Volkswagen To Restore T2 “Magic Bus” That Survived California Wildfire

Volkswagen of America has announced the restoration of a 1970s white-over-blue Volkswagen T2 Bus that survived the January 2025 Palisades Fire as part of the third annual celebrations. Nicknamed the “Magic Bus,” the T2 gained widespread attention after an Associated Press photo showed it miraculously untouched amid the scorched remains of a Malibu neighbourhood. The image quickly became a symbol of hope and resilience across social media and news outlets.

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Following the fire, Volkswagen reached out to the bus’s owner, Megan Krystle Weinraub, who affectionately calls it “Azul.” Weinraub had been uncertain about Azul’s condition and overwhelmed by the post-disaster chaos. “Getting that call was such a relief,” she said. “Azul had become something bigger than me—it was comforting to know Volkswagen saw that too.”

Volkswagen arranged to transport the bus to its Oxnard Campus, located about 35 miles northwest of Malibu. The facility serves as a hub for the company’s historic vehicle operations and restoration efforts. After initial assessments, Volkswagen confirmed that while Azul’s exterior appeared largely intact on one side, the vehicle required substantial mechanical and body repairs to be roadworthy again.

Work on Azul’s restoration is now underway, with the project expected to be completed later this year. This initiative is part of Volkswagen’s broader effort to support wildfire recovery in California. In February, the automaker pledged a monetary donation to the California Fire Foundation, a non-profit that aids firefighters and their families statewide.

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“California has always been a spiritual home for the VW Bus,” said Rachael Zaluzec, SVP of Marketing & Customer Experience for Volkswagen Group of America. “Restoring Azul allows its story—and its symbolism—to live on.” International Volkswagen Bus Day, established in partnership with National Day Calendar, celebrates both the iconic original Bus and its modern-day electric successor, the ID. Buzz. Held annually on June 2, the day honours the vehicle’s legacy across generations and geographies.