1957 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder

This Ferrari (serial number 0769 GT) is the prototype 250 GT Spyder California, a sporty convertible based on the 250 GT Berlinetta passo longo (long wheelbase, or LWB, which was 2600 mm). It was finished in the summer of 1957 and delivered to Ferrari's North America distributor, Luigi Chinetti, for sale to Chinetti's first business partner, George Arents, in January 1958. Like all Spyder Californias, it is equipped with a three-liter V-12 engine.

After Ferrari replaced its 250 Cabriolet Series I with the more luxurious Series II, Ferrari's two American distributors, Luigi Chinetti and John von Neumann, convinced Enzo Ferrari to build a more sporting version specifically for the American market - and the Spyder California was the results. Based on the long-wheelbase 250 GT Berlinetta, it has the 3.0-liter Tipo 128C V12 engine with an unusual reverse-pattern gearbox.

After passing through several other owners, the current caretakers purchased the car in 2012.

This 250 Long-Wheel Base California Spyder is the prototype-the first one built. It was based on the 250 GT Berlinetta passo longo (long wheelbase) and specially built at the request of the first owner and racer George Arents and North American distributor Luigi Chinetti who together convinced Enzo Ferrari that America needed a convertible sport racer. Arents guaranteed he would buy the first example if Ferrari would make the car.

Designed by Scaglietti for export to North America, the 1957 250 GT California Spyder was his interpretation of an open-top 250 GT. Aluminum was used for the hood, doors, and trunk lid with steel elsewhere for most models. It is powered by the typical 3.0 liter Tipo V12 240 hp engine.

Upon taking delivery, Arents took the car to the track after which he declared it to be the worst car to ever wear the Ferrari badge and immediately sold it.

Fortunately for American car enthusiasts, the factory paid no attention and ultimately 50 long-wheelbase chassis were built as well as 52 short-wheelbase cars. It remains one of the most popular and most collectible Ferraris ever built.