Real vintage Ferrari Le Mans race car goes up in flames to shock fans

Vintage Ferrari race cars are a rare commodity, even more special if they come with a track record of success. Car fans were shocked to learn of the Ferrari 512M that recently caught fire.

Ferrari

The 1971 Ferrari 512M, the race car that Sam Posey finished third in that year's 24 Hours of Le Mans, caught fire at Watkins Glen International Raceway last month. Videos and photos posted on social media show when the car bursts into flames.

The fire's exact cause is unknown, but a broken fuel line is suspected. The video shows the vehicle already on fire, with flames and black smoke coming from the back. In photos posted on Facebook, the rear bodywork can be seen completely damaged before track crews put out the fire. Even if the driver gets out unharmed, the damage to the car can be severe.

In 1971 Sam Posey raced this Ferrari 512M for NART. After DNFs at the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona, Posey finished third at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, teaming with Tony Adamowicz. The 512M, a revised version of the 512S, featured a 5.0-liter V-12 engine.

If this is indeed Sam Posey's Ferrari, expect a full restoration by the current owner. The fire raged for about four minutes before crews arrived, causing mainly body damage.