Volkswagen restores vintage bus that survived California wildfire and became viral symbol of resilience

A vintage Volkswagen bus that unexpectedly endured the devastating Palisades Fire in California has been fully restored and unveiled to the public, according to reporting from the Associated Press. The blue-and-white 1977 Type 2 Microbus—affectionately named Azul—became a viral symbol of resilience in January when an AP photographer captured it standing almost untouched amid the scorched remains of a Malibu neighborhood. After reading the AP story, Volkswagen contacted the owner, Megan Weinraub, and offered to assess the vehicle’s condition.

While the bus survived the wildfire, Volkswagen technicians later found significant damage, including blistered paint, smoke exposure, rusting panels, and a heat-shattered window, the AP reported. VW subsequently transported Azul to its Oxnard facility, where specialists Farlan Robertson and Gunnar Wynarski collaborated with the wider VW community to locate rare components and execute a careful restoration. Robertson told the AP that the team’s goal was to revive the bus while preserving its original character rather than transforming it.

Weinraub, who revisited the restored vehicle for the first time in late October alongside former owner Preston Martin, told the AP that she felt immense relief after initially assuming the bus was beyond repair. She recalled parking it near her apartment after a surfing trip just two days before the wildfire broke out. AP photographer Mark J. Terrill, who shot the viral wildfire image, was also present during the emotional reunion.

With the restoration complete, Weinraub and Martin said they are eager to take Azul back on future surf outings—something they thought would never be possible. The project, according to Volkswagen’s technicians, became a community effort that highlighted both the cultural significance of vintage VW buses and the remarkable survival story behind Azul.