Vintage Lotus Reduced to Ashes in A38 Blaze Near Newton Abbot

A vintage Lotus sports car was entirely ruined after an early morning fire on the A38 near Newton Abbot, as confirmed by local firefighters.

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Newton Abbot Fire Station reported the incident began shortly after 9:00 a.m. BST near Harcombe bends, requiring teams from both Newton Abbot and Middlemoor to intervene. One section of the highway was briefly shut to allow crews to manage the flames and ensure nearby drivers remained unharmed.

“It didn’t take long for crews to extinguish the fire,” a spokesperson for Newton Abbot Fire Station said in a statement. “However, the classic Lotus sports car that was unfortunately involved was totally destroyed by the blaze.”

Officials have not identified the exact model, though onlookers called it an older Lotus, a British marque famed for sleek design and motorsport history. Images from responders displayed only the scorched wreckage, little more than a burnt frame after the inferno.

No one sustained injuries, and reports indicated the motorist exited the vehicle safely before it became fully engulfed. Emergency teams commended nearby drivers for their prompt cooperation in slowing down and allowing responders to reach the site.

Delays occurred briefly on the A38 as crews removed wreckage and verified the surroundings were secure. The closed lane resumed normal use later that morning after inspections ruled out further risks.

Though the fire’s origin remains undetermined, experts note mechanical failures or fuel issues often trigger similar incidents in older automobiles.

For collectors in the region, the destruction of this rare Lotus serves as a sobering moment, highlighting both the vulnerability and deep commitment tied to safeguarding historic cars that retain enduring value despite their age.

Via Newton Abbot Fire Station