BOXER Destruction

Background:

Thinking I had a rear flat, as I was in the left HOV lane, I pulled into the center median emergency lane. I got out, checked tires, realized that I drove through 3" of water on the road. Got back in, buckled, while still stationary suddenly felt an impact and instant flames all around the car. Surrealistic, could even see flames from behind in mirror. Car was now pushed up against median wall, so I could no longer exit from driver's side. Climbed over console, right door handle felt hot, knew I had to get out, jumped through flames onto ground. Someone then pulled me away from the car.

Impact came when a BMW hydroplaned into a Nissan, the BMW then spinning into Boxer. Damage on left side came from being pushed against median wall.

Question, relative to the damage, should the car caught fire? It was on the lift two days earlier, no fuel leaks.
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Wow worse than I thought, car is definately not rebuildable

Looks like the impact hit right in the pass fuel tank area, rupturing the tank or severing fuel lines, fire was enevitable, can't really blame the car its just where the tanks were located for a mid engine Ferrari and the impact

 

OMG!!!!

 

Yes, my thoughts too. The main impact was right at the passenger fuel tank location. Combine that with hot headers and the high voltage ignition box in same area, probably didn't help matters. Here's a shot of my tank (silver) location for comparision.

Ron- I hope you have a complete and speedy recovery from your injuries.
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How are your paws? Heard they took some heat... Hope your recovery is progressing well.

Those photos just pained me.

 

I’m almost speechless! Ron you were very lucky!
I wonder if it would be possible to insert a bladder in the tanks, or coat the interiors with a substance that would prevent leakage if the tanks were ruptured?
I also wonder if braided SS fuel lines might not be a good idea in place of the rubber ones. It wouldn’t take a collision to start a fire, if any of the rubber fuel lines burst while driving.
BBi fuel pumps evidently stop once the engine stalls out. BB pumps keep running as long as the ignition key is ‘On’.
Scary stuff!
John

 

Yikes! No racing fuel cell in these cars.
Brings back memories of the GM pick-up that had the fuel tank right behind the cab. In side collisions it was bad news.

Get well soon.

 

Ron, you are lucky to be alive!! That was way worse than I thought it was. I see Martin is trying to scavenge your tools while you're not looking!

 

Thanks for posting the pics, a real eye opener and glad you're ok and still around.

P.

 

Painfull to look at. Wish you well.

 

Best of luck....and glad you are ok. Sorry to hear the car is totaled...however... you may want to grab those knockoffs / wheels as the knockoffs don't look damaged and a few of the wheels look repairable. They are a ***** to find, esp the spline attachment on the inside of the wheel.
Adam

 

Truly amazing you are able to tell us all about it.

Thank goodness you are still with your loved ones and us on fchat to share. My deepest apologizes to your delimena, but cars can always be rebuilt.

From what i see, it is a rebuildable car still.

Godspeed to a full recovery !!!

 

RUFKM??

 

There have been many a cars my friend in worse fire condition than this.

it can be restored...it has been done. Do some research mate !! I am not kidding you.

Do we really need to go into the whole JG P3 story again ? There is alot more left in this car than that car

I would bet the VIN is there on the chasis.

 

+1!!!!

ron, these pictures are far worse than i had anticipated. i was honestly not prepared for them.

thank goodness that your are recovering.

best to you ron,

pcb

 

What a shame. At least your alive. Cars can be replaced people can't. I'd agree. The side impact behind the door is a bad spot to be hit.
Dave

 

I have to go cry...now.......


Get well soon, my brudda!!

 

Yikes!! I'm very glad you are alive. It could of been alot worst. Gotta make the best of it and go shopping for a new car. How is the Insurance company treating you? Were you able to buy the car back?

 

So sorry to see your car like that, I've seen and admired it several times around town, more importantly thank god you're alright.

 

My God, Ron! I wasn't aware how horrific this accident really was. Man, the grace of God has kept you with us. I do feel bad about the loss of the car, but looking at those pics makes me appreciate your life much more. Cars truly can be replaced even if it's with another model. But, good people like yourself can't be replaced. I'm glad you are recovering despite your daily discomfort. Get well soon. I'll take a spin in my car in your honor!

 

Seeing the pictures of the car really brings home how bad this episode in your life has been, but more importantly Ron how much more horrific it could have been. I really feel for you. But Im so glad you are on the recovery path. Sincere best wishes.
Steve

 

WHOA!!!!
The 1980's in Italian car building was not about crash saftey.....Thank God you made it out....
Makes you wonder how other vintage cars would Fare....Kind of like those shots of Lemans...on the Mulsanne and cars Exploding off in the Woods..
People should think about Nomex now on Sunday outings!!!!!!


This Is A REALITY check for all...

All you need to rebuild a car is the Chassis and the Title.

 

Would you be first in line to buy it for top dollar? It would be a labour of love only, a very costly one at that. Saving the car is a noble idea, its a shame to see one get destroyed.

 

Looking at the images you can see what is steel and what isnt on a boxer. I knew the inner door shells we steel with aluminum skins but never knew the window frames were steel as well. My 308 frames are aluminum. You can see the roof and cabin are steel as well. I need that RR spinner Ron, mine is peeling on one ear.

 

Any thoughts on fire bottles? Just how effective could one have been in this instance?

I don't have bottles installed in my street cars (although the BBi had a hand-operated one). Same with the Barchetta and the Stradale. Maybe it's time to consider adding supression systems, though.

CW