Bestest picture thread evaar! (The trilogy)

tod evans · Oct 29, 2023

tod evans · Oct 29, 2023

In 1978 a Ferrari was discovered buried in a yard in Los Angeles after children playing in the dirt alerted police about something shallowly buried. The car had been reported stolen 4 years prior.

Later it transpired that the owner, plumber Rosendo Cruz, apparently conspired to commit insurance fraud with the supposed thieves. They were supposed to take the Ferrari to a chop shop to be broken up for parts, but instead hid it, intending to dig it up later, and forgot where it was buried.

The buried Ferrari was a Dino 246 GTS, a model produced by Ferrari from 1969 to 1974. This particular car was metallic green and had been fitted with optional Campagnolo wheels and Daytona seats. When it was unearthed, it was in surprisingly good condition. The car’s estimated worth at the time of discovery was around $18,000, which would be approximately $63,500 in inflation-adjusted 2011 dollars.

After the car was discovered, it was purchased by real estate businessman Brad Howard from Farmers Insurance, to which ownership had defaulted. Howard had the car restored by Ferrari expert Giuseppe Cappalonga.

Despite being buried for four years, there was relatively little rust on the car due to the drought conditions during its burial.

As of 2019, the car was not only in perfect running condition but also very active. Howard continues to drive it regularly and even takes it to shows and classic races. This buried Ferrari has thus been given a second life and continues to be a part of the vibrant classic car community.