1959 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder

Ferrari's first cars were open cars mostly used for sports racing. These were followed by single seaters for Formula events. The convertible bodied car theme would continue in the Ferrari arsenal at the GT level for years to come.

Luigi Chinetti and Johnny von Neumann, a California resident, were the individuals responsible for the designation 'California' on a Ferrari. The California region offered plenty of opportunity for open-air cruising, had good roads, an emerging prosperity, and a beautiful climate. The design was created by Pinin Farina with the shape and fabrication performed at the Renaissance craft shop of Sergio Scaglietti.

Chassis number 0769GT was the first California Spyder and was created in the later part of 1957. 0769GT is often considered a transitional car from the prior cabriolet production to the new Spyder bodied cars. As production continued, there evolved two distinct series of the California, built between 1958 and 1962 with total production reach 105 units. The first series had a wheelbase that measured 2600mm and are often considered 'LWB' (Long Wheel Base) models. A total of 51 examples of the LWB versions were created with nine being alloy-bodied competition models. 54 examples of the second series were produced, all resting on a wheelbase that measured 2400mm.

1431GT
This vehicle has chassis number 1431GT, engine number 1431GT, transmission number 223-D, and rear axle number 465. It is the 28th long wheelbase ever constructed and is equipped with many early, rare, and desirable features. It has the Type 128D variation of the three-liter Colombo V12 engine and was the last Cal Spyder example fitted with this engine type. The D-Series engine were the last with the inboard spark plug location where the plugs are positioned along the inside of the cylinder head. The rear axle and transmission are the Type 508D. The rear axle is fitted with an 8x34 ring and pinion resulting in a 4.25:1 gear ratio and better acceleration.

When this car left the Ferrari factory as a rolling chassis to receive its Scaglietti coachwork, it was fitted with a temporary engine and gearbox. It was sent to Scaglietti on May 6th of 1959. On July 29th it was assembled with the correct Type 128D engine. The car was then fitted with many features including a German ZF steering gearbox with 20:1 turning ratio, a 90-liter capacity fuel tank, Abarth exhaust system, and a cooling system with a thermostat. There are covered headlights, classic wood rim Nardi steering wheel, Borrani RW 3264 chromed wire wheels, and instruments in 'Miglia' or miles, meaning this was meant for export to the United States.

It was sent to Luigi Chinetti in 1959 and later sold to Robert Bodin of New York. At some point it was in the care of Allen M. Woodall of Columbus Georgia. During the 1980s the car was treated to an extensive restoration where it was painted in red and had a tan interior. In the very early 1990s the car was offered for sale by Ron Spangler's Prancing Horse Farm for $2.4 million. David Frankel took possession of the car around 1993. It was purchased by William Jacobs in 1994 and shown at the Cavallino Classic in 1995. David Smith of Medina, Wa was the vehicles next owner in 1997.

Another restoration began in 1997 and when completed, was painted in black paint with a matching leather interior. After the restoration it was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it won a first in class in the Ferrari category. Other awards include a first in class at the Ferrari National Meet in Toronto.

John Mozart of Palo Alto, CA was the vehicles next care-taker. In August of 2007 it was brought to the Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction where it fetched an impressive $4.45 million including buyer's premium.

It was shown at the 2008 Cavallino Classic.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2008