WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AT ABOUT 40 MPH ON THE ROAD, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED . I APPLIED THE BRAKE AND THE CAR KEPT GOING AT THE ACCELERATED SPEED FOR ABOUT 3/4 MILE. IT FINALLY SLOWED ENOUGH FOR ME TO TURN OFF THE ROAD INTO A HOUSING COMPLEX. I THEN WAS ABLE TO PUT IT IN PARK. THE CAR KEPT IDLING AT THE SAME RATE EVEN WHILE IN PARK POSITION. SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD; THEREFORE, I GOT OUT AND WITHIN 1 MINUTE, IT WENT UP IN FLAMES. THE POLICE & FIRE TRUCK CAME AND PUT OUT THE FLAMES. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS.