A vintage 1977 Volkswagen Type 2 van has emerged as a symbol of resilience after surviving the devastating Palisades fire in Los Angeles. The retro blue van, affectionately named "Azul," was once the home of Preston Martin during his college years at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Recently, it caught the spotlight for its miraculous endurance amid the flames that razed homes and vehicles in its Malibu neighborhood.
Preston Martin originally bought the van on a whim during his junior year. To save on rent, he renovated the interior and used it as his residence throughout his senior year, effectively turning it into a mobile abode. Last summer, he sold Azul to his friend and business partner Megan Krystle Weinraub. Weinraub was taken aback when her neighbor sent her a photo of the untouched van after the fire.
"I freaked out," – she (the woman whose neighbor sent her the photo)
The survival of Azul has not only been a personal relief for Martin and Weinraub but also a source of inspiration for many. A photograph captured by an Associated Press photographer gained widespread attention, circulating across television and online platforms. The image of the unscathed van amidst charred surroundings resonated with many, quickly earning the vehicle its status as a "beacon of hope."
Martin and Weinraub were both astonished and delighted to see their beloved van make headlines. For Martin's mother, Tracey Martin, the event stirred unexpected emotions.
"I've never cried for a car before," – Tracey Martin (Martin's mom)
Beyond its newfound fame, the van also connects to both Martin and Weinraub's professional lives. Martin is the creator of carbon fiber surfboards under his brand "Starlite," while Weinraub designs surf- and skateboards through "Vibrant Boards." The story of Azul's endurance echoes their shared ethos of durability and creativity.
The van's survival story has touched many hearts, drawing attention not only to its colorful past but also to the resilience inherent within it. Its presence as an emblem of hope amidst destruction offers a poignant reminder of endurance against adversity.