RESTON, Va. (June 2 2025) – Today, Volkswagen of America celebrates the third annual International Volkswagen Bus day, a National Day Calendar-recognized holiday, with the announcement of a very special project; the restoration of the white-over-blue T2 that miraculously escaped destruction from January’s 2025 Palisades Fire of Southern California.

Now referred to by many as the “magic bus”, the T2 gained notoriety when an AP photograph and subsequent news article showed it seemingly unscathed in a Malibu neighborhood ravaged by fire.

“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.”

– Mark Gillies, Director of Public Relations and Reputation for Volkswagen Group of America

Volkswagen of America contacted the vehicle’s owner, Megan Krystle Weinraub—who refers to her bus as “Azul”—about assessing its 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.”

After receiving proper clearances to enter the Malibu neighborhood, Azul was loaded onto a transport bound for Volkswagen’s Oxnard Campus, approximately 35 miles northwest.  The Oxnard facility houses and maintains VWoA’s collection of historic vehicles—making it an ideal destination for Azul’s check-up and restoration.

On careful examination, Volkswagen team members determined that while Azul’s “good side” was indeed impressive, the bus would require extensive mechanical fixes and bodywork to be fully operable. Work on the restoration has now begun and is expected to be completed later this year.

Volkswagen recognizes the importance of supporting the California community as it continues to rebuild from the devastation caused by the most recent fires. In February, the brand pledged a monetary donation to the California Fire Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, to support first responders and their families around the state.

“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.”

– Rachael Zaluzec, SVP of Marketing & Customer Experience for Volkswagen Group of America

National Day Calendar and Volkswagen of America began a collaboration to establish International Volkswagen Bus Day to be celebrated each year on June 2. This International Day celebrates the iconic Volkswagen Bus and the current ID. Buzz, bringing smiles to the faces of generations, past, present, future.

More information on the restoration will be shared on media.vw.com and VW social channels in the near future.