Description
The Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder is one of the most iconic and desirable open-top sports cars ever produced, blending Ferrari’s race-bred engineering with stunning Pininfarina design and open-air glamour. Designed primarily for the American market, the California Spyder was created at the request of Ferrari’s West Coast importer, Luigi Chinetti, who saw demand among his wealthy clientele for a stylish convertible with real performance credentials.
Introduced in 1957, the California Spyder was based on the 250 GT chassis and powered by Ferrari’s legendary 3.0-liter Colombo V12 engine. This engine, depending on configuration and series, produced between 240 and 280 horsepower. It was paired with a four-speed manual gearbox and offered excellent performance, with top speeds of around 230 to 250 km/h. The engine’s smooth delivery and high-revving nature made the California Spyder as capable on the track as it was on the coastal roads of its namesake.
The car was built in two primary versions: the long-wheelbase (LWB) and the short-wheelbase (SWB) models. The LWB version, with a 2600 mm wheelbase, was produced from 1957 to 1960 and was more of a luxurious grand tourer, though several were raced in events like Le Mans and Sebring. The SWB version, introduced in 1960 with a 2400 mm wheelbase, brought sharper handling and greater performance, narrowing the gap between road car and competition machine.
Bodywork for both versions was designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti. The California Spyder featured a long, low hood, covered or open headlamps (depending on the version), a simple egg-crate grille, and a sleek, balanced rear. The design was elegant and timeless, emphasizing both speed and grace. The SWB version in particular had a more muscular, purposeful stance while retaining the classic proportions of the earlier car.
The interior was equally refined, featuring leather bucket seats, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and a dash filled with Jaeger or Veglia instruments. While the cabin was sport-focused, it retained the comfort expected of a top-tier Italian grand tourer.
In total, only 106 California Spyders were built—about 50 LWB and 56 SWB examples—making them exceptionally rare. Many were customized to order, so variations exist in trim, lighting, and equipment. Some SWB versions were even fitted with competition features like lightweight alloy bodies and high-lift camshafts, further enhancing their performance.
Today, the Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder is among the most valuable and collectible Ferraris ever made. Its combination of beauty, rarity, performance, and cultural cachet—helped in part by appearances in films and celebrity ownership—has made it a symbol of classic motoring excellence. It represents the perfect blend of open-air glamour and genuine racing pedigree that defined Ferrari during its golden era.