The California was produced in a specially designed facility that was built next to the Maranello factory’s existing building. The brand-new building was a component of Ferrari’s 1997-launched Formula Uomo program, which aimed to increase output, staff safety, and satisfaction.
About 27 automobiles are produced on the Ferrari production line(s) every day, or 6,000–8,000 vehicles annually.
Between 2008 and 2012, the California was produced in an estimated 8,000 units. In 2013, 1,219 cars were produced. In 2014, 1,645 cars were produced. In 2015, 2,638 automobiles were produced.
2,247 automobiles were produced in 2016, while roughly 1,600 were produced in 2017. About 17,300 automobiles in all types were produced overall.
Only 3 manual transmission cars were produced in California between 2008 and 2017 (including one that was ordered from the UK).
In This Article...
DREAMING OF CALIFORNIA
Some automobiles have made their impact from the beginning. True icons—the 250 GT California Spider is one of them—by virtue of their appearance, abilities, and triumphs. It was the idea of John von Neumann, Enzo Ferrari’s West Coast representative, and Luigi Chinetti, a US Ferrari importer and close friend.
According to von Neumann, American consumers wanted an open-top version of the speedy 250 GT to enjoy the state of California, which the car was to be called after, while driving about. Chinetti persuaded Enzo Ferrari that this was a wise plan and gave Sergio Scaglietti the order to carry it out. The 250 GT LWB (Long Wheel Base), based on the Tour de France berlinetta, was the first, and the even more alluring 250 GT SWB was the second (Short Wheel Base). To avoid any confusion with the 250 GT Cabriolet created by Pinin Farina, which was already in production and had a less athletic appearance, the moniker Spider was chosen. Though there were surprisingly few in circulation, the California quickly rose to the top of the bestseller list among the jet set of Beverly Hills and Malibu Beach. In actuality, just 106 units were produced, nine of which were entirely made of aluminum. The interior was luxurious and beautifully decorated. Some of the vehicles have been modified for racing. Their best finish was fifth in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959, driving for the Scuderia NART of Luigi Chinetti, who was always actively involved in any racing activity or the introduction of new models in the US. Bob Grossman and Fernand Tavano were part of the team.
Richie Ginther and Howard Hively, driving the car in NART colors, finished ninth overall and first in its class at the 12 Hours of Sebring that same year. A number of more victories and finishes in the SCCA Championship, as well as first place in the Bahamas Memorial Trophy, followed in 1959 and 1960, mostly with Bob Grossman at the wheel. Reed and Connell finished sixth at Sebring in 1960, while Abate, Scarlatti, and Serena finished eighth but first in the GT division. Up until 1965, The California was still in competition. The California made its debut as a prototype in late 1957, and the first LWB versions were constructed between 1958 and 1960. The subsequent SWB variants were created between 1960 and 1963. Despite only having a 20 cm length difference, the SWB enabled a change in the setup, dropping the ride height by 3 cm. Aesthetically, some body features also modified, such as the choice between fixed or pop-up headlights (not available in Italy). In addition to updating the engine and chassis, 1959 saw the introduction of disc brakes. The business only made the left-hand drive version of the automobile. The 3,000 cc V12 engine of the 250 GT California Spider produced 240 hp (LWB) and 280 hp (SWB), and it was capable of a top speed of between 250 and 270 km/h. A California SWB from 1961 was most recently listed for nearly EUR 16 million.
The Development of the Ferrari California Through Time
Beautiful sports car, the Ferrari California is styled to resemble the original Ferrari car with a modern twist. The model, which was produced between 2008 and 2017, was actually intended to be an entry-level option for those who couldn’t or weren’t willing to pay the price to get a more expensive model from the company. Despite this, nobody should ever assume that the car isn’t enjoyable. In reality, it included a number of advancements that were absent from the majority of prior Ferrari models. This alone made the vehicle worthwhile to purchase, and as you could have imagined, it was also a delight to drive. Keep reading to find out how the car changed from its conception until it was essentially replaced by the Portofino in 2018. If you’re interested in learning more about the history and evolution of this remarkable vehicle, keep reading.
The Ferrari California Is Underrated Because of This
The California still qualifies as a Ferrari even though several standard Ferrari privileges have been taken away from it.
The California generated a lot of discussion when it was introduced at the Paris Motor Show in October 2008. To start, a previous Ferrari model was not replaced by the new Ferrari California. It was a brand-new vehicle targeted towards youthful drivers with comparatively lesser salaries who had dreamed of having a Ferrari their entire lives. When compared to other Ferrari models, the price was fairly affordable.
Notably, the Ferrari California is a sports car with a removable hardtop that was created to compete with models like the Porsche 911 Turbo Convertible, Mercedes SL 63, and Aston Martin DB9 Volante. Ferrari has declared that this car was never intended to be a Maserati, despite persistent rumors to the contrary.
The Italian automaker expanded its Maranello factory’s production line to make room for its construction. The California has lost several of Ferrari’s customary advantages, but it is still a Ferrari.
Which Ferrari Is Better Between California and Portofino?
These characteristics make the Portofino a better vehicle than the California and the best entry-level Ferrari model ever made.
When the model was debuted in 2008, the Ferrari California sparked a lot of excitement among lovers of high-performance Italian exotic cars. It was Ferrari’s least expensive vehicle, while having a starting price of $200,000, which is far over the means of most sports car enthusiasts.
Some aficionados contend that the early versions were uninteresting, despite the name alone conjuring a picture of a flashy red convertible tackling the curves of Highway 1 down the California coastline past Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur. Power and speed, which are crucial elements that gave Ferrari vehicles their famous status, were absent from the Ferrari.
However, throughout the previous ten years, the vehicle from Maranello, Italy, has been among the most well-liked Ferraris. From 2008 to the final year of manufacture, 2017, the combined output of all California variations was more than 17,300 vehicles.
The Portofino took the position of the California as Ferrari’s entry-level model in 2018. The sportscar, which was named after the most scenic beach town in Northern Italy on the Mediterranean Sea, is at its best as it winds along the Strada Statale n. From Rapallo to Portofino, the seashore is followed by the 1 Aurelia (SS1).
These characteristics make the Portofino a better vehicle than the California and the best entry-level Ferrari model ever made.
Ferrari California Unique Characteristics
The Ferrari California specs are packed with unique and cutting-edge features that make it a genuinely unique car. The 250 GT California from the 1950s and 1960s served as its model. The detachable aluminum roof has captured the imagination of many Ferrari lovers. This roof has a 10-second transition time from open to closed. One of the most cherished features combines the safety of a roof with the flexibility of a convertible. The California also has a “2+” design idea, an F-1 traction control system, a HELE (High Emotion Low Emissions) system, and an unusual 7-speed transmission.
Other noteworthy features include the car’s quick conversion from coupe to convertible (14 seconds). Ferrari’s Tailor Made division created numerous versions of the Ferrari California with custom interior and exterior features for clients looking for something special. These unique extras, which might range from exposed carbon fiber to two-tone Daytona seats, are frequently omitted from the window sticker. They are among the most sought-after examples of the Ferrari California for sale. To commemorate the brand’s 70th anniversary, Ferrari created 70 one-of-a-kind California Ts. Each one was produced in a distinctive livery to emulate historical automobiles of the past.
What is the price of a genuine Ferrari California?
One of the most expensive Ferraris that can be driven on the road is the SWB California Spyder. When one does come up for auction, its picture is likely to be on the catalog’s cover, and the highest bids often range from $4 million to $6 million.
The Ferrari California is it uncommon?
At the Pebble Beach auction, a 1960 Ferrari California that was exceptionally uncommon sold for a record sum.
Ferrari had a very good weekend at Pebble Beach since both new and used cars received a lot of attention during Monterey auto week. A beautiful 2013 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta had its world debut, and a 1960 Ferrari 250 California Spider Competizione sold for a record-breaking $11,275,000 in the old. The incredibly unusual automobile is one of only nine LWB California Spiders constructed with alloy bodies for competition.
Over the weekend, an unnamed collector paid the record sum and will store it in a personal collection. The unusual race automobile, which is part of the Sherman M. Wolf collection, has only had two owners. In 1979, Wolf bought the original owner’s 1960 Ferrari 250 California Spider Competizione, and he kept the car up until this weekend.
The 2,953 CC SOHC Tipo 168 V-12 engine of the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California generates 270 horsepower. It had covered headlights and disc brakes as standard equipment because it was newly constructed for competition. 1639 GT is the chassis number. The unusual race car has a prestigious concours history and has received numerous honors over the years.
Another vintage Ferrari from the same collection, the 1985 288 GTO, sold for $1 million at the same auction, while a 340 MM Spider went for over $4.5 million, according to Ferrari. Ferraris are still in high demand among collectors and this year are fetching record prices. In May, the Sterling Moss 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO sold for a record-breaking $35 million, as we previously mentioned. One of the 39 GTOs built from 1962 to 1964 was the infamous green car.
Many Ferraris are the most sought-after antique automobiles by collectors, despite the fact that most cars are depreciating assets and poor investments. Historic Automobile Group International (HAGI), a company based in London, has discovered statistics showing that the cost of vintage Ferraris rose by 4.82 percent in the first quarter of 2012. Ferraris are the ideal investment for seasoned collectors and rich individuals looking to diversify their holdings.
Ferrari boasts one of the largest restoration facilities for vintage Ferraris in the entire globe for anybody wishing to restore their antique vehicle. Ferrari Classiche was created especially to offer owners of vintage Ferraris restoration and maintenance services, technical support, and Certificates of Authenticity. The restoration facility is located in the former Ferrari foundry, and the Maranello factory’s offices and workshop span 950 square meters. In July 2006, Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo formally opened Ferrari Classiche.
If you have the money, rare automobiles like the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California will continue to fetch high prices at auction and are a terrific investment.
Has the Ferrari California been phased out?
One of the most popular Ferraris in recent years is the California. The Ferrari Portofino recently took its position, therefore now we’ll examine both vehicles and examine their main distinctions. We’ll begin with the most noticeable adjustment, which is the name.