This is what the 1977 Volkswagen Microbus that survived the California wildfires looks like after its full restoration

The 1977 Volkswagen Microbus that somehow survived the California wildfires has now reappeared after its restoration by VW.

In January 2025, horrible wildfires swept through California, causing chaos and devastation; however, somehow, a 1977 Volkswagen T2 Microbus made it out intact, despite the flames raging around it.

It was a survivor of the Palisades wildfires, and a photograph from the Associated Press showed the Volkswagen parked among the devastation.

Volkswagen Group of America decided to rescue the Microbus and give it a full restoration before taking it to the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show.

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VW tracked down the Microbus’s owner

After spotting the vehicle, VW of America reached out to enthusiasts to help track the owner down.

That owner was Megan Weinraub, who had to flee the area with her family when the fires broke out.

She had given the VW the nickname Azul, Spanish for ‘Blue.’

The German manufacturer had to gain approval to enter the area where it was parked and to recover it.

Following this, the vehicle was taken to the Oxnard Facility, where VW America’s historic vehicle collection is.

Spurred on by Megan’s love of her classic Microbus, the team at Oxnard worked to fully restore it.

Not only did they repair the minor damage it suffered from the fires, but it would be road-legal again, too.

The 1977 Volkswagen Microbus is now road-legal again

Mechanical and bodywork repairs were carried out on the classic campervan.

Every component on the VW was either replaced, repaired, or inspected to ensure it was good to go.

GE Kundensport was brought in to restore and repair the bodywork.

VW’s decision to restore the camper probably saved it for Megan, as authorities recovered and scrapped a lot of vehicles left behind after the wildfires.

Thankfully, the Associated Press photo ensured this Microbus went viral and was saved from this fate.

With its restoration complete, the Microbus is on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Following this, it will go to the Petersen Automotive Museum and spend a month on display there.

Then it will be reunited with owner Megan, who will be able to enjoy her incredible VW Microbus once again.