Ferrari California T 2015 - 70 925 KM

A household name since the release of 2 models in 2009 and 2014, the name California, evocative of a gentle stroll on a sunny afternoon by the sea, first appeared in 1957 at Ferrari. To return to the roots of the California story, we need to take a step back in time, and recall the history of a certain... Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta.

Produced in the late 1950s, the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta emerged after Armando Zampiero won the 1955 Italian Sports Car Championship at the wheel of a Mercedes 300 SL. Viewed as a challenge, coachbuilders Pinin Farina and Scaglietti unveiled the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta "Tour de France" in 1956. The first of a long line of 250s destined for racing, it was offered in a road version in 1958 under the name Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet, then in a long-wheelbase (LWB) California Spyder version in 1958. The name California appears for the first time, while the name Spyder refers only to a cabriolet version of this model. A second series of short-wheelbase (SWB) versions was produced between 1960 and 1962, but only 106 examples of the 250 GT California Spyder were built (50 LWB and 56 SWB versions). A highly exclusive model much sought after by collectors, today it fetches prices in excess of several million euros at auction.

In 1966, a second Ferrari was given the California name, the Ferrari 365 California Spyder. Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, it was the first 365 of the name, more confidential than the 365 GTB/4, yet just as exclusive. Designed by Pininfarina, its chassis was based on that of the 500 Superfast, and only 14 models were produced.

42 years later, Ferrari revived its California name and unveiled the Ferrari California at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The second coupé cabriolet model from the prancing horse brand (after the 575 Superamerica), it features a retractable hardtop, a first for Ferrari. Two other new features were also introduced: it became the first Ferrari with a front V8 engine, and the first to feature the new dual-clutch transmission. Equipped with a 460 hp engine delivering 485 Nm at 5,000 rpm, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds, with a top speed of 310 km/h. With a totally rethought design, a retractable hard top and a raging V8 engine, this California offers a successful blend of sportiness and comfort, a road-going Ferrari for all, that doesn't forget its roots and knows how to make itself heard on country roads.

In 2014, an improved version called the "California T" was unveiled. With a chassis and body made entirely of aluminum, a reduced steering angle, more responsive steering and a V8 engine revised to 560 hp, it surpasses its forebear and offers the best of Ferrari in a 2+2 convertible coupe. In terms of design, this California T takes up the famous pontoon-wing styling of the 250 Testa Rossa, and boasts a compact, muscular rear end, yet with an elegant character and sinuous shapes. Finally, Ferrari chose the California T, 25 years after the F40, as the new owner of a Turbo engine. Indicated by the "T" designation, the Italian brand's work on this engine gives it a musicality as powerful as it is pleasant, typical of the prancing horse.