By… P.M.C. ADELAIDE”

It is no doubt 1001 receives constant attention to not only keep her moving for many years to come, but also keep her as sharp and pretty as when new. 1001 is indeed a true testament to the extraordinary workmanship required to both build, and maintain the B59’s over the years.