Some deliveries are measured in miles. Others are measured in smiles.

This one was both.

When the keys to our very first customer Kindred EV Bus were placed in John's hands, it marked an exciting milestone for Kindred Motorworks. Years of engineering, craftsmanship, and countless hours spent perfecting every detail had led to this moment, but what made the day unforgettable had nothing to do with production numbers.

It had everything to do with the people.

John's connection to this vehicle stretches back decades. Like so many enthusiasts, his love for these iconic vehicles isn't rooted in horsepower or specifications—it's rooted in memories. Memories of simpler times. Road trips. Open windows. Sunshine pouring through the cabin. The unmistakable feeling that every drive is an adventure, even when there's nowhere particular to go.

Those stories became part of this build.

His EV Bus, finished in our stunning Ocean Blue, reflects not only his vision but his personality. Timeless, optimistic, and effortlessly at home beneath the California sky.

When delivery day finally arrived in Santa Barbara, the excitement was contagious.

Watching John and his wife see their Bus for the first time reminded us why we build these vehicles in the first place. Their smiles said everything. There was laughter, a few quiet moments taking it all in, and the kind of joy that simply can't be manufactured.

Moments like these are why Kindred exists.

Every vehicle we create is handcrafted to honor the past while making it easier to enjoy today. Modern electric performance means fewer compromises. The unmistakable design remains exactly as you remember it, but now it's ready for everyday drives, weekend escapes, and countless memories still waiting to be made.

And there's perhaps no better place for that journey to begin than Santa Barbara.

"If Santa Barbara was going to have a car that symbolized this place, it’s a bus”

Ocean Blue against the Pacific coastline feels right at home. Windows down. Fresh ocean air filling the cabin. Sunshine overhead. No destination required.

As John and his wife drove away, it was hard not to imagine all the stories still ahead—the coastal drives, coffee runs, beach days, family gatherings, and spontaneous adventures that will slowly become the next generation of nostalgia.

That's always been the magic of the 23-Window Bus. It has never simply been transportation.

It's a memory maker.

To John, thank you for believing in what we're building and for becoming the very first Kindred EV Bus owner. Your enthusiasm, your stories, and your trust mean more than we can express.

We hope this Bus gives back to you everything you've imagined, and then some.

Here's to open windows, endless sunshine, and the road ahead.