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1959 Ferrari 250 GT California

Ferrari's burgeoning reputation and racing success birthed a market for its road cars which in turn provided the necessary funds for the company to continue competing at the highest level of motorsports. One of the most lucrative markets was the North American audience, and from the earliest days, largely through the efforts of Luigi Chinetti and importers like John von Neumann on the West Coast, Ferrari's reputation for fast and elegant automobiles was as strong in the U.S. as in Europe. Chinetti demonstrated the cars' performance through his North American Racing Team (N.A.R.T.) and the equips of Von Neumann, Parravano and others, exploited the fertile American market for Ferrari's racing cars. Models were developed specifically for N.A. racing, including the two-liter Monzas and Mondials, which attracted wealthy amateur (and some professional) drivers. This led to niche models built in small series, combining brilliant designs and exceptional performance which emphasized the synergy among Ferrari's gifted designer and coachbuilders, notably Pinin Farina and Scaglietti. One such model was the California Spider, built between 1957 and 1962, with just 50 examples of the original long-wheelbase (LWB) ('passo lungo') and 56 of the later short-wheelbase (SWB) variant ('passo corto'). Each example of the California Spider embodies its own aesthetic and technical distinctions, but all were built on the contemporary 250 GT chassis and feature stylish coachwork by Carrozzeria Scaglietti.

1959 Ferrari 250 GT California photo
Spyder by Scaglietti
Chassis #: 1489GT
Engine #: 1489GT
View info and history
Auction entries : 2
The Ferrari 250 GT California Spider was marketed as a true dual-purpose sports car, although only a few left the factory in race-ready trim. Approximately ten of the original 50 LWB California Spiders were fitted with competition features, including tuned engines, ribbed-alloy gearboxes, limited-slip differentials, long-range fuel tanks, and lightweight all-alloy bodywork. Even fewer of the SWB California were similarly equipped. Despite the lack of direct factory support, the California Spider achieved impressive results in racing and was highly competitive in the SCCA's B- and C-Production classes between 1959 and 1961. They earned numerous class wins at major venues including Bridgehampton, Nassau, Watkins Glen, and the 12 Hours of Sebring.

The California Spider rested on the 508D chassis, a highly developed version of the original 250 GT steel tubular frame, with open coachwork. Designed by Pinin Farina and constructed by Scaglietti, it could be ordered with covered or open headlights. Aluminum was used for the trunk lid, doors, and hood, with steel elsewhere for most models. Racing versions were typically clothed with aluminum bodies. Double wishbones suspended the chassis and used a live axle at the rear, with drum brakes fitted at all four corners. Some examples received disc brakes. The engine was the same as in the 250 Tour de France racing car with up to 240 horsepower at 7,000 RPM in standard 'road-going' guise and a maximum torque of 195 lb-ft at 5,000 RPM. Racing versions produced upwards of 280 horsepower. The Colombo-designed unit displaced 2,953cc and featured single overhead camshafts, 2 valves per cylinder, a 60-degree angle, three-Weber carburetors, and twelve cylinders.

Although expensive and exclusive, the California Spyder was more 'sport' than 'luxury,' and was devoid of common luxury amenities including a fold-down roof like Ferrari's 'regular' production Cabriolet. A hardtop was optional, however. Its open-air cruising was perfectly suited for the 'California' climate and its well-endowed sporting characteristics made it enjoyable for exploring the ample twists and turns the road had to offer. Handling improved when, in 1959, Ferrari gave the 250 GT Berlinetta a reduced wheelbase from 2,600mm to 2,400mm. In 1960, the short wheelbase version (SWB) of the 250 GT California Spyder was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show, with styling updated to reflect the shorter platform, along with lowering the body by 30mm.

1959 Ferrari 250 GT California photo
Spyder by Scaglietti
Chassis #: 1489GT
Engine #: 1489GT
View info and history
Auction entries : 2
Like the 250 GT Berlinetta SWB, the Spyder received disc brakes and a 280 horsepower version of the three-liter V12. While the LWB rested on 185VR16 tires, the SWB received 185VR15 Pirelli Cinturato tires. Styling updates included a lower hood scoop and vents on the sides of the front fenders.

When production of the 250 GT California Spyder came to a close, Ferrari did not offer a replacement for the 'minimalistic' roadster. The company would, however, use the California moniker on several occasions since then.

The California Spyder ranks among the most recognizable and beloved sports cars of all time.


by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2021

Related Reading : Ferrari 250 GT History

Production of the 250 Series began in 1954 and continued on through the early part of the 1960s. There were numerous variations of the 250 and would ultimately become Ferraris most successful line of vehicles to date. The 250 is also recognized as the first Ferrari to ever receive disc brakes. This did not take place until the end of the 1950s. Also, the 250 was the first four-seater. Ferraris....
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1959 Ferrari 250 GT California Vehicle Profiles

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Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

$590-$16,800
1959 250 GT California
$16,800-$22,750
1959 Ferrari 250 GT California Base Price : $16,800

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Other 1959 Ferrari Models

250 GT SWB California

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
102.36 in.
12 cyl., 180.20 CID., 240.00hp
$16,800 - $16,800
94.50 in., 102.30 in.
12 cyl., 180.20 CID., 240.00hp
$12,600 - $12,600
94.50 in.
12 cyl., 180.00 CID., 240.00hp
$13,600 - $13,600
94.50 in.
12 cyl., 180.00 CID., 240.00hp
$12,940 - $12,940

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