The charred remains of a $50,000 vintage Jaguar were finally delivered this week to its new owner in Torrance after being scorched when the North Fire engulfed a number of vehicles trapped on the 15 Freeway in July.
Retired fighter jet mechanic Malcolm Croxton was waiting for his newly purchased 1962 Jaguar E-Series to be delivered when he got a call from a friend about a rapidly spreading fire in the Cajon Pass.
“A friend of mine called me. He’d seen it on the news. I didn’t know anything,” Croxton said.
Croxton’s $50,000 purchase was sitting on a car carrier when the flames engulfed a number of cars and big rigs stuck in the path of the fire on the 15 Freeway.
“It just got caught. Ten minutes earlier, ten minutes later, it would have been ok,” Croxton said.
What was left of Croxton’s classic car showed up at his door Tuesday, and so far the car enthusiast hasn’t had much luck getting reimbursed for his losses.
“I went through a broker and he assured me everything was bonded and insured and its federal regulations. It had to be,” Croxton was told.
However, an underwriter working with Croxton has been unable to find any evidence of an insurance policy for the car carrier.
“Yeah, so i’m not angry. If i do have to eat the whole amount, so be it,” Croxton said, trying to keep things in perspective.
