Volkswagen chose the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show as the stage to debut a truly special vehicle, one that resonated with the collective emotion of a city recovering from one of the most intense wildfires it had experienced. The exhibit centered on a fully restored 1977 T2 Microbus that miraculously survived the devastating conflagration that swept through the region in January.
Nicknamed “Azul” by its owner, Megan Weinraub, the white-over-blue bus was catapulted to fame after an Associated Press photo went viral. The image captured the van looking almost untouched while surrounded by a Malibu neighborhood tragically reduced to ash, immediately turning it into a powerful symbol of hope and persistence.
Following the viral spread of the dramatic photo, Volkswagen of America proactively reached out to Weinraub. Working in close cooperation with local authorities, the manufacturer was able to safely remove the vehicle and transport it to the company’s historic vehicle collection and restoration workshop at its Oxnard Facility. Although Azul appeared outwardly intact, a thorough inspection revealed that technicians found significant fire-related mechanical damage hidden beneath the surface.
The Restoration Project
| Detail | Description |
| Vehicle | 1977 Volkswagen T2 Microbus (“Azul”) |
| Owner | Megan Weinraub |
| Surviving Event | Devastating Palisades Wildfire (January) |
| Restoration Location | VW Historic Vehicle Workshop (Oxnard Facility) |
| Damage Found | Significant fire-related mechanical damage (hidden) |
| Specialty Partner | GE Kundensport (handled bodywork) |
| Restoration Goal | Preserve the bus’s spirit and return it to roadworthy status |
| Public Display | LA Auto Show; Petersen Automotive Museum (Dec 4 – Jan 11) |
This realization prompted a meticulous, months-long restoration effort. VW technicians inspected, repaired, or replaced nearly every single interior and exterior component. Specialized bodywork was entrusted to GE Kundensport, a firm best known for executing concours-level Porsche restorations, while specialty partners were brought in to handle delicate engine detailing and powder-coated finishes. The team’s goal was clear: not to erase the bus’s incredible story, but to preserve its spirit and return it to a fully roadworthy condition.
Rachael Zaluzec, Volkswagen’s senior vice president of brand marketing and customer experience, spoke to the emotional impact of the project, stating, “Azul isn’t just a 1977 T2 but a part of her family. For us, this restoration became a symbol of resiliency—and Azul is now part of the Volkswagen family as well.”
Owner Megan Weinraub, upon seeing the finished restoration for the first time at the auto show, shared her powerful sentiment that Azul now feels like “even more of a symbol of hope than it was before.”
After its run at the auto show, the resilient Microbus is scheduled for display at the Petersen Automotive Museum from December 4 through January 11 before it is finally returned to Weinraub, completely restored and roadworthy. Volkswagen also reaffirmed its dedication to California communities affected by wildfires by announcing a new donation to the California Fire Foundation in recognition of first responders and their families.
Conclusion
The restoration of “Azul” is a story far greater than metal and rubber; it is a profound testament to resilience and community. By taking on the meticulous restoration of the 1977 Microbus, which became a symbol of survival in the face of devastating wildfire, Volkswagen has successfully preserved not only a classic vehicle but also an inspiring chapter of its owner’s history. The project stands as a shining example of corporate responsibility and emotional connection to its heritage.