1972 Devon Moonraker Bus paeked in a scenic location

Across the Pond and Into the Heart - Owner: Jodie Schaefer

There's a moment every Volkswagen enthusiast knows well, the moment you see "the one". After months of scanning classifieds, obsessively refreshing auction listings, and daydreaming about road trips yet to come, the perfect bus finally appears. For Jodie Schaefer, that moment arrived with a right-hand-drive 1972 Devon Moonraker parked thousands of miles away in the United Kingdom. On paper, importing a vintage VW across the Atlantic shouldn't have made sense. But sometimes numbers bend for destiny. "I never really thought it would be possible to bring him home across the pond," Jodie recalls. "But after crunching numbers and handling all the logistics, not only did it make perfect sense-it actually came in under budget!" And just like that, the adventure began.

1972 VW Bus with patina paint

Milo, the name that stuck the moment she saw him, is more than a Bus. He's a feeling. A memory. A rolling time capsule. The 1972 Devon Moonraker conversion gives him a distinctive stance and unmistakable retro charm, while the right-hand-drive setup adds an extra dash of personality rarely seen on North American roads. But something was missing. Milo had good bones, classic lines, and a warm soul, but he needed Jodie's touch.

Volkswagen Bus interior with plaid seats

One of the greatest joys of owning a vintage Volkswagen is the freedom to create. These vehicles don't demand perfection; they invite personality. "What I think is so amazing about a vintage VDub is the leeway you get to be creative," Jodie says. And so the transformation began, not with wrenches, but with imagination. First came a treasure hunt for genuine '70s accessories, each piece stirring memories of her childhood. Then came the boldest step: a Saturday afternoon decision to give Milo a "fauxtina" makeover.

1972 Type 2 Bus with lots of cool stickers

What started as enthusiasm quickly turned into a lesson every vintage VW owner learns eventually-respect the art. "I got in over my head," she admits with a laugh. But a call to a talented friend who specialized in this type of work set everything right. Together, they crafted the perfect look, blending nostalgia with style. Flowers bloomed across Milo's panels. Then came the unexpected twist: a sidekick trailer, which of course needed the same custom aesthetic. Because when you commit to a vision, you commit fully-and Jodie did.

Front view of a VW Type 2 Bus

Today, Milo is far more than a restored Bus, he's a companion that radiates joy. "I smile every time I'm able to cruise around, heck, I smile every time I look at him," Jodie says. And Milo is just one star in the Schaefer family's growing constellation of air-cooled VWs. A '71 Squareback and a '68 Beetle round out the lineup, each with its own story and personality. With them has come something unexpected and priceless: community. Anyone who has ever owned an air-cooled Volkswagen knows the phenomenon, strangers become friends, weekends fill with shows and cruises, and suddenly you have a family you never knew you were missing. "We've met so many fabulous people and made really great friends through the VW community," Jodie shares.

Good times in a VW Bay Window Bus

But for her, the greatest gift is quieter and more personal. Milo has become a bridge between generations. "It's such a fun hobby," she says. "But for me, the best added bonus is spending quality time with my aging father. He loves joining me for cruises, he's my car show sidekick. I feel blessed to have this time with him." Milo's story didn't begin with Jodie, but it's thriving because of her. Every accessory added, every mile driven, every moment shared with her father or with newfound friends adds another layer to his history. This is what makes vintage Volkswagens magical. They're not just vehicles, they're storytellers. They carry the past, thrive in the present, and, with the right caretaker, promise a bright and meaningful future. And for Milo, that future looks beautiful.

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