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Classic Cars

250 California: Ferrari’s Westcoast Cruiser

After the US importer Luigi Chinetti paves the way for Ferrari in America, the major Ferrari dealer and motorsport enthusiast John von Neumann votes for a very sporty and purist Spider – perfect for his West Coast clientele.

  • Photos
    Ferrari S.p.A.

The Americans love Ferrari – but also their track days and other racing events. That’s why the solvent gentlemen drivers among them would also like to race in their open-top Ferrari – but the 250 GT Cabriolet presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1957 is too comfortable for them. So the idea for a semi-puristic Spider is born: Carozzeria Scaglietti – the design and bodywork company founded in 1951 is fully taken over by Ferrari in 1977 – uses the chassis of the 250 GT Berlinetta as a basis. The di‘fference between the Spider and Cabriolet, which are then built at the same time: The Cabriolet has a somewhat more functional design, has a larger trunk and a more comfortable interior.

The Spider is initially available with a long wheelbase (2,600 mm) from 1958 to 1960. A hardtop is available for all versions. Around 200 cabriolets are produced, while only 46 of the long-wheelbase spiders are built. All are equipped with a V12 and around 240 hp – according to Ferrari, this is enough for a top speed of 252 km/h. The LWB series is followed by another series with a short wheelbase and 280 hp from 1960 to 1962. 

Today, every Spider is worth more than just gold ...

250 California (1957)

  • Engine
    V12
  • Displacement
    2,953 cc
  • Power
    176 KW (240 HP) at 7,000 RPM
  • Max. Torque
    N.A.
  • Weight
    1,050 kg
  • 0-100 km/h
    N.A.
  • Top Speed
    252 km/h

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