But it is not well-travelled the vehicle's first worldwide jaunt - it will be its 16th.

The Albion bus, affectionately called Albert, was built in Scotstoun in 1947, but was shipped to be operated in the Sydney area for around 20 years.

In 1968, the retiring bus, which went by the number 2004, was then bought by tour operator Andy Stewart, who then indulged in a lifelong passion to take it on trans-global tours.

The double-decker was due to go on its last journey in 1976, but wasn't able to complete the route due to political problems in Iran.

Based at Bridgeton Glasgow Bus Museum, the vehicle was donated to Andy, who last owned it in 1982, so he could oversee the restoration and repair work.

It has taken three years to complete, but it is now fit for the last journey back to Sydney where it will remain.

Andy, of Kinross, said: "We've done a lot of bus rides and this one is a delayed service. It was a passion of mine but it's taken a bit longer than I thought.

"The Albion people and the museum have supported the venture from the start."

Andy, aged 70, will be one of the 10 crew travelling on the bus and one of three who will drive it through Europe, central Asia and China before it is shipped from Shanghai to Perth.

They will arrive across the other side of the continent, in Sydney, on Australia Day, January 26, 2013 after the trip of almost five months.

fiona.mckay@heraldandtimes.co.uk