Woodstock's VW 'Light' Bus Recreated For 50th Anniversary

From Road & Track

Artist Dr. Bob Hieronimus painted a number of vehicles throughout his career, including a 1963 Volkswagen Type 2 microbus in 1968, following the invitation of the musician who wanted a ‘magic bus’ for his band in time for Woodstock '69.

Hieronimus' 'Light' bus became famous after the Associated Press took a picture of it, which was then widely circulated across the planet. This highly psychedelic Volkswagen also made it onto the liner of the official Woodstock '69 album.

Three years ago, Hieronimus and Canadian documentarian John Wesley Chisholm set to recover and recreate the van ahead of Woodstock’s 50th anniversary. Unfortunately, after a six-month search came up empty, they had to settle for building a replica. On the plus side, a successful Kickstarter campaign handed them a correct 1963 bus, after which Hieronimus and five other artists spent six weeks painting it by hand.

Thanks to the help of fans and Volkswagen of America, the 'Light' bus replica will be unveiled this weekend at the Orange Country Transporter Organization Winter Meet in Long Beach, open for all to see from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16 at the Long Beach Veteran’s Memorial Stadium. Following that party, the bus is scheduled for a cross-country tour leading up to the music festival’s 50th anniversary.

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