In classic French commercial vehicles, the name of the owner can often be found on the back of the car. In this case, it is M. Bappes from Rabastens, in the Tarn department, between Toulouse and Albi. His profession was plâtrier, a plasterer. One can use such a spacious bus for that. He did take an HZ, the lighter motorized version of the HY. Apparently he was not in a hurry.

In ’81, the HZ came into the hands of M. Tarroux, from a village just above Albi. At that time, he was a psychologist scolaire. Did he use the bus as a camper?

In ’02, the HZ was found by a Dutch couple on holiday in the Tarn. The car was for sale at Renault dealer Pagès. Business was done immediately and the car was insured by telephone in the Netherlands. After some minor maintenance, the HZ went on the road and later to their home in Holland. Some photos of the journey and the location of the find have been preserved.

Later, the car moved back to France, where it drove regularly. Until a few years ago, the engine started to give problems and a repair was initiated, but unfortunately never finished. The bus remained in open weather, in a prominent place in front of the house. With its beautiful split-screen, it immediately attracted attention.

Of course, nature and the humid weather of the Auvergne had some influence on the car, a spot of rust here and there. But it still survived the torture well. The floors and chassis beams are even in very good condition. That is why we recently took it with us, for a new future.

What to do now with such a beautifully weathered bus. As far as we are concerned, it remains as it is as much as possible, especially on the outside. We think it is a consideration to install more modern HY drivetrain, which makes it drive a smoother. Or you go even further…

We are now offering it, with a French Carte Grise, in the condition it is in.