File - 1969 Porsche 917 (Porsche)
A hapless motorist is facing bankruptcy after he blew up a $2 million Porsche during a test drive, The Sun reports.
Mark Hales was at the wheel of a replica Porsche 917 owned by veteran Formula One ace David Piper, when he over-revved it causing the engine to explode.
Hales, 62, claims he made a gentleman's agreement with Piper that the 81-year-old would cover the cost of any mechanical damage caused during the session.
But the multi-millionaire denied making the deal, sued Hales for $76,000 in damages - and the High Court has ruled in his favor.
Hales, who writes for Octane and Auto Italia magazines, has been left with a bill of $76,000 to cover repairs to the car, plus $100,000 in legal costs.
Speaking after the ruling, the "devastated" journalist said: “I’ve sold everything to pay my lawyers and if he chooses to enforce the findings it is bankruptcy for me.”
