Among the many gorgeous and high-performance cars Ferrari has produced throughout its illustrious history, those from the 1960s hold a special place. This decade saw the iconic Prancing Horse dominate both racing circuits and streets, making any Ferrari from this era a remarkable sight. But for Ferraris bearing the coveted “250” designation, the significance is even greater.
While all Ferraris possess a certain allure, the 250 series houses some of the most sought-after models. Even within this elite group, a select few stand out due to their rarity, condition, and historical importance. One such car is the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider.
A symbol of Californian sunshine and high-octane performance, the 1957 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider was born from the desire to create a glamorous open-top sports car for the American market.
Drawing inspiration from the race-winning Ferrari Tour de France Berlinetta, the California Spider offered a thrilling combination of everyday usability and racetrack prowess.
The initial long-wheelbase (LWB) version boasted a 3.0 liter V12 engine churning out 240 horsepower, propelling the car to a top speed of over 150 miles per hour. After crafting 50 LWB examples, Ferrari revealed a further-refined iteration in 1960: the 250 GT SWB California Spider.
A rare gem among even the highly coveted Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spiders, this particular car boasts a unique black interior and dashboard layout, setting it apart from all others. Even more exceptional are the coveted features it packs: covered headlights, a factory hardtop, and a powerhouse Tipo 168 3-liter V12 engine one of only three Spiders ever to receive this competition-spec mill.
This 280-horsepower beast, paired with a 4-speed gearbox, promises an exhilarating driving experience. With a well-documented history and just five owners since its debut, this Ferrari holds a special place in automotive history. The most recent owner cherished it for the past 16 years, and now it seeks a new custodian to carry on its legacy.
Certified by Ferrari Classiche, this car remains stunningly original, boasting a numbers-matching engine, gearbox, and rear axle. In pristine condition and brimming with significance, this is a truly unmissable opportunity for a discerning collector.
