​​After The Palisades Fire: Redemption for a Volkswagen T2 Bus​ 

Over a year ago, Southern California faced a series of catastrophic fires. The damage was devastating, with blocks of homes lost across neighborhoods within Los Angeles County. 

Amid disaster, there was a glimmer of hope. The image of a lone 1977 Volkswagen T2 Bus – named Azul – amid one of the blocks in Malibu. It showed its good side – a beautiful blue exterior with a white roof – captured by an Associated Press photojournalist. It belonged to Megan Weinraub, a local resident. 

Everything may not be as it seems. There was fire damage on the other side of the Bus, along with mechanical issues. To get Weinraub and Azul back on the road, Volkswagen of America stepped in to save Azul.  

The 1977 T2 Bus was brought to the Volkswagen facility in Oxnard for repair work. The team there inspected Azul and then repaired and replaced every interior and exterior component. The bodywork was done by GE Kundensport, while other partners handled mechanical and component work, including powder coating.  

After the work on Azul was completed, it was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show this past November. That was followed by a stint at the Petersen Automobile Museum in Los Angeles through January. The refurbished Bus was seen as a symbol of resilience and perseverance in the face of disaster.  

Weinraub said recently, “When the photo of Azul went viral, I felt like the entire world experienced a piece of my heart. And when Volkswagen reached out to see if Azul really survived, I was touched and couldn’t believe it. Seeing it now, I feel it’s even more of a symbol of hope than it was before.” 

At the Los Angeles Auto Show, a company named Candylab TM created a limited-edition wooden version of Azul to hand out and sell on its website. They had them available at the Volkswagen booth. However, it is now sold out.  

In the meantime, you can still help the California Fire Foundation in supporting the communities across Southern California that are still reeling from these tragic fires that destroyed homes and lives. They are a non-profit organization that supports first responders and their families across the state.  

We all have a story about our Volkswagen that is just as resonant as Weinraub’s Azul. You can see them across New Mexico, from classic Beetles to today’s ID. Buzz. Volkswagen offers that special feeling that invites drivers to celebrate their vehicles.  

The spirit of Azul lives in every Volkswagen we sell. To feel that spirit of freedom, resilience, and pride, contact us at Sisbarro Volkswagen to experience our latest vehicles soon! 

Tags: 1977 Volkswagen T2 Bus, Azul, California Wildfires, Refurbished, Restoration
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