do show cars catch fire?
 

Thumbing through car show coverage in Hemmings, most cars have a fire extinguisher by a front wheel. Do classics and collectibles catch fire from being observed?

Sixto
87 300D

From what I understand, it's a requirement for shows. They take points off if it doesn't have one. I was dinged on my Ferrari once and when I judged some shows, it was on the checklist.

they are very useful for holding up your fancy placards

I've used mine before, and I wasn't even at a show!

During shows (classic and new), particularly in indoor venues, the vehicles are usually required to be drained of fuel.

Not always...especially the "driver classes". Consider that the vapor from an almost empty gas tank is far more volatile than a fuel-laden one.

But not everyone does a full-on "rotisserie" restoration, and if you look closely, you will see show cars with all sorts of chrome, paint, and other brightwork, but the original crusty harness remains (albeit, camouflaged with some pretty colored wire covering).

Not to mention, when custom mods are involved, many hobbyists aren't that fastiduous about proper wire splicing techniques.

Electrical aside, there is the occasional engine leak where a fuel hose wasn't screwed on tightly enough, or a small drip onto a hot exhaust manifold which would translate to a fire in the right conditions.

Not that these situations don't exist with regular cars, but we're talking about a venue containing several vehicles that run on highly-flammable fluids...a fire extinguisher IS a must!!

I used to show cars at World of Wheels, etc. You get extra points for things like fire extinguishers. It was not a requirement at the time, but it ws a no-brainer point grabber.

I think it's similar to the 'roll cages' you find in the import car show cars. It implies ability the car doesn't have - as if any of them have ever raced their show car.

It is better to have one and not need it than Vice Versa. I figure if a car in a show is going to be started, there should be an extinguisher nearby It only takes one backfire to cause issues. Also any idiot smoking a cigarette can start an inferno dropping it in the wrong place...