When the 2025 Pacific Palisades Fire swept through Southern California, it left behind a devastating trail of destruction. But in the middle of the scorched hills and ashes, one thing stood tall. A Volkswagen Type 2 Bus, charred but standing strong, had defied the odds. This was “Azul,” a beloved surf van with decades of memories still baked into its blue paint. A survivor’s story and a tribute to classic car care.
Meet Azul: A Van with Heart
Azul’s journey began with Preston Martin, a college student and surfboard shaper who called the van home while chasing waves. Years later, Azul became the pride of Megan Krystle Weinraub, founder of the Big Stick Surfing Association and a long-time friend of Preston. For Megan, Azul was more than just a way to get around. It was a mobile surf base, a link to the past and a companion for countless miles of coastal adventures.
Days before the fire, Megan took Azul for a drive. When the flames approached, she had to evacuate and leave the van behind, fearing the worst.
Surviving the Fire
To Megan’s surprise, a neighbor sent a photo showing Azul still standing in the driveway, covered in ash but intact. Despite the devastation around it, the van had survived. Soon after, Volkswagen of America offered to take on the project of restoring the vehicle. They transported Azul to the VW Oxnard Campus, located just 35 miles from where it had endured the fire.
The Oxnard team, known for their work in automotive testing and development, immediately began assessing the damage. Restoration is now in progress, with plans to complete it later this year. Volkswagen aims to preserve the van’s character while repairing fire damage and restoring its classic charm.
Why Classic Cars Deserve the Right Kind of Care
Azul’s story is inspiring, but your classic car doesn’t need to survive a wildfire to deserve attention. Whether it’s a weekend cruiser or a show car passed down through generations, your vehicle represents something special. It deserves the same level of care and respect that the Oxnard team is giving to Azul.
Where Colors On Parade Comes In
Colors On Parade is proud to support classic car enthusiasts across the country. Our specialty is SMART repairs, which stands for Small to Medium Area Repair Technology. That means we fix things like scratches, dings and minor paint damage without needing a full body shop. Our mobile service comes directly to you, which is perfect for vintage vehicle owners who don’t want to risk sending their classic ride off-site.
We also use SmartMatch paint matching technology. Whether your car has a rare color, a custom finish or a faded original paint job, we match it with precision. Even for vehicles with limited production colors, like Azul, we make sure your finish looks just right.
Protect the Story Your Car Tells
Your classic car holds stories. It might not have survived a fire, but it’s weathered plenty of life. Every dent or scratch is a part of that journey. But when you want to restore its shine without losing its soul, Colors On Parade can help.
If you want professional repairs that respect your vehicle’s heritage, contact Colors On Parade today. Let us help you protect what makes your classic car truly timeless.
FAQs
1. Can a vintage car’s paint be matched if it’s faded or no longer produced?
Yes, vintage car paint can often be matched even if the original formula is discontinued or the paint has faded over time. At Colors On Parade, our SmartMatch technology allows our technicians to analyze the existing paint, including its age and condition, and custom-blend a match that blends seamlessly with the vehicle’s finish. This means even hard-to-find or one-of-a-kind vintage colors can be restored with precision. The goal is to retain the original character of the vehicle while giving it a refreshed, undetectable repair.
2. Is paintless dent repair safe for classic cars with older body panels?
Paintless dent repair, or PDR, can be a safe and effective method for repairing minor dents on vintage vehicles, depending on the condition of the panel and the location of the damage. If the metal is still structurally sound and the paint isn’t cracked or brittle, PDR is a great option because it keeps the original paint intact and avoids invasive sanding or body filler. At Colors On Parade, our techs are trained to evaluate each car with care, especially classics, and we only proceed with PDR when it’s the safest and most appropriate choice.
3. How can I repair small scratches on a vintage car without lowering its value?
The key to protecting the value of a vintage car during repairs is using techniques that maintain as much originality as possible. For minor scratches, this means using mobile cosmetic repair methods like the ones offered by Colors On Parade. Instead of repainting full panels, our approach targets just the affected area using paint matched precisely to your car. This keeps the repair small, efficient and value-conscious. Classic car owners trust us because we understand that every detail matters when preserving automotive history.