PROVENANCE
Alfonso Fuentes, Rancho Santa Fe, California (acquired new via
Hollywood Sport Cars in 1972)
Cara Morgan Johnson, Orange County, California (acquired in 1983)
Private Collector, Texas (acquired from the above in 2010)
Current Owner (acquired from the above)

EXHIBITED
Cavallino Classic, Palm Beach, Florida, January 2015 (Platinum Award)
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, Carmel, California, August 2015
ItalianCarFest, Grapevine, Texas, September 2016 (Best of Show, Six Cylinder)
Ferrari Club of America Concours d’Elegance, Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter, Dallas, Texas, October 2017 (Best in Class)

THIS CAR
A competitor to the Porsche 911 in its day and named after Enzo Ferrari’s son, the Dino has become one of Ferrari’s most beloved models. This 1972 246 GT, chassis 03872, is a unique and exceptionally well-restored example. According to Dino historian Matthias Bartz, 03872 was produced in May 1972 and exported to Bill Harrah’s Modern Classic Motors of Reno, Nevada, finished in its current and rare color combination of (Metallic Hazelnut) over a Tabacco (Tobacco) interior. It was sold new to Alfonso Fuentes of Rancho Santa Fe, California, via Hollywood Sport Cars of Los Angeles.

In 1983, the Dino was purchased by Ferrari enthusiast Cara Morgan Johnson of Orange County, California. Ms. Johnson, a member of three Ferrari clubs, used the Dino frequently on rallies, including at Pebble Beach and Yosemite, but also as a daily driver, for grocery store runs and to pick up her daughter from school. She registered 03872 under the license plate “TIGRA.” During this time, Ms. Johnson attended the Monaco Grand Prix and made two trips to the Ferrari factory, where she was invited to have lunch with one of the Pininfarina designers who worked on the Dino.

In 2010, the Dino was acquired by a mechanical engineer and Ferrari enthusiast who commenced a 4 1/2-year restoration with the aim of presenting one of the finest and most accurately restored Dinos in the world. Completely disassembled, 03872’s body and space frame were dipped in an eco-friendly, non-acidic cleaning solution. Norwood Auto Italia of Carrollton, Texas, completed the meticulous mechanical restoration, with paint and bodywork done at Stuart’s Paint & Body, a respected specialist in Dallas. The interior material was sourced from the Netherlands’ HVL, which has original Connolly formulas, in order to precisely match the interior color. The original wiring harness was painstakingly removed without cutting a single wire so it could be perfectly replicated by Rhode Island Wiring Service Inc. The correct-color radial-striped wire was not available, so custom wire was made to match the original. The extraordinarily thorough restoration is documented by hundreds of photographs and receipts.

Upon completion, the Dino was displayed at several prestigious concours events, including The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. The Dino earlier proved itself under rigorous scrutiny at the 2015 Cavallino Classic, where it garnered a coveted Platinum Award. The pristine Nocciola Coupe joined the consignor’s respected collection in early 2018.

This car is accompanied by records dating to 1972, including the Hollywood Sport Cars sales receipt and loan documents. A complete tool kit, owner’s pouch, manuals, Platinum trophy, jack, and wheel chock are included. Few Dinos have likely received this level of restoration. Moreover, 03872’s limited ownership history, original documentation, and rare color scheme make it truly extraordinary.