Nicknamed Albert, the former Number 2004 Sydney bus, which served passengers for 21 years, found a new life travelling the longest bus route in the world after an accident rendered it unsuitable for public transport.

With damage to the rear end, the bus was removed from service and bought in May 1968 by British traveller Andy Stewart, who was looking to make his way home to London.

Mr Stewart converted it into a mobile home and set off with 13 others on a 16,000-kilometre journey from Sydney to London via India in October that year.

The trip was so successful Albert went on to complete another 14 Sydney-to-London trips until 1976 when the passage through Iran was blocked due to an unstable political climate.

The bus was sold off and lost for a number of years, but was reunited with Mr Stewart 30 years later and brought back to Australia in 2012, where the bus was retired.

Its current owners, Orange twins Wayne and John Swadling and Albert resident Neville Owen, bought the bus at an auction without knowing the history behind the vehicle.

“We saw it at a local auction in Orange a few years back, but we didn’t know much of the history behind it,” Wayne said.

“After we bought it, we researched it a little and saw all this history behind it. There are definitely some fantastic stories.”

While Albert does not take trans-continental journeys any longer, it still goes on outings to car shows and will be on display at Sir Jack Brabham Park as part of the Gnoo Blas Classic car and bike show on Saturday.

“We took it to Dubbo for a car show last year and the kids were climbing all over it, they loved it. When people find out about the history, they’re amazed,” Wayne said.

alexandra.king@fairfaxmedia.com.au