This is the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider by Scaglietti (chassis 1203 GT). The 250 series (1952-1964) includes Ferrari’s greatest racing and GT cars, and the 250 GT California Spider was introduced in 1957, designed specifically to appeal to American buyers, particularly in California. John von Neumann, a Ferrari importer, proposed a dual-use Ferrari, leading to the creation of the California Spider, with Luigi Chinetti’s support. Designed by Sergio Scaglietti, the California’s design influenced automotive styling worldwide. In 1960, the model adopted the 250 GT Berlinetta SWB chassis for a more compact, muscular design, with the SWB and LWB versions differing in hood air intake. Initially, 50 LWB California Spiders were built before transitioning to the SWB platform. Completed in January 1959, this Ferrari featured an uprated competition engine, Borletti instruments, and was shipped to New York in ‘Blu Genziana’ with a beige leather interior. In 1965, the car was sold, repainted, and showcased at the 1966 Ferrari Club of America meet. In 1968, it was sold again, remaining with its owner for 15 years and being featured at the 1972 Prancing Horse and the 1981 Meadowbrook Concours d’Elegance. After passing through several collectors, it was acquired in 2011, undergoing a high-quality restoration with a re-coating in Amaranto and reupholstery in Saddle leather. Certified by Ferrari Classiche in 2013, the car won awards at the Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance, was featured in Auto Italia and Cavallino, and earned accolades at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. It was further distinguished at The Quail in 2017, the Pebble Beach Concours Ferrari 70th Anniversary exhibit, and won a Platinum Award at the 2018 Cavallino Classic. Powered by Ferrari’s ‘Colombo’ twelve-cylinder engine, it was sold at auction during the 2023 Amelia Island @rmsothebys auction.
How many made? 1 of 30 steel-bodied cars with covered headlights and the 17th of 50 of it’s kind built
Engine: 2,953 cc 12-cylinder (Type 168)
Debut: 1957 as a long-wheel-base model (LWB)
Top Speed: around 145mph
0-60mph: around 7 seconds
Photo Credit: @am_media_ny
Research: @rarecarsonly
1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider by Scaglietti
22.04.2025
Ferrari