Lightning strikes a devastating fire in an old car cottage: “I also lost my unique Buick from 1920” | the cars

Buick, Volkswagen Van 1969, 1982 Panther Calista, 1992 Morgan 4/4, Land Cruiser, Ford Mustang … in Lichtervelde desolate side by side. Nothing of its grandeur remains, just the twisted black bodywork.

“My Buick from the 1920s was unique,” ​​says dealer and owner Gino Vandeboel. “As an enthusiast, I was able to buy the car from a customer about five years ago. I drove it regularly, in winter and summer. One click and the engine would start immediately. But within a few minutes, the original car broke down.”

This also applies to the classics of all the other enthusiasts who have used the stable as a storage place for their car or caravan. “Each has a unique value,” says Vandepoele. “Not only financially but also emotionally. The stable was owned by my husband’s father’s farm. Last year my husband’s father passed away, but the stable has been operating for several years as a storage place for cars.”

At the moment, no one is allowed inside the burning shed. The roof is made of asbestos panels and will need to be carefully disassembled and cleaned. Insurance companies’ expertise and handling the alleged lightning strike is a chore.