Historic Fargo Bus Returns to Andorra Roads After 8-Year Restoration

The historic Fargo bus, a symbol of Andorra's post-war transport boom, is set to return to the roads this summer, with mechanic Crispí estimating a rollout between July and August.

After eight years of restoration, the vehicle—rescued from demolition in Fontaneda on 15 December 2018—now has a fully rebuilt bodywork, new frames and windows, and a fresh coat of azure blue paint matching its Hispano Andorrana livery from the 1950s. Crispí, who has invested around 600 hours in the project, has overhauled its Ebro engine, originally installed in the 1960s to replace the Dodge unit. The engine, a hefty 800kg forged-iron assembly, was dismantled, cleaned, repaired where needed, and reassembled. It now runs reliably and awaits installation under the hood.

The bus, currently housed in a maintenance garage provided by Escaldes-Engordany council, still requires final touches: electrical systems, diesel fuel lines, transmission, exhaust, and—most critically—the brakes. Once complete, it will regain roadworthy status.

The revival stems from a citizen-led effort by the Velles Cases group, spearheaded by Claude Benet and Valentí Closa. They saved the bus from a derelict lot in Fontaneda, where owner Josep Martínez had parked it in 1978. Originally fetched from Paris in 1948 by Casi Arajol and Robert Cassany to launch Andorra's first regular line to L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre and ACS, the Fargo became state property and a testament to the principality's early tourism surge.

Funding totalled €80,000 through crowdfunding, private sponsorships, and key public support: Escaldes-Engordany council followed by a €40,000 injection from the Culture Ministry. Over eight years, this equates to €10,000 annually—a modest outlay for what backers describe as unique industrial archaeology.

Crispí, cautious but confident, expects the Fargo to roll out soon, potentially in time for parish festivals, though he urges no rushing. As Andorra's oldest surviving bus and state patrimony, its return promises to evoke the nation's transport heritage.