Bongo Fury

After 13 years with the same Bongo 'Bong' we recently purchased a Mk3 'BongTu' which again is black and a diesel 4WD. Bong is still with us and on the road but that's another story. Just pleased she's still with us. We can't imagine life without a Bongo! The friends and memories we have made whilst members of the Bongo fraternity are legendary. The fun and friendliness of our friends and members at the many Bashes we have been to again fixed in our memories forever.

And so the journey continues and we can't wait for future bashes and meets.

Of all the vehicles I have owned none has ever matched the versatility of the Bongo. Don't you just love its name? 'Bongo'. What were the Japs thinking of? Just so glad they didn't tag it with a number! Every trip out feels like a holiday! We've used ours to sleep in, pull a caravan, transport loads of kids and/or adults around, do the dump trip, carry big things back form a store, tow a trailer, tow a boat, carry a kayak on its roof, go to the beach, drive across muddy fields or snow (4WD), do the shopping, etc, etc. Yes and that!

When I first saw a Bongo back in 2003 a work colleague had one. I was amazed at what it had, a lifting roof, four wheel drive, window blinds(?!), air conditioning back and front, 8 seats which also laid flat. All for really not a lot of money when compared to the competition. And I believe 's still great value for money whatever guise it comes in.

Also what other club offers so much help to its members? I can remember when there was hardly anything for sale for a Bongo on eBAY. But now look at it. The number of garages who now specialise in Bongo's has grown and is nationwide. And we are a grey import. This is a reflection on the success of the Bongo. How many Bongo's have been imported into to the UK? Ian?

Can't wait for our next bash now which is the South West Bash at Looe next weekend. Time to catch up and drink with friends and make new friends. Hopefully see you there.

Cheers

Tim, Jill, Sam, Poppy and Ivy (The latter two are our dogs)

I'll second all of that, Tim.

Not put a kayak on the roof, but there's still time. Done pretty much all of the rest, and the big one...........


The friendships made through this Club. You couldn't buy that.

The most helpful and genuine crew anywhere, round of applause to all involved, especially Ian for putting it together.

That's a great post Samuel
I agree 100% with the sentimnant .
Here in Ireland a meet far to few bongo and bongo owners but when I do it's a big friendly wave and/ chat about the bus , I wonder how many t5/6 California owners do the same
As always owners clubs are a big reason why certain cars take off as they facilitate supply of parts and advice from people who love their marque and this is where THIS club excels !
Keep up the good work everyone
Brian

Great post Samuel. Me and my 21k+ posts agree with you 1000%. I struggle to imagine life post-Bongo. As for particulars of use, I'm not saying anything

I would be depressed without one. I always feel uplifted when we go out for a drive in it. You know where I am coming from Mike.

samuel wrote:I would be depressed without one. I always feel uplifted when we go out for a drive in it. You know where I am coming from Mike.

Ohhhhhh yes

A great post and one I totally agree with. We have only had Bunty for three years but she is a part of the family and this year we have been to three music festivals (no more tents for me!) and two weeks holiday in France, with another weekend away in Northumberland booked for next month. Just passed its third MOT with no issues and had an annual service from Ian Taylor. The addition of a pop top roof to our Tin Top has made things more comfortable (nice to be able to stand up), alloy wheels next on the list. For the uninitiated the pure joy of getting in and driving away is unlike any other vehicle I have ever driven - not sure why but it does put a big smile on your face

It's great to see the enthusiasm we have on this forum for these fantastic vehicles. Since I got mine in June this year, two friends of mine who have had a look around it have recommended Bongos to others when they have uttered the almost inevitable 'I'm thinking of getting a VW camper!'
Perhaps the only problem on the horizon is when demand greatly outstrips supply, then of course 2040 - but that's another story...

2040..I might get my rear arches done in 2035, just to be on the safe side, I will pop it in the diary. More seriously yes it does give you a nice feeling
when you have a nice long run planned and you have the memories of your Bongo journeys behind you, and the subsequent ones to come. Still great fun
and still not done yet for the season.