Archive · 21 Nov 2025
Restored VW Bus, Symbol of Wildfire Resilience, Debuts at LA Auto Show
A blue VW bus that survived a big fire in California was fixed by Volkswagen and shown at a car show.
People loved it because it's like a symbol of being strong and not giving up.
Vintage blue VW bus survived California's Palisades Fire
Volkswagen restored the bus after discovering smoke damage
Bus became a symbol of resilience and brought VW enthusiasts together
Debuted at LA Auto Show, ready for another surfing adventure
Photographer Mark J. Terrill captured the bus before and after restoration
- Who
- Megan Weinraub and Preston Martin (owners), Volkswagen technicians Farlan Robertson and Gunnar Wynarski
- What
- Restored a vintage blue VW bus
- When
- Debuted at LA Auto Show, restored in late October
- Where
- Los Angeles, California
- Why
- To revive and restore the bus to its former glory
Those who appreciate the bus's resilience
Those who question the bus's historical value after restoration
Symbolism
Those who appreciate the bus's resilience
The bus represents hope and survival
Those who question the bus's historical value after restoration
The restoration may have altered its original state
- Bus Name
- Azul
- Model
- 1977 Type 2 Microbus
- Fire
- Palisades Fire in California
- Restoration Location
- Volkswagen's Oxnard facility
- Photographer
- Mark J. Terrill (AP)