California Dreamin'
Growing prosperity and the mild climate made California the Americans' "dreamland". Johnny von Neumann, a Ferrari dealer in California, recognised that the jet set needed a special "toy" that was completely different from the vehicles made by American manufacturers. His wish for a powerful Spyder found a receptive ear in Enzo Ferrari.
With the 250 California SWB, Ferrari created a convertible that was unrivalled in the late 1950s and was considered the benchmark for all open-top roadsters. This was thanks in no small part to the brilliant duo of Sergio Pininfarina as body designer and the no-less-renowned Sergio Scaglietti as a virtuoso metalworker.
The "Cal Spyder" was initially launched in early 1958 with a long wheelbase of 2600 mm. In 1960, a new version followed, the so-called Short Wheel Base (SWB), with a wheelbase of 2400 mm. This car was essentially identical in construction to the 250 GT/SWB Berlinetta, which was introduced in late 1959. Its famous 12-cylinder V engine now delivered a powerful 280 bhp to the tarmac. Cars for road use received a steel body, while racing cars were fitted with a lightweight aluminium body along with a larger fuel tank and an external filler neck with quick-release cap.
The Ferrari "Cal Spyder" therefore very quickly became the status symbol of what was truly the last genuine "dual-purpose car". In other words, it was equally at home on the road and on the racetrack. As a result, it achieved an almost mystical status as a successful sports car – partly due to its low production numbers, and partly as a rare and highly prized automotive beauty of unadulterated quality.
Of the 105 cars built in total between 1958 and 1963, divided into approximately 50 LWB and 55 SWB, various examples appeared on the silver screen. For their model, CMC opted for the road-going version of the SWB California Spyder, featuring covered headlights and additional bumper overriders. As a special feature, the limited model versions in blue, silver and black exterior finishes come with the factory hardtop – something Ferrari rarely offered at the time – supplied as a loose component.
CHF 1'500.-
