Last year, a white-over-blue Volkswagen T2 miraculously survived the Palisades Fire in Southern California, becoming a symbol of hope. Upon learning about the bus, Volkswagen pledged to restore it, and after significant effort, the T2 is now ready for public display.
The restoration involved extensive mechanical repairs, as the fire had damaged the exterior, peeled the paint, and melted a turn signal cover. Over 900 parts were replaced or repaired, and the project took more than 2,000 hours to complete.
The restoration process faced challenges due to previous modifications by the bus’s owners, which resulted in the absence of some original parts. Volkswagen encountered difficulties in sourcing components like the factory-option clock, a new-in-box side aerial antenna, and replacement fabric for the window shades.
The restoration was carried out at Volkswagen’s Oxnard, California facility, with the help of GE Kudensport, known for restoring historic Porsches, to complete the bodywork restoration.
The restored van, famously captured in an Associated Press photo against the backdrop of the fire’s destruction, is making its public debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Owned by Megan Weinraub and named Azul, the van will be on display until November 30.
Additionally, Volkswagen collaborated with Candylab to create a limited-edition wooden collectible version of the van, also named Azul, available exclusively at VW’s LA Auto Show booth while supplies last. After the show, the collectible will be exhibited at the Petersen Automotive Museum from December 4 to January 11.
