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1963 Ferrari 250 GT California

The Ferrari 250 GT SWB California was based upon the 250 GT Tour de France and given characteristics closer to that of a racing car than its more luxurious stablemates - the 250 GT PF Cabriolet. The intended clientele was young, well-heeled American enthusiasts who were seeking a stylish sports car that could perform on either the road or the track. It was given a swept-back windscreen, a lightweight folding top, minimal interior appointments, and supportive competition-inspired bucket seats. The early cars rested upon the long-wheelbase chassis (LWB) which is shared with the 250 GT Tour de France Berlinetta and Series I Cabriolet. In late 1959, the California Spider received disc brakes and tubular shock absorbers.

1963 Ferrari 250 GT California photo
Convertible
Chassis #: 4013GT
View info and history
Several examples of the LWB California Spyder were factory-equipped with competition features such as aluminum coachwork, high-lift camshafts, and long-range fuel tanks with outside fillers. Racing accomplishments included a 5th Place finish at Le Mans, a class win at Sebring, and many victories in SCCA B-production events.

In 1960, Ferrari introduced the short-wheelbase (SWB) Berlinetta and a short time later, the California Spyder was thoroughly redesigned to complement its new stablemate. It received a much more sophisticated chassis, a more refined suspension, standard four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes, and new outside-plug Tipo 168 and 168/61 engines. The exterior received curvaceous front fenders and muscular rear haunches. The interior was much more luxuriously trimmed and refined than the earlier LWB California Spiders. Wool carpeting replaced rubber floor mats, stitched leather took the place of wrinkle-finish paint on the dashboard, and the seats were redesigned.

Several examples of the SWB California Spider raced at major European events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Targa Florio.

1963 Ferrari 250 GT California photo
Convertible
Chassis #: 4013GT
View info and history
Between 1957 and 1963, Ferrari built 106 250 GT California Spiders. 50 of those were the LWB version and 56 of the final SWB variant.


by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2019

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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1963 Ferrari 250 GT California Vehicle Profiles

1963 Ferrari 250 GT California vehicle information
Convertible

Chassis #: 4487
Engine #: 3635

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

$100-$12,940
1963 250 GT California
$12,940-$20,666
1963 Ferrari 250 GT California Base Price : $12,940

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Other 1963 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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