This is a 1950 Desoto. It was part of the original fleet and was restored in the 1990's as part of the revival. It has a 318 cu.in. Mopar motor with a 727 automatic transmission. It runs and stops. All of the wood has been professionally restored by Heiden's Woodworking. It is in need of paint, some body work, and a new interior, but has great bones. It comes with many of extra parts including a dashboard, gauges, NOS bright work, lighted hood ornament, etc. (see pictures). All wood has been professionally restored (see pictures). NOTE: First picture is of the sampan in Kealakekua Hawaii in about 2005, other pictures are of the sampan today.
This is one of approximately 12 Hilo Sampan Buses to survive today. In the 1930s and 1940s there were over 200 Sampans on the Big Island of Hawaii. Sometimes referred to as “banana boats” the Hilo Sampan Buses are unique to Hilo, Hawaii constructed nowhere else in the world. Interestingly, there was no standardized assembly.
The Hilo Sampan Bus Co. ran until 1976. The Hilo Sampan Bus Company tried to revive Sampan service in the early 90s but were unsuccessful. Today, there are a handful of Sampans used sort of as mobile museums for all to cherish the nostalgia. Check out the other pictures I included of some other sampans from back in the day
See one of the fully restored sampans in the attached video - you can skip the ad after 5 seconds. Restored sampans sell between $95,000 and $125,000.
