Rare 1934 Hispano-Suiza J12 Vanvooren Cabriolet Worth $2 Million Destroyed in Trailer Fire
Accidents Happen: Historic Car Destroyed in Trailer Fire
Accidents happen all the time, even at prestigious car shows. In a recent incident, a rare 1934 Hispano-Suiza J12 Vanvooren Cabriolet worth $2 million was tragically destroyed in a trailer fire. The car was sitting quietly in the trailer when the fire broke out, leaving it as nothing more than a shell of its former self.
Valued Classic Car
The 1934 Hispano-Suiza J12 Vanvooren Cabriolet had just secured second place in the J-1: European Classic Touring Early category at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Its value was estimated at $2 million before the fire. The Monterey Fire Department responded to the trailer fire, closing the highway in both directions to extinguish the blaze.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Despite two similar incidents, authorities have found no signs of foul play. The driver of the tow vehicle was able to detach it from the trailer and move it to safety. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported as a result of the fire.
Unfortunate String of Events
This is the second high-value car destroyed by fire in a month. Previously, a 1979 Ford concept car valued at $1 million was also destroyed in a trailer fire in Monterey. Firefighters claim that there are no current reasons for suspicion and consider it a string of bad luck.
Owner and History
The 1934 Hispano-Suiza J12 Vanvooren Cabriolet is owned by Hong Kong billionaire businessman Michael Kadoorie. This particular model was initially offered with a 9.4-liter V12 engine. It is a significant loss for the owner and the automotive community.
Conclusion
Tragic accidents can happen even to the most valuable and cherished vehicles. The destruction of the 1934 Hispano-Suiza J12 Vanvooren Cabriolet serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance when transporting priceless automobiles. The investigation into the cause of the fire continues, and authorities hope to prevent similar incidents in the future.
