A CLASSIC car was left in ruins after catching fire while being driven along the A12.

The Fiat Abarth went up in flames on the northbound carriageway near to junction 20b at Hatfield Peverel.

Both police and firefighters were called to the scene around 2.50pm on Monday.

Officers temporarily closed the road to allow fire crews to tackle the blaze which was eventually extinguished by 3.20pm.

A spokesman for the fire service said the Fiat had been 100 per cent alight.

PC Nathan Bright tweeted a photo of the aftermath which showed the burned out Fiat at the roadside.

He wrote: "What a classic little runner. Thankfully no one injured and road is reopened but there is a lot of traffic due to the closure.

"Thanks to Essex Fire Service for helping."

PC Bright also revealed he was 'gutted' for the owner who had only recently rebuilt the vehicle's engine.

Traffic remained heavy on the northbound carriageway but began to ease by 4.30pm.