Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder Competizione (1960)

Enzo Ferrari’s close friend and trusted North American concessionaire, Luigi Chinetti was a shrewd businessman. Never was this more evident than when the Italian emigrant heard out his West Coast representative John Von Neumann’s hunch that a drop-top version of the successful closed-coupé Ferrari 250 GT would prove a hit with his well-heeled sun-seeking clients in Los Angeles and beyond. Chinetti took the proposal directly to Ferrari, who was unusually cooperative.

The result – the aptly named 250 GT California Spyder – has become one of the most desirable Ferraris ever built. Unpacking the characteristics of this gorgeous open Gran Turismo, its near-celestial status to collectors is hardly surprising. Just over 100 cars were completed in both long and short wheel bases; the Pininfarina-designed, Scaglietti-built Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder could be configured exactly as the customer desired. Alloy bodywork, open or closed headlights, additional spotlights, competition features such as an external fuel-filler cap or an enhanced ‘cold’ airbox – no two California Spyders are truly alike.