1959 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider LWB Competizione

   

1959 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider LWB Competizione

From Seller:

Frame: 508D
Engine: 128D
Gear Box # 272DR
Rear Axle # 567D
Rear Axle Ratio: 7.32
Internal Engine # 0548D

Designed for export to America, the California Spyder was Scaglietti's interpretation of an open-top Gran Turismo Car.

The road that led to the California Spyder was not direct or logical.

Instead it was more of an idea fueled by a few Ferrari enthusiasts.

West Coast Ferrari dealer, Johnny von Neumann believed an open-top Ferrari would cater to his California customers who regularly drove cars with the top down.

The idea for the California Spyder was thus put forth by Luigi Chinetti to Ferrari and subsequently a prototype was created.

Of the approximately 51 Long Wheelbase (LWB) Californias made, at least 10 were built for competition and nine of these were made with aluminum bodies. 1627GT was one of them.

This rare California Spyder features a tipo 508 D frame, one of nine created.

1627GT is also one of the initial California Spyders to be equipped with disc brakes, an innovation for its time.

The car is fitted with covered headlights, and the legendary V-12 128D engine, upgraded from its predecessor, the 128C.

At 7000 rpm, the car has a horsepower of 240HP.

Special features include a factory ordered lack of side vents in the front fenders and the double finish of red over red hides and a black soft top.

Installed with a 2600 mm wheelbase; 1627GT was made as a competition car.

The engine has never been removed from the car and 1627GT contains the last inside plug Ferrari engine ever built.

From Twitter