OXNARD, Calif. (KABC) — After the flames of the Palisades Hearth roared by the hillsides, a photographer with the Related Press snapped one thing moderately wonderful: a brightly coloured, traditional Volkswagen Transporter left principally unscathed amid the grey and black rubble within the southern portion of Malibu.
The picture was seen by thousands and thousands around the globe — together with the folks at Volkswagen.
“We needed to achieve out to the proprietor before everything and discover out in the event that they have been OK. After which we decided we may actually assist and restore this automobile and get it roadworthy and again on the street for the proprietor,” stated Nicole Redding, a communications specialist at Volkswagen of America.
With the proprietor’s blessing, the corporate is providing to place what they name “The Magic Bus” again into like-new situation at their engineering middle in close by Oxnard.
“We have got an ideal crew right here that is obtained loads of expertise and loads of excessive expectations that they set on themselves,” added Redding.
It is the identical crew that maintains the corporate’s personal assortment of historic autos going again to the early days of the Beetle. The blue-and-white VW Bus, which the proprietor had named “Azul,” will get the identical first-class therapy.
The Magic Bus could have survived the fireplace, but it surely was surrounded by properties going up in flames, which put out some intense warmth. So, the facet of the Bus not proven within the viral image did undergo some injury.
Volkswagen firm technician Gunnar Wynarski gave Eyewitness Information a rundown of what he and his crew will do to repair the injury.
“The image that went viral was from the driving force’s facet the place it appeared nearly untouched and undamaged. However on the opposite facet you see melted components. You see the paint is peeling off,” stated Wynarski. “We are going to drop the engine and transmission, make sure that all the things is working purposeful. We may also exchange all the things that might have been broken by the extreme warmth like rubber boots, components, hoses. Inside, it nonetheless smells prefer it has been within the hearth.”
Will probably be pretty much as good as new — possibly even higher than new — by the top of the 12 months if all goes to plan. Volkswagen hopes it can function a logo of renewal after such a devastating occasion.
“If it wasn’t a Bus, I do not know if that picture actually would have resonated with so many individuals, as a result of the Bus simply makes folks smile, and we love with the ability to contribute to that story,” stated Redding.
Quickly, the VW Bus that lived to see one other day might be again in its adopted habitat, as soon as once more cruising the shoreline.
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