Sydney Shepherd had spent three years designing, building and patenting a steam-powered motor car. It was virtually complete, and Shepherd had arranged meetings with potential investors. However, on 23rd August 1908, during a final test, the car caught fire and exploded, damaging several surrounding properties.

The car itself, costing £400 and many months of work, was completely destroyed. Even worse, it was not insured. Shepherd had just had an insurance application accepted, and had been due to meet an insurance agent the previous night, but had not been able to make the meeting. The letter of acceptance, and a postal order for his first insurance payment, were in the pocket of a coat that was destroyed in the fire.