Bubsie Rolls into Eight Mile Plains: A Historic Visit You Won’t Want to Miss

Imagine a time when there were no modern roads, no GPS, and no mobile phones—just a tattered map, a trusty vehicle, and the vast Aussie wilderness stretching before you. That was the reality in 1925, when two young Seventh-day Adventist missionaries, Nevill Westwood (aged just 22) and Greg Davies, set out from Perth in a second-hand 1923 Citroën 5CV they dubbed “Bubsie.” Their goal? To deliver religious literature to even the most remote communities. Along the way, inspired by newfound courage (and generous help from strangers), they inadvertently became the first people to drive all the way around Australia—some 17,200 km over 148 days

The Road Less Travelled

Their journey was no Sunday drive. There were no sealed highways—often no roads at all. They had to bush-bash across cattle tracks, ford rivers (sometimes with locals rigging pulley systems to haul Bubsie across), and haul supplies when their car broke down. Nevill was tall; he and Greg had to squeeze through the tiny cockpit, knees practically through the steering wheel!

This bold adventure ended back in Perth on 30 December 1925, cementing their place in motoring—and spiritual—history.

A New Journey for Bubsie—In 2025

To mark the 100th anniversary, a lovingly restored replica of Bubsie is once again traversing Australia. Led by the faith-based team The Incredible Journey, this restored 1923 Citroën 5CV is paying homage to Nevill and Greg’s epic drive.

The restoration was no small feat. Enthusiasts like Warren May and his team dedicated over a thousand hours to breathe life back into this vintage vehicle—fabricating rusted panels, repairing mechanical parts, sourcing period-correct tyres, and polishing up the car until it could roll again.

To keep it safe on today’s roads, the team trailers the car between towns and only drives it for short local runs—but the spirit of Bubsie is fully intact.

What to Expect when it visits EMP church.

We’re thrilled to welcome Bubsie to our church on Tuesday, 2 September at 6:30 PM! Drop by to:

• See the recreated Citroën 5CV up close—a tangible piece of Australian and church history.
• Hear firsthand tales of resilience, faith, and pioneering spirit.
• Connect with our community—everyone’s welcome, whether you’re a history buff, classic-car lover, or just curious about the story behind this remarkable journey.
• Explore how faith and perseverance carried two ordinary men across a nation, inspiring those they met along the way and changing their own lives forever.

This event is free, open to all, and hosted at Eight Mile Plains SDA Church.

Why This Matters to Us

Our church isn’t just a building—we’re a community grounded in faith, service, and outreach. Bubsie’s centenary journey is more than a historical milestone; it’s a vivid reminder of what faith, courage, and companionship can drive us to achieve. As Nevill Westwood once knelt in prayer before crossing the Northern Territory, trusting God’s protection, we too are reminded of how faith fuels our own journeys today.

Come along and be part of something truly special. Whether you bring your friends, family, or curiosity, there’s something in this story for everyone—motoring magic, spiritual inspiration, and the warmth of community.

Mark your diaries: Tuesday, 2 September, 6:30 PM at Eight Mile Plains SDA Church. We can’t wait to share this historic moment with you! For more information on Bubsie visiting other locations across Australia you can visit the route  plan here.