Think ‘California Spider’ (with an i) and images of Alain Delon, Steve McQueen and James Coburn in their 250 GTs probably spring to mind. But there was another, even more exclusive Ferrari California Spyder (this one with a y) in the 1960s – the 365…
California dreaming
Based on the chassis of the ultra-luxurious 500 Superfast, just 14 Ferrari 365 California Spyders were built, and offered to a select number of the company’s most important clients. The striking bodywork was styled by Pininfarina, and was radically different from (and probably less universally adored than) that of its renowned forebear. We happen to love the design, especially such intricate aspects as the integrated door handles, the Jet-Age inspired door mirrors and the traditional egg-crate front grille. This particular example was imported to America by Luigi Chinetti Motors, and remained Stateside until recently, when it returned to Europe and entered a significant collection. It’s now offered for sale with Classic Driver dealer Fiskens, on whose stand at Rétromobile last weekit proved particularly popular. One of the last coach-built Ferraris, this 365 California Spyder is a sure-fire way of standing out on the concours lawn.
Photos: Fiskens
You can find Fiskens’ entire inventory, as well as hundreds of other Ferraris listed for sale in the Classic Driver Market.
