The Story Of The Stolen Ferrari Dino
In the realm of automotive history, few stories rival the intrigue and fascination surrounding the buried Dino 246 GTS, a legendary Ferrari with an extraordinary tale to tell. Owned by Brad Howard, this 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS has defied the odds, remaining a cherished possession for over four decades. Despite purists' criticisms of the Dino as a "glorified Fiat," Howard's attachment to his car remains unwavering.
What sets Howard's Dino apart is its remarkable history. Believed to be one of the most famous Dinos in the world, its notoriety stems from the baffling circumstances of its burial in front of a Los Angeles house. Discovered buried beneath layers of soil and secrecy, the Dino's fate puzzled enthusiasts for years until its eventual unearthing.
The Dino's saga began innocently enough, purchased in 1974 by Rosendo Cruz as a gift for his wife. However, tragedy struck when the car was stolen during a dinner outing, leaving the couple devastated. Nearly four years later, in February 1978, after heavy rains, the Dino was found buried in front of a house in central L.A., in what was believed to have once been a pool. It had been wrapped in tarp, loose plastic, and even blankets, with towels shoved up the exhaust to keep worms and water out. Whoever had buried it there clearly did not want it damaged.
It would be another while until police were able to close the case, initially ruling it a “righteous theft,” and the insurance company paid off the owner the same amount he’d paid for it: $22,500. Only in 2012 did it emerge that Cruz had actually hired the thieves to steal his precious Dino so he could claim insurance on it and split the money among themselves. The thieves were supposed to bury it until Cruz filed the claim, then return for it, take it apart, and dump it wherever they could.
In what is perhaps the most hilarious part of this strange tale is that the thieves forgot where they had buried the Dino. The fact that they bothered to wrap it up so nicely seems to indicate that their loss was theirs only because they clearly had no intention of taking it apart, but were planning to keep it or sell it off.
Despite conflicting reports on its condition upon discovery, Howard acquired the Dino and had it meticulously restored by Ferrari expert Giuseppe Cappalonga. Today, the car proudly bears the "DUG UP" vanity plate, serving as a testament to its storied past. Despite numerous offers, Howard remains steadfast in his decision never to sell his beloved Dino.
In the end, the buried Dino 246 GTS transcends its status as a classic car, embodying the enduring allure of automotive legends and the resilience of those who refuse to let go of their passions. As Howard's Dino continues to turn heads on the road, its remarkable journey serves as a reminder that true automotive treasures are more than just metal and machinery—they are stories waiting to be told.
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Nick Aylieff | Classic Motors For Sale |
