Steve Maughan & the Mango Bus
From the football fields to the open road, Steve Maughan’s journey is as epic as the 1960 Splitscreen Bus he’s poured his heart into. A proud Pom turned Aussie, Steve swapped English stadiums for endless road trips, Kombi adventures, and VW mateship Down Under—but football still runs deep in his veins.
When he’s not cruising to Valla, Old Bar, or Volksfest, he’s on the sidelines coaching his future Premier League star. The big question? Will his son don the green and gold as a Socceroo, or stay true to his roots as a Lion?
But back to the bus! “The Mango”, Steve’s 11-window Splitscreen, has seen its fair share of adventures—and mishaps. During one road trip, disaster struck when a tree came crashing down, crushing the cab roof!
But thanks to the incredible skills of his mate Tony, the bus is now back on the road, rocking its patina-fresh look like nothing ever happened.
Whether it’s weekend getaways, breakdown stories, or just kicking back with good mates, Steve’s VW journey is the ultimate testament to the spirit of the VW community. So, grab a cold one and settle in—let’s dive into Steve’s life on the road, the memories, and the quirks that make owning a classic bus so special!
Volksfest Australia Owners Spotlight: Tell Us About Your VW!
Owner: Steve Maughan
Q. What model and year is your VW?
A. 1960 Splitscreen 11-Window Bus.
Q. How long have you owned it?
A. Around 10 years.
Q. Does your VW have a name? If so, what is it and how did it earn it?
A. The Mango—named after its color!
Q. What’s your favourite thing about your VW?
A. Getting away in it to catch up with VW mates.
Q. What condition was it in when you got it?
A. Full restoration project. Not love at first sight, but worth it!
The VW Journey:
Q. How did you first get into the VW scene?
A. Surfer living in a VW Kombi—classic old school vibes! 
Q. Do you own more than one VW?
A. Yes! I also have a 1965 fully restored bus and a 1954 Barndoor project.
Q. What’s the best memory you’ve made with your VW so far?
A. All the mates I’ve made through the VW scene.
Q. Have you ever broken down in a hilarious or inconvenient place?
A. Broke down on the Spit Mosman in peak-hour traffic… and not one person stopped to help! 
Q. Have you made any modifications or restorations? What’s your proudest upgrade?
A. All my buses have been restored or modified—that’s part of the fun!
VW Life & Fun Stuff:
Q. Do you daily drive it, take it to shows, or is it a weekend cruiser?
A. My bus is for fun, weekends, and getting away.
Q. What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever transported in your VW?
A. My mates!
Q. Have you ever gone on a road trip in your VW?
A. So many road trips! That’s what it’s all about.
Q. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone buying their first VW?
A. Get roadside assistance, tools, and parts. Also, join the community—you’ll meet amazing people.
The Fun & Quirky Side of VW Ownership:
Q. If your VW could talk, what would it say to you?
A. “Oi, time to go to bed, or you won’t be driving tomorrow!”
Q. What’s the most ‘VW thing’ about your car?
A. It’s a rare 1960/61 Australia-Italy-only hump seat with twin taillights.
Q. Do you have a favourite VW event or meetup?
A. I love Valla and Old Bar, and now Volksfest is up there too!
Q. What’s your dream VW to own?
A. I already have it—my Barndoor!
Q. Is there anything else you’d love to share about your VW journey?
A. I’ve met some of my best mates through VWs. It’s more than just a car—it’s a lifestyle!
