Iconic Mazda $2M Race Car Burns at Laguna

By Emily Parker 12/08/2026 2 min read 38 views

The privately owned Mazda 767B caught fire in the paddock at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, prompting a swift response from on‑site fire crews.

Firefighters acted quickly.

Fire erupts while the historic car sits under a tent

Video posted to Instagram shows the four‑rotor prototype stationary beneath a canvas shelter before flames burst from the chassis. According to eyewitness accounts, the blaze was contained quickly and did not spread to nearby equipment. No injuries were reported, and the fire caused only limited damage to the vehicle.

The incident involved chassis number 003, a vehicle that last changed hands at a 2017 auction for $1.75 million. It belongs to a small group of rotary‑powered racers that Mazda used in endurance competition, most famously the 787B, which won the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Ownership and provenance clarified

Mazda Motorsports confirmed via its official Instagram channel that the burning car is privately owned and not part of the company’s heritage collection. Flis Performance, the maker of Mazda MX‑5 Cup race cars, identified the vehicle as chassis 003, distinct from the museum piece shown in promotional material, which bears chassis 002 and number 202.

The current condition of the 767B remains uncertain, but its rarity and historic value suggest a rapid effort to restore it. Mazda’s statement expressed gratitude that the incident caused no major injuries and pledged support for the owner’s restoration plans.

While the damaged car undergoes repairs, the brand’s rotary legacy will stay visible at upcoming events. The original 787B is scheduled to travel from Japan to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, where fans can hear its signature high‑pitched exhaust. Both the 767B and 787B are also slated for display on the main lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance as part of the Japanese Motorsports class.

Industry observers note that the incident highlights the challenges of preserving vintage race machinery, especially those with unique powertrains. Even with careful storage, the risk of mechanical failure or accidental fire remains. Nevertheless, the community’s response—quick suppression and a pledge to restore—reflects the strong attachment enthusiasts have to these machines.

For now, the focus remains on ensuring the car’s safe return to display condition. Mazda’s motorsports division reiterated its dedication to the heritage of rotary racing, emphasizing that the 767B continues to hold a special place in the brand’s history despite the recent setback.