Three years ago, what started as a bold idea in a small home hobby shop became a full-scale custom build under the banner of Faber Designs. Schalk Faber set out to create something most people would only talk about — an American-style hot rod school bus built from the ground up.
Not restored. Not imported. Built.
From the beginning, the goal was clear: capture the unmistakable character of a classic American school bus while integrating true hot rod attitude and modern performance engineering.
Building the Body from Scratch
Rather than starting with a complete vehicle, much of the bodywork was crafted by hand. Over the course of three years, late nights and weekends were dedicated to making moulds, laminating fibreglass, and shaping panels to achieve the iconic school bus profile.
Each section required patience and precision. Fibreglass was layered carefully, moulds refined repeatedly, and contours adjusted until the proportions were exactly right. This was not a simple modification project — it was a full custom fabrication process.
The result is a vehicle that unmistakably resembles an American school bus, yet carries a distinctive, handcrafted identity that sets it apart from anything factory-built.
The Mechanical Foundation
Underneath the custom body sits a Chevy Suburban chassis, providing a strong and reliable base suited to the scale of the build. The choice of chassis ensures durability while maintaining the proportions needed to support the large body structure.
Power comes from a Lexus 1UZ V8 powertrain — a respected engine known for its smooth performance and reliability. This engine brings a refined yet capable character to the build, offering both drivability and strength.
Complementing the powertrain is BMW 540 running gear, contributing balanced handling and improved road manners. The combination of American chassis, Japanese V8 power, and German suspension engineering creates a unique mechanical blend that supports both performance and practicality.
A Camper with Character
Beyond the bold exterior and mechanical integration, the project also incorporates lifestyle functionality. The rear of the bus has been fitted with a camper kitchen, transforming the vehicle from a showpiece into a usable adventure machine.
This addition reflects the original vision: not only to build something striking, but to build something usable. The bus is designed to cruise comfortably and then transition seamlessly into a weekend camping setup.
Three Years of Dedication
What began as a dream three years ago became a testament to commitment, craftsmanship, and persistence. Long nights, weekends in the workshop, and countless hours of fabrication brought the concept to life.
Under the Faber Designs banner, Schalk Faber has proven that ambitious ideas can become tangible reality with enough determination and skill. The American-style hot rod school bus now stands as a fully realized custom creation — engineered, fabricated, and assembled through dedication and vision.
Camping days are coming soon, and this build is ready for the road.
