The Mount Washington Auto Road, which climbs to the summit of its namesake peak in New Hampshire, offers breathtaking views to those willing to tackle its average 12-percent grade. When brake failure struck a 1955 Buick Estate station wagon competing in the 2018 Hemmings Motor News Great Race presented by Hagerty while descending from the mountain’s summit, it was bravery of a fellow competitor, and his willingness to sacrifice a restored 64 1/2 Mustang, that averted potential disaster.

Day four of the Great Race included a lunch stop at the base of Mount Washington, and though not a required stage, competitors were given the opportunity to take their cars to the summit. Doing so is no joke, since certain contemporary vehicles (those without a first or low gear on their automatic transmissions) are prohibited from making the trip. Even full-size cars, station wagons, minivans, pickups and SUVs without other restrictions are given weight limits, ensuring that the climb and descent remains as safe as possible.

Classic cars collide to divert disaster at The Great Race.