The Volkswagen T2 Microbus that became an icon image of the Los Angeles wildfires at the beginning of 2025 is now heading to the LA Auto Show.
Known as ‘Azul,’ the VW T2 has been completely restored back to its white and blue glory and will star at the motorshow alongside the latest ID.Buzz.
Despite suffering smoke and heat damage, Azul was quickly hailed as the ‘magic bus’ after the wildfires as it featured in photographs of the aftermath in a Malibu neighbourhood of LA.
Mark Gillies, Director of Public Relations and Reputation for Volkswagen Group of America, said: ‘Like the rest of the world, we couldn’t believe our eyes. But regardless of how good it looked in photos, we knew it was in dire need of a check-up.’
Volkswagen of America contacted the vehicle’s owner, Megan Krystle Weinraub about assessing the T2’s condition and determining whether it was still in road-worthy condition. If not, VW offered to restore Azul to pre-fires form if deemed possible.
‘Getting that call was such a relief,’ said Weinraub. ‘I knew Azul was becoming a symbol of hope and that people wanted to see more of her, but I had so much to work through at the time that I wasn’t sure how to approach it.’
VW recovered Azul to its Oxnard facility where it restores its classics and started the process of returning the T2 to full health.
Rachael Zaluzec, SVP of Marketing & Customer Experience for Volkswagen Group of America, added: ‘California will always be synonymous with the VW Bus. Getting Azul back on the road will let its magic and message of hope continue and writes another wonderful chapter in our cultural connection with the Golden State.’
