Backyard Find: Kids Uncover a 1974 Ferrari!
In 1978, two kids in Southern Los Angeles stumbled upon a treasure trove of epic proportions while digging around in their backyard. No, it wasn’t pirate gold or a time capsule filled with 70s disco records (though that would’ve been cool too). Instead, they unearthed a 1974 Ferrari Dino, a sleek beauty that had been hiding underground for years. This accidental archaeological adventure turned a regular day of play into a neighborhood sensation, and we’re still buzzing about it!
The Day the Backyard Became a Car Graveyard
Picture this: it’s 1978, and two curious kids are messing around in their Southern LA backyard, probably pretending to be explorers or superheroes. Suddenly, their shovel hits something metallic. Out comes a muddy, dusty 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS, looking like it just rolled out of an Italian dream and into a dirt nap. This wasn’t just any car—it was a luxury icon, a symbol of speed and style, buried like a time capsule from the groovy 70s. The kids’ jaws must’ve hit the ground faster than the Dino could hit 60 mph!
The discovery sparked a frenzy in the neighborhood. People gathered, jaws dropped, and cameras clicked as the car was gingerly excavated. With a little help from some construction equipment (and probably a lot of parental supervision), the Ferrari emerged, caked in mud but still oozing that unmistakable Italian flair. It’s the kind of find that makes you wonder: who buries a Ferrari, and why?
Meet the Dino: A Car with a Heartbreaking Backstory
The Ferrari Dino 246 GTS isn’t just a pretty face—it’s got a story that tugs at the heartstrings. Named after Enzo Ferrari’s son, Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari, who tragically passed away in 1956, this model was a tribute to his memory. Enzo, the legendary founder of Ferrari, poured his passion into creating a car that blended performance with elegance, and the Dino 246 GTS was the result.
With its mid-engine layout and a V6 engine pumping out around 195 horsepower, it was a mid-70s marvel that could hit top speeds of 146 mph. Not bad for a car that looks like it belongs in a James Bond chase scene!
Only about 2,487 of these beauties were made, making it a rare gem even back in the day. The “GTS” stands for “Gran Turismo Spyder,” which basically means it’s a convertible built for grand tours—and for turning heads. So, finding one buried in a random backyard? That’s like discovering a unicorn with a V6 engine!
The Great Excavation: A Neighborhood Block Party with a Twist
The image of the Dino being dug up is pure gold. You’ve got the car half-submerged in a muddy pit, with onlookers peering over the wall like it’s the season finale of their favorite show. There’s a guy on a digger, carefully scooping dirt away, while kids watch in awe. It’s a scene straight out of a movie—except this was real life, and the star was a Ferrari!
The excavation process must’ve been a mix of excitement and caution. You can almost hear the whispers: “Don’t scratch the paint!” or “Is it still drivable?”
The car’s condition was a mystery—covered in grime, with mud clogging its elegant lines. But beneath the dirt, enthusiasts knew there was a classic waiting to be revived. It’s the kind of moment that turns a quiet suburb into a hotspot of curiosity and chatter.
What Happened Next? The Dino’s Second Act
So, what do you do when you find a buried Ferrari? If you’re the lucky owners, you call in the experts. After its 1978 unearthing, the Dino 246 GTS likely underwent a meticulous restoration. Imagine car wizards with tiny brushes and lots of elbow grease, bringing back its glossy finish and purring engine. The process would’ve been a labor of love, turning a muddy relic into a showroom star.
Today, a well-restored 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS can fetch upwards of $300,000 at auctions—sometimes more, depending on its history and condition. This backyard find added a layer of mystique to its already legendary status. It’s now a collector’s dream, celebrated not just for its design but for the wild story of how it was rediscovered. Who knows—maybe it’s sitting in a garage somewhere, gleaming under the lights, with a plaque that reads, “Unearthed by Kids, 1978.”
Theories and Tall Tales: Why Was It Buried?
Of course, the big question remains: how did a Ferrari end up six feet under in a Los Angeles backyard? The truth might be mundane—maybe it was a failed storage experiment or an eccentric owner’s quirky decision. But that hasn’t stopped the speculation. Some might imagine a dramatic tale of a car smuggled and hidden, or a vintage car enthusiast who couldn’t bear to part with it. Others might joke it was buried to keep it safe from jealous neighbors!
Without hard evidence (and let’s be real, we’re not detectives here), we can only guess. But the mystery only adds to the Dino’s charm. It’s like the car version of a buried treasure map—except the “X” marks the spot where two kids struck gold.
Why This Find Still Captivates Us
Decades later, the story of the 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS continues to captivate. It’s a reminder that incredible discoveries can happen anywhere—even in your own backyard. It blends the thrill of archaeology with the glamour of automotive history, proving that sometimes the best adventures start with a shovel and a bit of curiosity.
This find also highlights the enduring allure of classic cars.
The Dino isn’t just a machine; it’s a piece of art, a family legacy, and now a neighborhood legend. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to grab a shovel and start digging in your own yard—though don’t get your hopes up for a Ferrari!
