A million-dollar car collection was nearly destroyed by wildfires in Los Angeles, but the owner had a brilliant idea that changed the fate of the rare vehicles.
One of the car collection rare was rescued from the flames of the wildfires that devastated Los Angeles, California.
Among the models saved were true automotive gems, such as a Mercedes 300SL and a Shelby GT350, parked in an unusual way in a McDonald's restaurant, far from the risk areas.
The fire, considered the second most destructive in the region's recent history, left an impressive trail of destruction.
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More than 60 square miles of land were consumed by fire, 25 people lost their lives and 12 structures were reduced to ashes.
Amid the chaos, residents rushed to save what they could — their most precious possessions, including high-end automobiles. value.
Rare car collection in unexpected setting
Jordan, a 19-year-old man, was driving with a friend in Calabasas when he noticed something that caught his eye in a McDonald's parking lot: a fleet of luxury and classic cars. Among the vehicles, he spotted a vintage Mercedes 180, a Shelby GT350 and a yellow Ferrari.
“When I saw the Mercedes 300SL sitting there, I couldn’t believe it. That car alone is worth between $1 and $7 million. It was surreal to see something so rare in such an ordinary place,” Jordan told Luxury Auto News. He further explained that, when talking to the owner of the collection, he learned that the owner had moved the cars in a hurry to save his treasures from the impending fire.
Jordan filmed the vehicles and shared the footage on TikTok, where the video quickly went viral, racking up more than 830 views. The young man appears in the video walking among the cars, capturing images of a Porsche, a Mustang and other iconic models.
Emotional reactions on social media
In the TikTok comments, netizens reacted with surprise and empathy. “I would stand there and protect these cars with my life,” one user commented. Another wrote: “Imagine the owner’s anguish. He probably lost everything except the cars.” A third suggested: “Get security there before something happens.”
The story behind the collection left many intrigued. “In California, you do see rare cars, but they’re always at exclusive events or stored in private garages. To see something like this in a public parking lot, unguarded, was really shocking,” Jordan said.
The despair of collectors
The owner, whose name was not released, told the young man that he had already moved the vehicles to a safer location. Still, the situation reflects the desperation of many Californians who, faced with imminent destruction, prioritize saving memories and possessions that have sentimental or financial value.
California wildfires are known for their devastating speed and ability to engulf entire communities in a matter of hours. This particular event was yet another reminder of the relentless power of nature and the impact it has not only on people, but also on their dreams, collections, and stories.
The narrative surrounding the cars is just one of many dramatic stories that emerge from disaster situations. For some, they are just machines. For others, they represent years of dedication and passion. And for Jordan and the viewers of his video, it is a rare opportunity to see a multimillion-dollar collection on such display — even if only for a brief moment, in the midst of such a tragic scenario.