Video: Fire destroys 1974 Lamborghini Espada

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Lamborghini, Luxury

Charred 1974 Lamborghini Espada

Burned 1974 Lamborghini Espada – Click above to watch video after the jump

A man in Bloomfield Township, Michigan was trying to start his 1974 Lamborghini Espada when the car caught fire in the garage of a house he had just sold. Thankfully the man was unhurt and was able to get his mother and dog out of the house before the fire gutted the lower level and garage.

The new owner had closed on the house a week earlier. Firefighters said the first floor of the house was a total loss and the second story sustained heavy smoke damage. The classic Lambo was toast. Nobody’s sure what exactly caused the car to ignite, but we’d guess carburetors and notoriously faulty electronics have something to do with it. You can watch news coverage of the Lambo inferno after the jump.

[Source: Detroit Action News]

Continue reading Video: Fire destroys 1974 Lamborghini Espada

Video: Fire destroys 1974 Lamborghini Espada originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Mar 2011 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peeved Lamborghini owner destroys car with sledgehammer, others help

Filed under: Coupe, China, Etc., Lamborghini

smashed lamborghini

Stop! Hammertime? Well, if you’re the owner of this particular Lamborghini Gallardo, you’re not saying stop, but “go, go, go!” According to reports, the happless Gallardo was purchased about six months ago by a resident of Qingdao, China. In his short period of ownership, the man has apparently had a few issues with the car.

In one instance, the Lamborghini wouldn’t start, so the owner had it towed to the local dealer. Upon arrival at the service bay, the owner found that the car had been damaged in transit. No one would claim responsibility and the original non-starting issue still wasn’t fixed.

The Gallardo owner attempted to escalate the issue within the Lamborghini family, ultimately trying to reach out to Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann. No response or solution has been offered so the owner has become decidedly frustrated. So frustrated, in fact, that he decided destroying his Lamborghini in public would be the best way to garner attention.

According to the report, the owner is trying to make a point that China is home to a growing number of individuals capable of purchasing luxury items. Companies realizes this and are making increased efforts to offer their products to the Chinese people. However, the Lamborghini owner believes that the Chinese people do not get the same level of service found in other markets. By smashing his Gallardo, he’s certainly captured our attention.

By the way, a new Lamborghini Gallardo, which typically sells for $230,000 on up, retails for between $529,000 and $757,000 USD in China. Ouch. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Sources: China Car Times, MSNBC]

Peeved Lamborghini owner destroys car with sledgehammer, others help originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tsunami in Japan destroys fleet of cars ready for shipping *Updated with video

Filed under: Japan

Earthquake and tsunami in Japan levels auto shipping yard

Earthquake and tsunami in Japan levels auto shipping yard – Click above to enlarge

It’s difficult to comprehend, let alone describe, the massive amount of damage an 8.9-magnitude earthquake and closely following tsunami could incur on a densely packed island nation such as Japan. While we struggle to wrap our minds around such catastrophic levels of destruction, one particular image strikes a chord with us auto-obsessive types.

Clearly, the leveling of a couple hundred automobiles pales in comparison to the actual loss of lives caused by Japan’s most recent natural disaster, but, in automotive terms at least, this is the kind of image that can make a big impression on our often one-track minds.

The image seen above (click to enlarge) was taken above Hitachinaka city in Ibaraki prefecture, and we don’t have any information as to which manufacturer’s cars were located here. Thanks to all who sent this in!

*Update: Video of the shipping yard catching fire after tsunami damage after the break.

[Source: STR/AFP/Getty]

Continue reading Tsunami in Japan destroys fleet of cars ready for shipping *Updated with video

Tsunami in Japan destroys fleet of cars ready for shipping *Updated with video originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: Sprinkles Cupcakes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van delivers delectable delights, destroys diets

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Etc., Mercedes-Benz

LA 2010: Sprinkles Cupcakes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van

LA 2010: Sprinkles Cupcakes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van – Click above for high-res image gallery

Sprinkles Cupcakes are a Southern California institution. They taste amazing and the stores often have lines out the door because the delectable treats are just. that. good. Knowing that automotive journalists are a particularly hungry bunch and fans of things that are free, Sprinkles teamed up with Merecedes-Benz and West Coast Customs to create the “Sprinklesmobile” – a Sprinter van-turned cupcake delivery vehicle. Certainly, the Sprinter provides a solid cupcake-selling platform as well as a rolling billboard.

Andrea Lendardin, who proudly wears the title of Sprinkles’ Architect, worked with West Coast Customs to create this movable treat delivery device. In the rear of the Sprinter sits an air-conditioning unit that can hold up to 1,500 cupcakes and is powered by a 2,800-Watt electric generator. A power-operated awning covers the display area and a window with a cash-register sits just behind the passenger door. The Sprinter also helps Sprinkles in the fuel department since this rig sips diesel; the fuel economy on the Sprinklesmobile is around 22 miles per gallon.

Hop the jump to read more about the Sprinklesmobile while we run back downstairs to try and grab another six cupcakes.

Gallery: LA 2010: Sprinkles Cupcakes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van

LA 2010: Sprinkles Cupcakes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VanLA 2010: Sprinkles Cupcakes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VanLA 2010: Sprinkles Cupcakes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VanLA 2010: Sprinkles Cupcakes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter VanLA 2010: Sprinkles Cupcakes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van

Photos copyright 2010 Jeff Glucker / AOL

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading LA 2010: Sprinkles Cupcakes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van delivers delectable delights, destroys diets

LA 2010: Sprinkles Cupcakes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van delivers delectable delights, destroys diets originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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