LOST for over three decades, a city bus driven around Southampton in the 1960s and 70s has been found abroad - with a family living inside.

The last known local sighting of the 344 double-decker bus, manufactured by company AEC, was in 1990 when it was exported to Italy.

344 at the Cenotaph in Southampton in the early 1970s. Photo credit: Southampton Transport Trust Facebook

344 at the Cenotaph in Southampton in the early 1970s. Photo credit: Southampton Transport Trust Facebook

Since then, the bus’ whereabouts were unknown and it was assumed scrapped.

That is until recently, when a local heritage group made contact with the Marino family living the city of Lodi in northern Italy.

The family - which include dad Roberto, 51, mum Silvia and daughters Martina, 20, and ten-year-old Mayla live on the vehicle, after converting it to well-equipped static home.

x

The family bought the bus in 2019 from a restaurant owner in Caserta, Italy, who never completed his plan of coverting it into an eatery, and had abandoned it in a field.

The Marinos, however were able to complete their vision.

Roberto Marino and family

Roberto Marino and family

After 50 days of work and the help of family and friends, dad Roberto had equipped the vehicle with all the necessary home comforts such as a TV, internet, dishwasher, solar panels and decking.

Roberto said: “We do not miss anything and we live in it like any other home.”

344 busrenovatation. Photo credit: Southampton Transport Trust Facebook

344 busrenovatation. Photo credit: Southampton Transport Trust Facebook

On his life on the bus, Roberto said: “The peculiarity is knowing that thousands of people have passed through where you eat and sleep and this is very unusual.”

Local transport heritage charity Southampton Transport Trust (STT) described the discovery as “amazing.”

344 bus renovated Photo credit: Southampton Transport Trust Facebook

344 bus renovated Photo credit: Southampton Transport Trust Facebook

A spokesperson for the group said: “The last we knew of her she was exported to Italy in March 1990, to have survived 31 years is pretty remarkable.”

344 bus renovated. Photo credit: Southampton Transport Trust Facebook

344 bus renovated. Photo credit: Southampton Transport Trust Facebook

According to STT, the 344 bus entered service with Southampton Corporation in 1963 and was sold to Booths in Rotherham in 1978.

It was then used as a “playbus” with Stork community project and in the 80’s acted as a community education base in Liverpool.

After passing through several further dealers, the double-decker was sent to Italy in March 1990.

For more information about the history of transport in Southampton, visit https://sotonbus.com/