The fire that destroyed a Charlton, Mass.-based European car restoration shop this weekend resulted in the destruction of a dozen cars. Among them were Porsche 356s and 911s, a couple of Jaguar E-types, a 1930s Rolls Royce, and a Mercedes or two.
The shop, Werke Classics, was insured, but the loss is nevertheless devastating for its owner (and anyone who appreciates nice cars). Brandon Cove, the owner's son, sent us a few photos of the aftermath.
Brandon told us that he suspected illegal activity to be the cause of the blaze. A group of Ghanian immigrants were allegedly operating an illicit chop shop — in which they literally chopped cars into pieces and sent the chunks to Africa — which included unsafe practices such as removing fuel tanks with blow torches.
Luckily, the Coves were able to save a few choice rides, including a Shelby Cobra, a custom Datsun Z, and a Mercedes 300SL.
You can click through the gallery to see the damage, if you can stomach it.
Photo credit: Brandon Cove
Photo credit: Brandon Cove
Photo credit: Brandon Cove
Photo credit: Brandon Cove
Photo credit: Brandon Cove
Photo credit: Brandon Cove
Photo credit: Brandon Cove
Photo credit: Brandon Cove
Photo credit: Brandon Cove
Photo credit: Brandon Cove
Photo credit: Brandon Cove
Photo credit: Brandon Cove
Photo credit: Brandon Cove
Photo credit: Brandon Cove