Journalist owes $174K for rare Porsche's blown engine

The downside of getting to drive a really awesome, rare race car is what happens when you break said race car. Turns out, that can be really expensive. In 2009, auto journalist Mark Hales was allowed to drive former British racing star David Piper’s Porsche 917 (valued at $2 million), for a story he was writing. During the drive, the engine blew — as did Piper’s gasket. He sued Hales, who claimed he and Piper had a “gentleman’s agreement” that mechanical problems would be covered by Piper, while a crash would be Hales’ responsibility. Piper said he lent the car under “you bend it, you mend it” conditions. A judge sided with Piper, and Hales now owes Piper $174,000. [Source]

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