Ferrari 250 California LWB Spyder

Ferrari 250 California LWB Spyder

Engine: Tipo 168/61 Colombo V12
Displacement: 2,953 cc
Power output: 280 bhp at 7,200 RPM
Torque: 240 lb-ft at 5,500 RPM
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Suspension: Independent front and rear, coil springs
Brakes: Disc brakes all around
Steering: Worm and sector
Top speed: 240 km/h (150 mph)
Acceleration: 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.1 seconds
Wheelbase: 2,600 mm (102.4 in)
Length: 4,320 mm (170 in)
Width: 1,710 mm (67 in)
Height: 1,150 mm (45 in)
Curb weight: 976 kg (2,152 lb)
Body style: 2-seater spider
Construction: Steel tube frame with aluminum body panels
Production years: 1957-1963
Total production: 106 units

When Ferrari replaced their 250 Cabriolet Series I with a more luxurious Series II version, Luigi Chinetti convinced Ferrari to continue on with a more sporting version called the California Spyder.

Despite the new name, almost everything from the Series I Cabriolet was used, with only minor details such as larger rear taillights and an optionally-available hard top. Under the Pinin Farina body, little changed. The car retained the long-wheel-base 250 GT chassis with the Tipo 128D engine.

The Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder is a sports car designed by Pininfarina that combines elegance and performance on the road. With its strikingly beautiful design, this car has a timeless appeal, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The 250 GT LWB California Spyder features a 3.0-liter V-12 engine capable of producing 280 horsepower. The engine is coupled to a four-speed manual transmission that delivers smooth and responsive shifting. The car accelerates from zero to 60 mph in just 7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 145 mph.

The chassis of the car features independent front suspension and a rear live axle with semi-elliptical springs. The braking system consists of four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes that provide excellent stopping power. The car is equipped with 6.00 x 16-inch Borrani wire-spoke wheels shod with Pirelli Cinturato tires, providing exceptional grip on the road.

The exterior of the Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder is sleek and sophisticated, with its long, sweeping lines and rounded edges. The car features a large, wrap-around windshield, chrome-plated side mirrors, and a distinctive grille that adds to its charm. The body is made entirely of aluminum, making it lightweight and agile.

Inside the car, the cockpit is luxurious and comfortable, with leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The dashboard features a large speedometer and tachometer, as well as an oil pressure gauge and water temperature gauge. The car also has a push-button radio and a heater to keep passengers warm on cold days.

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of the Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder is its rarity. Only 50 were produced between 1957 and 1963, making it a highly sought-after vehicle among collectors. The car's unique combination of style, performance, and rarity makes it one of the most coveted Ferrari models in history. With its timeless design and exceptional technical specifications, the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder is a true icon of the automotive world.

Milestones

- 1957: Ferrari introduces the 250 GT California Spyder, with a long wheelbase and an open-top design
- 1960: Ferrari redesigns the California Spyder with a new body and chassis, and produces 106 examples of the 250 GT SWB (short wheelbase) California Spyder
- 1961: Ferrari produces a limited run of 56 examples of the 250 GT LWB (long wheelbase) California Spyder, with updated styling and improved performance
- 1962: The Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder is featured in the movie "The Love Bug" driven by Dean Jones
- 1963: Actor James Coburn purchases a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder and becomes a devoted enthusiast, helping to popularize the model
- 2015: A 1961 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder sells at auction for a record-breaking $18.5 million
- Present day: The Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder remains an iconic and highly sought-after collector car, with prices for well-maintained examples exceeding $10 million.

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