The Palisades fire that ripped through Los Angeles earlier this year was one of the most destructive in history, as thousands of homes were destroyed. But in a Malibu neighborhood, a classic T2 Volkswagen Bus defied the odds by somehow surviving the blaze largely intact, despite all the structures around it having been overcome by the flames. It soon became known as the “magic bus”.
A remarkable image captured by the Associated Press showed the blue and white Bus standing out in an area covered with the blackened, charred remains around it. The scene caught the attention of Volkswagen of America, so much so that the company decided to restore the classic VW, which is now on display at the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Related: The world’s oldest registered VW Bus celebrates its 70th birthday
Iconic Blue and White Paint Shines Again
1977 VW T2 Bus
This particular T2 Bus is owned by Megan Weinraub, an artist and surfer who named the van Azul. After the flames swept through the neighborhood where the van was parked and destroyed virtually everything in its path, a photographer from the Associated Press captured an image of the van, which had somehow emerged with only minor damage, considering it was nearly engulfed by flames. The image quickly went viral, with Weinraub eventually finding out that her beloved Azul was somehow still intact.
“Today marks the next chapter in the rich legacy of the Microbus through the restoration of a vehicle that caught the attention of people around the world,” said Rachael Zaluzec, Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing and Customer Experience, VW Brand NAR. “We recognize for Megan, Azul isn’t just a 1977 T2 but a part of her family. For us, this passionate restoration project has served as a symbol of resiliency, making Azul a part of the Volkswagen family as well.”
The van arrived at the Volkswagen Group of America Oxnard Facility with a busted rear window, an interior that reeked of smoke, melted turn signal lights, and sections of paintwork (especially on the passenger side) that succumbed to the searing conditions.
“Magic Bus” Gets a Second Chance
The VW restoration team got to work by assessing all the parts that needed replacing, no easy task for a vehicle that was nearly 50 years old. It needed to be completely repainted, which required custom-mixing the distinctive blue shade. Other than the cosmetics, Azul also required significant mechanical repairs to get it back into roadworthy condition.
The finished result speaks for itself. More than just a lucky owner getting her van back, Azul represents a rare bright spot to come out of an extraordinarily difficult situation.
“When the photo of Azul went viral, I felt like the entire world experienced a piece of my heart. And when Volkswagen reached out to see if Azul really survived, I was touched and couldn’t believe it. Seeing it now, I feel it’s even more of a symbol of hope than it was before,” said Weinraub.
Classic Type 2 Inspired Modern ID.Buzz
1977 VW T2 Bus
The modern ID.Buzz is a retro-styled minivan with a design that was inspired by the Type 2. Now with a fully electric powertrain, the two vehicles have little in common under the skin, but the family resemblance is there for all to see.
The T2 was first introduced in 1967, but the impact of the classic VW Bus was felt before that, with the introduction of the T1 that first went into production in 1950 with its distinctive split windshield. Its design gave rise to a new breed of utilitarian vans, including the Ford Econoline, Chevrolet Corvair 95 Corvan, and Dodge A100.
But despite the arrival of more modern rivals and the market’s preference today for SUVs, the original VW Bus remains the ultimate expression of freedom, sunny days, and utility on four wheels.
