That bond has grown stronger over the years and the 64-year-old public servant from Wright has no plans to part with his 47-year-old long-term companion any time soon.

When he eventually falls off the twig the vehicle will probably be shipped back to the UK where his two daughters, who prompted the initial decision to buy it for £800 in 1988, still live.

"But I'm planning to enjoy it for a lot longer yet," Mr Smith said.

The happy couple, accompanied by Mr Smith's partner Kristine Riethmiller, spent last weekend away at Burrinjuck Waters and travelled 1600 kilometres to Coffs Harbour and back earlier in the year.

A true "world car", this example was built in Germany, converted into a camper in Essex, and began its working life in the south of France. It had only had two owners when Mr Smith bought it in 1988 from a friend who had a growing family.

Mr Smith's Kombi, a Type 2 Volkswagen according to the purists, will make an interesting counterpoint to the megabuck Porsches, BMWs, Mercedes-Benzes and Audis that will take pride of place at the German Auto Fest, to be held on the Patrick White Lawns adjacent to the National Library from 9am on Sunday.

German cars are not the only vehicles having a big day out on Sunday. The Fiat Club of the ACT is holding its annual "concorso" at Telopea Park just around the lake near Manuka from 11am to 2pm.

A highlight of that event will be a 1914 Fiat owned by a Canberra enthusiast – it is celebrating its 100th birthday.

Mr Smith's Kombi, like many of its siblings scattered around the globe, has her own name.

She was christened "Miss October" two decades ago after appearing as that month's calendar girl in the 1996 "Splitscreen Van Club" calendar, which featured cars from Europe, perfidious Albion and the United States.

Ms Riethmiller, who also has German ancestry, is Miss October's second biggest fan.

She told Fairfax her friends were constantly amazed at just how much she enjoyed getting away in it.

"At the start of autumn we jumped into it one Friday afternoon and drove 10 minutes to Cotter, where we camped," she said.

"I will admit that the first time I went away in it I did have a plan B; there was a motel room pre-booked just in case."

In addition to providing decades of family fun and enjoyment, Miss October has also proved to be a shrewd investment; outperforming many more expensive and allegedly more distinguished vehicles in the appreciation stakes.

She is currently insured for more than $40,000.