Volkswagen to restore the vintage Microbus that went viral during the California wildfires
Published on Jun 04, 2025 at 6:31 AM (UTC-4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Jun 04, 2025 at 6:32 AM (UTC-4)
Edited by
Tom Fenton
Volkswagen has decided to restore the viral vintage Microbus that acted as a beacon of hope for America during the California wildfires.
A picture taken of the white and blue VW microbus during the wildfires showed it driving amongst the burnt-out wreckage of California, and it looked completely untouched by the flames – somehow.
However, the VW Microbus was not as unscathed by the California wildfires as it first appeared, with the right side being completely scorched and in a bad way.
On June 2, the third International Volkswagen Bus Day, VW announced that it would be restoring the hope of America back to its former glory – with a sizeable donation to the California Fire Foundation.
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There’s something quite lovely about seeing a classic VW campervan in LA. Its like seeing a yellow Taxi in NYC or a Silverado in Nashville, it just makes sense for that car to be in that city.
However, this viral picture of a white and blue vintage Microbus driving through the wreckage left in the wake of 2024’s devastating Californian wildfires brings a certain solemnity to the occasion.
Amongst the blacks, browns and grays of the burnt-out surroundings, the blue and white campervan stands out, almost shining, as a beacon of hope to America. Above all else, it underlines how life trundles on after disaster.
Volkswagen of America decided to restore the famous vintage VW microbus, the unassuming hero that America needed, because despite it looking untouched by the flames, it’s hidden right side had unfortunately not gone unscathed.
The 1977 Volkswagen Microbus belongs to a Malibu resident who designs skateboards and surfboards, which makes it probably the most Californian minibus to ever exist.
Volkswagen of America obtained special permission to rescue the little van that could from the affected fire area and took it to the Oxnard campus, where it will get a bit of TLC that it very much deserves.
The announcement came on the third annual International Volkswagen Day, and along with promises that it would fix up the van as good as new, Volkswagen also donated to the California Wildfires Foundation.
Who knew that this little blue and white van was the symbol of hope America needed right now? While people are still dealing with the devastating fallout from last year’s events, it shows us there are plenty of good eggs willing to lend a helping hand.
This little van has driven straight off the burnt-out roads in Pasadena, right into the hearts of everyone in America.
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Daisy is a technology and automotive journalist covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, emerging technologies, and transportation innovation. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral car stories and the latest developments shaping transportation and the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work spans cutting-edge technology, innovative vehicles, and the people driving change across both industries. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
