Images via Deane Motors and The Engine Block/Facebook
Two years ago, The Engine Block was created by a group of enthusiasts who wanted somewhere like-minded people could gather and enjoy the car hobby together. While it was still in its infancy, the fame of the place quickly spread and gained a loyal following rapidly. But the whole thing literally went up in smoke earlier this month, leaving behind disappointment, despair, and confusion.
Shaq’s custom Ram TRX is ugly as sin.
It was the late night hours of April 9 when the complex located in Dublin, Ireland first caught fire. Deane Motors, one of the businesses occupying the building, captured video of the early moments of the inferno as smoke billowed out of the structure and flames licked through the roof while fire alarms called out.
By the time fire crews arrived on scene and were able to put out the blaze, the complex had been gutted and many valuable performance vehicles were lost.
Described as a “hub for car and motorbike related businesses to thrive” The Engine Block was home to eleven independent companies at the time of the fire. It was a place where gearheads could go get information, have custom work done, check out cool rides, and socialize with others like them.
According to Sunday World, the fire started with a “gas explosion” and spread quickly, engulfing the structure before firefighters could knock it out. Now it’s a matter of waiting to see what the different insurance companies decide before any rebuilding or future plans can be firmed up.
In the meantime, The Engine Block is selling shirts and hoodies on preorder to drum up some revenue and “keep the lights on” wherever they’re operating at the moment. It sounds like they’re far from done fighting, so in some way and somewhere in the future they’ll come back, hopefully better than ever.
Images via Deane Motors and The Engine Block/Facebook
