If you were a billionaire car enthusiast, you could fill your garage with the most desirable automobiles ever created. Fancy classics, each worth Millions of Dollars. For your collection to be complete, you would want a Duesenberg SSJ Roadster, a Bugatti Type 57, a Jaguar XK-SS, and, certainly, a vintage Ferrari.
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Of all the Ferraris ever made, the 250GT California Spyder holds a special place. Just a handful of these Scaglietti-bodied supercars -- each one slightly differing from another -- were manufactured during the late 1950s and early 1960s. VIPs of the era, international playboys, and assorted potentates were knocking on Enzo's door clamoring for one of the coveted convertibles. Many years ago, these original California Spyders ascended to the rarefied realm of multi-Million-Dollar Ferrari collectibles, securely tucked away inside gated compounds of the fabulously wealthy.
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Back in the Sixties, the breathtakingly sexy lines of the 250GT California caused sleepless nights for scores of Ferraristi. One young California designer, Mark Goyette, went on to turn the impossible dream into reality, merging the best elements of the model into the fantastic creation seen here. Sold initially as the Modena, it is estimated that between 38 and 52 examples were manufactured before the company folded. A high point in the Modena's career was a pivotal role in the cult classic "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," were it was chosen as the "hero car" over a black Porsche 930 Turbo! The Spyder, Matthew Broderick's object of desire, became the real star of this 1986 movie. Just like James Bond's Aston Martin DB5, Ferris' bright red California Spyder -- a virtual duplicate to this one -- was immortalized on the big screen.
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The Modena featured here hails from Arizona where it lived a sheltered life. Registered as a 1961 Ferrari, it had traveled a mere 29,609 miles by 2008 when it was parked. Since then it benefitted from a sensible refurbishment and has traveled another 497 miles, bringing the total mileage to slightly over 30,000.
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Although a California Spyder doesn't really need a top in California, this one features a beautifully preserved black canvas top with clear rear window and a matching, black canvas tonneau cover.
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Its arrow-straight body is finished in Ferrari's classic Rosso Corsa, and there is no hint of any rust or damage, ever. The front bumper's chrome shows its age, but the remainder of the chrome and polished aluminum brightwork shines like new. Please, accompany us while we describe the inner workings of this mind-bending sports car.
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Any self-respecting Italian steed needs a set of authentic center-lock wire wheels, which are amazing works of art with their polished alloy rims and stainless steel spokes. The ones on this car are in superb condition, and are shod with high performance Firestone Firehawk radials.
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Motorvation comes from a fuel-injected 5-litre Vee Eight, coupled to a clutchless 4-speed AOD transmission, both sourced from the Blue Oval bin. Producing an estimated 250 horses, this engine is only slighly less powerful than the Colombo power plant of the 1960s, yet a great deal more reliable and infinitely cheaper to service. Needless to say, it runs like a Swiss Rolex watch.
Let's look inside now!
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No, this is not a photo from a factory brochure, circa 1961: it's the California Spyder's world-class cockpit -- in the year 2015! The dash is dressed in a cognac pebble grain. Chrome-rimmed gauges display black faces, white pointers and numerals, and appear as stylish as the wood-and-aluminum NARDI volant. Notice the hand-fabricated, gated shifter with the traditional chromed knob and polished aluminum surround, a Ferrari option we have not seen on any other Modena.
Swell!
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Door panels, kick panels, and console feature the same exotic material as the dash. Seats have been richly clothed in glove soft, aromatic, tan leather, just like you would expect from an expensive Italian antique. Red wool carpeting adds to the luxurious feel.
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The Modena is currently registered -- tags are valid 'til November of 2016 -- and ready to be driven anywhere, across the country if that's where you live.
Let's check out the trunk!
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Sizeable luggage compartment features matching carpeting, in flawless condition.
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The car's undercarriage is so clean, you could eat off of it! The car's proprietary tubular frame is superbly finished and features a 4-link rear suspension with Panhard bar as well as fully adjustable coil overs on all corners. Large, four-wheel disc brakes ensure superb stopping capability and the free-flow dual exhaust system still looks new. Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view |
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Above photos showing the undercarriage in more detail.
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Having finished the physical inspection, let's get on with the visceral part of the day!
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No, an Italian Diva she's not. The California Spyder starts up and runs completely untemperamental, with an attitude, of course. The car features power brakes and power steering to ease the driver's work load. Turn a dash knob, and you'll instantly enjoy air conditioning or heat as needed.
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Best of all, the Spyder's light weight, combined with the torque monster below the hood, result in a uniquely exhilarating driving experience. Keep up the revs, and, thanks to its specially tuned exhaust, the Commendatore's favorite music is trumpeting forth from its quadruple pipes.
It's an unequalled adventure!
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Returning home, we are mightily impressed by the Spyder's perfect combination of ferocious power and civilized road manners. On the highway, the car garners more respect and adulation than any vehicle we've ever owned. In a nutshell, it has the multi-Million Dollar look and performance to match. If you've been contemplating the purchase of a Porsche Speedster or AC Cobra, you might want to reconsider: they're all too common nowadays, while the 250GT Spyder California Modena is in a class all by its own. The only comparable replica perhaps might be one of Toni Ostermeier's Mercedes Benz 300SL Roadsters, which are virtually impossible to find, and, if one should turn up, set you back $200,000.00-plus!
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A coveted supercar that can be driven daily without worries, this car also offers a stellar appreciation potential. Only once in a blue moon will you find one of these über-rare, hand-built Modena Spyders on the market. If you'd like to become the proud owner of the most famous Farrari of all time, here's a unique opportunity.
Ciao, bella!
You are most welcome to inspect this fine automobile at our location in Ventura, by appointment, or have someone inspect it for you.
Please, direct all inquiries to bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at 805-653-5551.
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