Description
The Ferrari 365 Spyder California was the last and rarest evolution of Ferrari’s California Spyder lineage, produced between 1966 and 1967 in extremely limited numbers. It followed the celebrated 250 GT California Spyder models, but was based on the larger and more powerful 365 series chassis, giving it a distinctive position as both a luxury grand tourer and an exclusive open-top sports car.
Under the bonnet, it featured the Colombo-designed 4,390 cc V12 engine, producing around 320 horsepower. This provided a significant increase in torque and top-end performance compared to its 3.0-litre predecessors, allowing the car to reach speeds in excess of 240 km/h while delivering strong, effortless acceleration. The engine was paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, offering smooth high-speed cruising as well as responsive gear changes for spirited driving.
Stylistically, the 365 Spyder California retained the long, elegant proportions of earlier California Spyders, but Pininfarina refined the design with a slightly more modern interpretation. It featured a longer wheelbase, subtly reshaped body panels, a revised front grille, and more integrated bumpers. The car’s profile was sleek and flowing, with a long bonnet, low windscreen, and classic wire wheels, while the open cockpit provided the quintessential Italian grand touring experience.
The interior was luxuriously appointed by Ferrari standards of the era, with leather upholstery, wood-rimmed steering wheel, and a clear, driver-focused dashboard. Like its predecessors, the 365 Spyder California was aimed at buyers who valued exclusivity, style, and the ability to cover long distances at high speed with the top down.
Production was extremely limited — only 14 examples were built — making it one of the rarest post-war Ferraris. Each was individually finished, often to its owner’s personal specification, further enhancing its uniqueness.
Today, the Ferrari 365 Spyder California is regarded as one of the most desirable open Ferraris ever made, combining the elegance of the California Spyder name with the power and refinement of Ferrari’s larger-displacement V12. Its rarity and historical significance ensure it remains a centerpiece in some of the world’s most prestigious collections.