Volkswagen Restored Azul, The Blue 1977 Bus That Miraculously Survived The Palisades Fireplace

It is arduous to imagine it, however the wildfires that devastated the Pacific Palisades and Altadena within the Los Angeles, California space occurred almost one 12 months in the past in January 2025. The every day onslaught of dystopian information updates actually made the 12 months fly by, did not they? One of many greatest symbols of hope that got here out of the lethal fires was the 1977 Volkswagen Sort 2 bus that was miraculously spared from the fiery destiny that overcame every part surrounding it, courtesy of a outstanding Related Press {photograph} that went viral. Volkswagen capitalized on the heartwarming story by fully restoring the bus and bringing the rolling blue beacon of hope to the Los Angeles Auto Present.

Volkswagen gave new life to Azul, as its proprietor Megan Krystle Weinraub named it, bringing it again to showroom situation, full with black and white houndstooth cloth upholstery and exquisite recent wood flooring and cabinetry. It stands as a story of hope, ardour, and automotive enthusiasm, the sort of story that us automotive nerds cannot get sufficient of.

The Volkswagen microbus is an automotive icon, and one which Southern California helped hoist to its present standing, a lot in order that Volkswagen’s present camper van known as the California (regardless that it isn’t really bought in the USA). The 2 are inseparable, and Azul’s second within the highlight provides to the lore. Weinraub stated, “When the photograph of Azul went viral, I felt like the whole world skilled a bit of my coronary heart. And when Volkswagen reached out to see if Azul actually survived, I used to be touched and could not imagine it. Seeing it now, I really feel it is much more of a logo of hope than it was earlier than.”

Volkswagen of America’s Oxnard, California facility, additionally residence to Volkswagen of America’s assortment of historic autos, took Azul in and carried out the mechanical repairs and bodywork to convey it again to life. It additionally inspected, repaired, or changed each one among Azul’s inside and exterior elements with assist from GE Kundensport, a famend Porsche restoration firm.

Logan Ok. Carter/Jalopnik

Azul’s new look made an look on the LA Auto Present, the place I had the pleasure of seeing it and admiring the arduous work that went into restoring its rectangular magnificence. Parked subsequent to a contemporary ID Buzz and in entrance of the photograph that made it well-known, Azul drew crowds of nostalgic admirers who had been in a position to rise up shut and private with the immaculately restored automotive icon. In case you missed Azul on the LA Auto Present, will probably be on show at The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles from December 4 by means of January 11, 2026.