Dad builds the most unbelievable RV from a rare 1940s turbocharged bus few have heard of
- This 1940s turbocharged bus is super rare
- You’ve probably never heard of Flxible
- However, this content creator’s dad decided to turn it into a stunning RV
Published on Oct 02, 2024 at 5:17 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on Oct 03, 2024 at 6:19 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
They’re so rare that you may have never heard of a Flxible, but this handy dad was able to turn his turbocharged bus model into an RV that is like nothing you’ve seen before.
The Ohio, US-based manufacturer made motorcycles, ambulances, hearses, and buses for over 50 years before closing its doors in 1966.
Its rounded and repainted exterior looks much like it would have in 1949.
However, step inside and its remodeled interior is both spacious and comfortable.
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The rare 1949 Flxible turbocharged bus
A footnote in US automotive history, not many people remember or recognize Flxible’s creations.
However, the content creator behind TFLclassics YouTube channel has a father who saw the potential in this 1949 Flxible turbocharged bus.
Dad, Durk, restored and customized the unique vehicle with a two-stroke Detroit Diesel 6V53 military-spec engine and an Allison transmission, compactly fitted to suit the small engine bay.

Its flat steering wheel and front-axle seating make driving it a unique experience.
It can reach 70 mph on highways but could. struggle on steep includes due to its engine power.
Its rounded and repainted exterior was typical of its classic era.

It includes oversized, rounded headlights, steel panels riveted onto the frame, an eye-catching hood ornament, and custom chrome Alcoa wheels.
Speaking of hood ornaments, it took Rolls-Royce a mind-blowing amount of time to design the new Spirit of Ecstasy – here’s why.
Plus, here’s why it’s virtually impossible to steal.
The remodeled RV interior
Step inside and the interior was remodeled between 14 and 16 years ago.
While cozy, its high skylighted ceiling and large windows flood the RV with natural light.
It boasts wooden finishes and vintage-inspired interiors in the kitchen, bathroom, and convertible sleeping areas that are in keeping with the bus.
However, bringing it right up to date for the modern traveler are amenities including air conditioning, a diesel generator, a tankless water heater, and ample storage.
On a similar note, this retired lieutenant colonel built an incredible motorhome from a Cadillac Eldorado due to his dislike of big RVs.

All Supercar Blondie contributors undergo editorial review and fact-checking to ensure accuracy and authority in automotive journalism. After gaining her BA Hons in French and English at the University of Nottingham, Amelia embarked on a vocational diploma from the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). This led to numerous opportunities, from interning at Vogue to being on the small team that launched Women’s Health magazine in the UK, which was named the PPA Consumer magazine of the year for three years running. As Health, Beauty and Fitness editor, Amelia personally received a Johnson & Johnson Award and was shortlisted for both PPA and BSME titles. Since then, Amelia has created content for numerous titles and brands, including the Telegraph, 111 Skin, Waitrose, Red magazine, Stylist, and Elle, as well as being Head of Content at Vitality and Editor in Chief at INLondon magazine. “My superpower is translating technical jargon about the mechanical workings of a supercar into a relatable story you’ll want to share with your friends after you’ve read it.” After joining the SB Media family as a senior journalist in September of 2023, Amelia’s role has evolved to see her heading up the SEO output of the editorial team. From researching the most ‘Google-able’ key terms to producing evergreen content - it’s been a time of hard work, growth, and success for the editorial team and the Supercar Blondie website. “I like to think of myself as a ‘method journalist’. In other words: I live and breathe whatever I am writing about. When writing about fitness, I trained as a personal trainer, and as a beauty editor, I completed an ‘expert’ in scent diploma with the Fragrance Foundation. “During my tenure at Supercar Blondie, however, I did something I never thought possible: I passed my driving test at the age of 36. One day I’d love to train as a mechanic to better understand what happens under the hood, too. “My sweet spot is providing readers with a ‘takeaway’ (read: something new they didn’t know before) after reading every one of my stories. While I don’t claim to be an expert in the automotive world, I know the experts and bodies in the field to rely on to provide our readers with an informative and thought-provoking story every time they visit the site.”