ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
A Green Road State School teacher’s car was set on fire overnight in what authorities believe was an act of anti-American vandalism, as a wave of hostility toward U.S.-made vehicles continues across Australia.
The vehicle, a 2001 Chrysler Neon belonging to geography teacher Gary Cartwright, was found engulfed in flames out the front of some shitbox apartments on Taylor Street early Tuesday morning.
Fire crews responded quickly, but the car was destroyed.
Arson squad detectives suspect the attack was part of a growing trend of vandalism targeting American vehicles, including Teslas, Ford F-150s, and Dodge Rams.
In recent months, incidents of Tesla keying and graffiti have been linked to public frustration with Elon Musk’s political and corporate influence. Authorities are still investigating whether Cartwright’s Neon was targeted due to its American origin, if the attack was random or just Cartwright committing the victimless crime of insurance fraud.
Given the car’s advanced age, poor mechanic and cosmetic condition plus modest reputation, some believe the perpetrators may have mistaken it for a more prestigious American brand.
Cartwright, a long-time teacher at Green Road State School, said he was shocked by the incident.
“I always thought my car was too unremarkable to be noticed, let alone burned to the ground,” he said.
“Sure, it moaned under acceleration. The fan belt slipping made it sound like a travelling dog fight. More rust on it than Derryn Hinch’s birth liver. But it passed rego. It had four new tyres on it. The bloke fitting them was laughing at me. Now they’re just four black globs on the pavement. They were $60 each fitted and the bloke told me not to speed in the rain. But it was a good car. I will mis Baxter.”
No suspects have been identified, and police are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby businesses. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
More to come.
