Speaking to a local news station, Rich described the loss, "Oh, God, I loved this thing. I've owned a Corvette since 1972. My heart is broken, it's just...I want another one." Ray paid about $27,000 for the car, investing a further $25,000 in restoring it. The work he was completing earlier in the day was the final stage of that restoration. Because Rich wasn't currently driving the car, it was uninsured. Rich, our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies go out to you. We tip an oil can in your poor car's honor. [via Corvette Blogger]

Ever wonder why most major highway tunnels prohibit tanker vehicles containing flammable liquids (except, in some cases, during certain designated hours)? Tanker drivers can blame the Caldecott Tunnel Fire of 1982 for such regulations. A drunk San Leandro bookkeeper hit the curb in the northern bore, stalling the car and triggering the wreck of a gasoline tanker and an apocalyptic fire that claimed seven lives. The scars from the fire were still visible on the tunnel walls until fairly recently. – Murilee Martin

Tunnel fire seared into memories [Contra Costa Times]

Related:
Finally! A Fourth Bore For the Caldecott Tunnel [internal]