The Palisades Fire torched just about everything in its path last January—except one plucky Volkswagen Microbus. Parked on a Malibu street, the van dodged flames that swallowed homes and cars around it. Now VW is turning the survivor into a headline act, hauling it to their Oxnard engineering center for a factory-fresh makeover.
 

• Miracle Save: Malibu Microbus survives January’s Palisades Fire with driver’s side untouched, passenger half scorched.

• Factory Rescue: VW Oxnard engineering center to perform nut-and-bolt rebuild, using corporate heritage experts and OEM parts.

• Fast Turnaround: Complete restoration promised by late 2025—lightning quick compared with most year-long vintage van projects.

Once the “Magic Bus” is road-worthy, VW hints it may tour shows and charity events before parking in the brand’s heritage fleet.

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