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.

Please note, this vehicle is no longer for sale.

With its underpinnings developed through Ferrari’s competition endeavours, with the 250 GT ‘Tour de France’ and latterly, the ‘SWB’ Competizione, the California Spyder was engineered on a par with its looks. Without doubt its road (or race going ability) could be attributed to its potent and advanced 12-cylinder configuration that offered superlative pace compared to its rivals. It is little wonder that this car has gone down in history as one of the most desirable cars available.