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Volkswagen Unveils Restored 'Azul' Bus From Viral Palisades Fire Photo

The T2 returns after a 2,080-hour rebuild that preserved its 1970s character.

FILE - A VW bus sits among burned out homes, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in Malibu, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
The restored VW bus, which had survived the Pacific Palisades fire in January, is seen at the AutoMobility LA car show Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Megan Krystle Weinraub, left, and Preston Martin, who is the former owner, look over her Volkswagen bus as they see it for the first time Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, in Malibu, Calif., after it was restored by VW. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Megan Krystle Weinraub, left, and Preston Martin, who is the former owner, pose in front of her Volkswagen bus after seeing it for the first time Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, in Malibu, Calif., after it was restored by VW. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Overview

  • Volkswagen of America presented the rebuilt 1977 T2 at a Petersen Automotive Museum event tied to the L.A. Auto Show.
  • The bus will appear at the Los Angeles Auto Show through Nov. 30, then be displayed at the Petersen from Dec. 4 to Jan. 11 before returning to owner Megan Weinraub.
  • VW says about half the vehicle was repaired using more than 900 parts and 2,080 hours, including replacement of burned wiring and hoses and extensive body and paint work.
  • Technicians aimed to match the bus’s pre-fire look, retaining period upholstery and finishes after cleaning and checking the running engine.
  • Volkswagen announced a $250,000 contribution to the California Fire Foundation, as coverage noted the viral image had prompted online doubts despite confirmed burn damage.