That's right... the first replica Speedster John Steele ever built, #0001 was lost on June 5, 2013 to a fire on Highway 99. (My "Baby-car".)
Now of course... WHAT DO I GET NOW??? I was thinking to buy another JPS... but what features should I add?
Thanks for your advice,
David
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Sobering to say the least. Can we assume no one was injured? Do you know what caused the fire?
Bummer...
Very sad. In answer to your question, I'd say another Speedster or a coupe - preferably Subi-powered.
Features? I think I'd start with a fire suppression system.
Sorry.
Fortunately, no one was hurt.
I've had that car for over 19 years, not likely I'd get anything else. (But you never know.)
And thanks, that was a great suggestion... adding a "fire suppression system". Whataya think? Halon???
OH... and thanks for your concerns,
David
Glad you were safe and not injured! Bummer about your car, what's next on the drawing board?
David,
Were you able to ascertain the cause of the fire? Also curious as to your insurance company and if they stepped up for you? My "fire suppression" comment was just a feeble attempt to bring a little humor into an otherwise unfortunate incident, however, several of the site members have installed some impressive fire protection systems in their cars and I'm sure would share that info with you. I can understand your desire to possibly replace JPS#1 with another one. I have gone through a lot of cars but never found one with as much enjoyment per $ as these replicas provide.
Tom,
No... I have no idea why it ignited. Heard a loud pop, when driving North on 99 from LA to Sacramento. Looked in my rear view mirror, saw flames coming out of the rear engine hood. Pulled over to the shoulder of the highway, I could already tell it was raging under the hood from the engine compartment. And because I had just filled my gas tank, I moved FAR away expecting it to blow. Sadly, I had to watch in burn before the fire dept even showed up (since I was in the middle of nowhere, way outside Chowchilla). It burned for 45 mins before they even started to hose it down. It took 35 mins to extinguish the flames, 80% of the car simply melted away.
As for my insurance company... my Agent told me I had "premium determination". It's considered a vehicle that's constantly under restoration, so I'm told I should get 100% of the insured value, $30k. Since over the 19 years of ownership, I've spent quite a bit of money "fixing her up". (Well, we'll see about "that". I'm crossing my fingers I'll get that $30k!!!) WISH ME LUCK!
David
David, your misfortune is vicariously suffered by all of us...it's a nightmare that jerks us out of a sound sleep.
I haven't heard of such a policy clause before (I'll be checking my own document!) Who, by the way, carries your policy?...and please keep us informed of its resolution.
Sorry for the loss of the car, relieved that you are safe.
Damn.......that is scary. Glad you're ok.........
Watching it melt away must have been very sad.......
Having a car that long, it is like a member of the family.
I say get another JPS, he keeps getting better!
build a coupe with a sunroof and ac
Happy to hear that your fine.
I did see your car once at the jps shop. Piece of history went away!
Too bad and glad you were not injured. Unfortunately, ""VW"" fires are not uncommon. It used to be that every other VW had a scorched engine lid. Nothing different with a replica other than fiberglass burns a lot faster than a steel engine cover as found on VW's. In most of the cases I handled, the drivers heard a "pop" then the flames arrived. Usually a backfire and a leak in the fuel system start the fire by igniting the vapor or raw fuel in the engine bay.
Makes me feel real good about restoring a gas heater for Pearl..........
As some of you remember, I bought my old IM back from the lady I sold it to after she had a nasty engine fire. When I got the car home I noticed the key was still in the ignition and was in the 'on' position, meaning the electric fuel pump was probably feeding gas to the engine fire for quite a while.
19 years? Sounds like you were ready for another one anyway....
Oh yea, don't want to sound insensitive, glad you are alright.....
What insurance company are you with and do you have an agreed value policy or a stated value policy. Keep us posted on how it all turns out.
A engine "pop" is common with a carb hic-cup i.e a valve train issue, ignition fuel interruption and the list goes on.... Glad you are ok and that is all that really matters. ~Alan
