It’s not every day that you come across a 1959 Chevrolet Viking Short Bus, much less one converted into a spectacular RV.
A client asked Will Winkelman of Winkelman Architecture to build a custom camper from this old Viking Short Bus found sitting in a field.
The client wanted to use the bus for camping trips and as an extra bedroom for his home.
Unlike modern buses, many vintage models have a gorgeous curved body. While the curved body looks beautiful from the outside, it can be a bear of a job to make custom-fitted cabinets and furniture for the interior.
Winkelman had a bodyshop remove the frame and restore the bus to its original condition.
Designing an interior to fit the curves of the old bus wasn’t easy.
To transform the vehicle into a camper, we turned to the custom boat-building trade—an obvious source for beautifully crafted, uniquely shaped, and highly fitted work that is accustomed to utilizing every inch.
The architect had to draw up plans as best he could.
And design custom furniture for the curved space.
Winkelman’s client wanted a “funky, hippy, moroccan vibe” theme.
The renovation turned out wonderfully.
Two sofas in the center of the bus fold down and can be used as double twin beds or pushed together to form a single queen bed.
The bus can travel with up to twelve passengers, and also features a sink, washroom, and 120 V and 12 V electric.
You can see more pictures at Winkelman’s short bus project page or read an interview with him at Maine Home Design.
Beautiful bus! What a transformation, I was wondering if you have any suggestions as to where to find a vintage short bus. I have loved school buses my entire life the older ones had so much more character than the modern ones of today.
Thank you for the information.
Hi Shelly,
Though we dont know for sure without talking to the designer. We did find a schematic of the bed design at this LINK. It seems there is two additional supports that span across for the cushions to rest on. The schematic is too fuzzy to see the notes. You can try contacting the design firm if you would like http://www.winkarch.com/project.php?id=65
I just purchased a bus that has already been converted to a living space many years ago. Someone had sent this link to me and I was so excited to see that what I was thinking could actually be done. I have a question though. I do not see any visible support for the queen sized bed in the back. Could you enlighten me on how that was done please?
S. Campbell