California Spider
Except otherwise stated, all results below include the premium.
See also : Cars 1958-59 Cars 1960s Cars 1960-61 Cars 1962-63 Cars in movies
Chronology : 1959
List and history of cars by barchetta.cc : LWB, SWB.
See also : Cars 1958-59 Cars 1960s Cars 1960-61 Cars 1962-63 Cars in movies
Chronology : 1959
List and history of cars by barchetta.cc : LWB, SWB.
Intro
Concerned about competition, Enzo Ferrari was not interested in convertibles, but he could not ignore these sports cars that will be necessary to the profitability of his business. He includes in his catalog in 1957 the Ferrari 250 GT Pinin Farina Cabriolet which will bring a great commercial success. In the same year, the improvement of the 250 GT chassis is primarily intended for competition berlinettas with the model later known as TdF.
Two dealers, Von Neumann in California and Chinetti in New York, consider that the new Ferraris do not respond to the desires of the American market. The Cabriolet Pinin Farina targets a clientele of billionaires and should not be compared with a sports car. The berlinetta interposes its hardtop between its seaters and the Californian sun. It is even more unfortunate when considering that celebrities enjoy the convertibles for better agglutinating the paparazzi around the luxury and elegance of their privileged lives.
Both manage to convince Ferrari to assemble a convertible on the new frame, for the wealthy American customers wishing to have a vehicle usable altogether for city and sport.
Enzo remains reluctant but is pragmatic. If Scaglietti, the coachbuilder who was assembling the TdF, does not make this Speciale, the customers will commission him to transform their berlinettas and Ferrari will lose the commercial control of this model.
In December 1957, however, he releases a prototype that meets the demands of his US partners. Scaglietti had used the same chassis model to build a cabriolet, without bringing other technical innovations. Nevertheless this car intended for an American use already includes the option of covered headlamps, prohibited in Italy.
The prototype was delivered in January 1958 to a customer in Florida via Chinetti. It was re-united in 2005 with its original Colombo V-12 3 litre engine. It was sold for $ 7.3M on August 16, 2025 by Gooding Christie's, lot 138, and is illustrated in first position in a pre sale release by the auction house, and in the video.
The new 250 GT is finally announced as a separate model in December 1958, under the name Ferrari 250 Granturismo Spyder California which can be abbreviated as Ferrari 250 California. The term 'cabriolet' is carefully avoided to maintain the sales of the very expensive 250 GT Cabriolet Pinin Farina. The word Spyder, with a Y like for the Porsche Spyder, appeals new customers who desire a dual use in road and competition. This model will soon be known as Ferrari 250 GT California Spider.
Scaglietti begins assembling a series in June 1958 with an average rate of two cars per month, without making any other prototype.
The new 250 GT is finally announced as a separate model in December 1958, under the name Ferrari 250 Granturismo Spyder California which can be abbreviated as Ferrari 250 California. The term 'cabriolet' is carefully avoided to maintain the sales of the very expensive 250 GT Cabriolet Pinin Farina. The word Spyder, with a Y like for the Porsche Spyder, appeals new customers who desire a dual use in road and competition. This model will soon be known as Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider.
Built in November 1958, a California Spider was sold for $ 10M by Gooding on August 16, 2019, lot 44. It is driven by David Gooding in the video shared by the auction house.
The 14th and last California Spider of the first production was sold for $ 6M by RM Sotheby's on August 20, 2022, lot 339. Its engine is in matching numbers. It is accompanied by a color matched red hardtop.
Two dealers, Von Neumann in California and Chinetti in New York, consider that the new Ferraris do not respond to the desires of the American market. The Cabriolet Pinin Farina targets a clientele of billionaires and should not be compared with a sports car. The berlinetta interposes its hardtop between its seaters and the Californian sun. It is even more unfortunate when considering that celebrities enjoy the convertibles for better agglutinating the paparazzi around the luxury and elegance of their privileged lives.
Both manage to convince Ferrari to assemble a convertible on the new frame, for the wealthy American customers wishing to have a vehicle usable altogether for city and sport.
Enzo remains reluctant but is pragmatic. If Scaglietti, the coachbuilder who was assembling the TdF, does not make this Speciale, the customers will commission him to transform their berlinettas and Ferrari will lose the commercial control of this model.
In December 1957, however, he releases a prototype that meets the demands of his US partners. Scaglietti had used the same chassis model to build a cabriolet, without bringing other technical innovations. Nevertheless this car intended for an American use already includes the option of covered headlamps, prohibited in Italy.
The prototype was delivered in January 1958 to a customer in Florida via Chinetti. It was re-united in 2005 with its original Colombo V-12 3 litre engine. It was sold for $ 7.3M on August 16, 2025 by Gooding Christie's, lot 138, and is illustrated in first position in a pre sale release by the auction house, and in the video.
The new 250 GT is finally announced as a separate model in December 1958, under the name Ferrari 250 Granturismo Spyder California which can be abbreviated as Ferrari 250 California. The term 'cabriolet' is carefully avoided to maintain the sales of the very expensive 250 GT Cabriolet Pinin Farina. The word Spyder, with a Y like for the Porsche Spyder, appeals new customers who desire a dual use in road and competition. This model will soon be known as Ferrari 250 GT California Spider.
Scaglietti begins assembling a series in June 1958 with an average rate of two cars per month, without making any other prototype.
The new 250 GT is finally announced as a separate model in December 1958, under the name Ferrari 250 Granturismo Spyder California which can be abbreviated as Ferrari 250 California. The term 'cabriolet' is carefully avoided to maintain the sales of the very expensive 250 GT Cabriolet Pinin Farina. The word Spyder, with a Y like for the Porsche Spyder, appeals new customers who desire a dual use in road and competition. This model will soon be known as Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider.
Built in November 1958, a California Spider was sold for $ 10M by Gooding on August 16, 2019, lot 44. It is driven by David Gooding in the video shared by the auction house.
The 14th and last California Spider of the first production was sold for $ 6M by RM Sotheby's on August 20, 2022, lot 339. Its engine is in matching numbers. It is accompanied by a color matched red hardtop.
Legacy for the brand of the Ferrari 250 GT California Spider.
The Ferrari 250 GT California Spider stands as one of the most iconic and enduring models in Ferrari's history, embodying the brand's golden era of grand touring cars in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Produced in limited numbers—approximately 106 examples total (around 50 long-wheelbase (LWB) versions from 1957–1960 and 56 short-wheelbase (SWB) from 1960–1963)—it was created at the urging of U.S. importers Luigi Chinetti and John von Neumann to target affluent American enthusiasts seeking a high-performance open-top sports car suited to sunny California drives.
Designed by Scaglietti with elegant, flowing lines inspired by the 250 GT Berlinetta "Tour de France," it combined race-bred performance (powered by a 3.0-liter Colombo V12 producing up to 280 hp in SWB form) with convertible luxury, distinguishing it from the more touring-oriented Pininfarina Cabriolet. Many examples competed successfully, including class wins and strong overall finishes at events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and 12 Hours of Sebring, underscoring Ferrari's dual-purpose ethos of road and track capability.
Its legacy for the Ferrari brand is profound:
The Ferrari 250 GT California Spider stands as one of the most iconic and enduring models in Ferrari's history, embodying the brand's golden era of grand touring cars in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Produced in limited numbers—approximately 106 examples total (around 50 long-wheelbase (LWB) versions from 1957–1960 and 56 short-wheelbase (SWB) from 1960–1963)—it was created at the urging of U.S. importers Luigi Chinetti and John von Neumann to target affluent American enthusiasts seeking a high-performance open-top sports car suited to sunny California drives.
Designed by Scaglietti with elegant, flowing lines inspired by the 250 GT Berlinetta "Tour de France," it combined race-bred performance (powered by a 3.0-liter Colombo V12 producing up to 280 hp in SWB form) with convertible luxury, distinguishing it from the more touring-oriented Pininfarina Cabriolet. Many examples competed successfully, including class wins and strong overall finishes at events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and 12 Hours of Sebring, underscoring Ferrari's dual-purpose ethos of road and track capability.
Its legacy for the Ferrari brand is profound:
- Timeless design icon — Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful Ferraris ever made, it influenced subsequent open-top models and cemented Scaglietti's reputation for coachbuilding.
- Cultural phenomenon — The car's fame exploded with its starring role (via replicas) in the 1986 film Ferris Bueller's Day Off, where it symbolized ultimate aspiration and freedom, introducing Ferrari to generations beyond enthusiasts and boosting the brand's pop culture appeal.
- Collector pinnacle — Rarity and desirability have made it a benchmark for value, with examples routinely fetching eight- and nine-figure sums at auction. A 1961 SWB Competizione sold for a record $25.3 million in 2025, highlighting its status as automotive royalty.
- Brand heritage — It revived the "California" nameplate for modern Ferraris (e.g., California, Portofino, Roma Spider), perpetuating the association with glamorous, performance-oriented convertibles.
Spider or Spyder ?
The Ferrari 250 GT California (commonly referred to as the 250 GT California Spyder or 250 California) uses both "Spider" and "Spyder" spellings in various contexts, but the most accurate and widely accepted modern usage is Spyder (with a "y").Official and Historical Nomenclature
- Ferrari's own contemporary documentation and build records from the era (1957–1963) often used Spyder (the anglicized spelling), especially for export markets like the United States, where the car was targeted (inspired by California sun and demand from West Coast importers like John von Neumann).
- The full official name is typically Ferrari 250 Gran Turismo Spyder California or simply Ferrari 250 California (with "Spyder" as the body style descriptor).
- On Ferrari's current official website (ferrari.com), the heritage page lists it as the 250 California and describes it as a "two-seater spider" (using "spider" with an "i" in the technical specs), but this reflects modern Italian-influenced spelling. Historical brochures, factory records, and period marketing leaned toward Spyder.
- Spider (with "i") is the standard Italian spelling for "spider" (as in the arachnid or convertible body style, from the old horse-drawn phaeton carriages).
- Spyder (with "y") is an anglicized variant popularized in English-speaking markets, especially for American exports. It was common in 1950s–1960s Ferrari nomenclature for certain models (e.g., the 250 GT California Spyder, some earlier references to the Daytona Spyder).
- Ferrari shifted toward Spider (Italian spelling) starting around the 348/355 era in the late 1980s/1990s, and modern Ferraris (e.g., F8 Spider, Roma Spider) use "Spider."
- For the classic 250 GT California specifically:
- Auction houses (RM Sotheby's, Gooding & Company), major collectors, Wikipedia, and most Ferrari historians consistently use Spyder (with "y").
- Enthusiast forums (e.g., FerrariChat) and books note that the 250 California was designated "Spyder" in period, distinguishing it from later models that adopted "Spider."
- Pop culture (e.g., its fame in Ferris Bueller's Day Off) often calls it the "California Spyder."
- Use Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder (with "y") when referring to this specific 1957–1963 model—it's the most precise, historically faithful, and commonly accepted term in English-language collector, auction, and enthusiast circles.
- Spider (with "i") is not wrong (especially in Italian contexts or modern Ferrari branding), but Spyder better honors the car's original export-oriented naming and era-specific convention.
- Short forms like 250 California or Cal Spyder are also very common and unambiguous.
Special Report
The Ferrari 250 Platform
The Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder (also known as the 250 California or 250 GT Spyder California) represents an important evolution within Ferrari's legendary "250" family during the late 1950s and early 1960s. While not a direct successor to the 250 Testa Rossa (a pure racing prototype/sports racer), it drew significant technical and conceptual inspiration from the racing success of the 250 series, including the TR, as Ferrari transitioned racing technology into more road-oriented grand tourers. The California Spyder was developed to meet strong demand from American customers (particularly in California) for a sporty, open-top convertible that balanced grand touring luxury with competitive potential—bridging the gap between pure racers like the Testa Rossa and more civilized GTs.
Key Context: The 250 Family Platform
All major 250 models shared the foundational Colombo V12 engine (initially 2,953 cc, producing 240–300+ hp depending on tune) and tubular chassis elements refined through racing. The 250 Testa Rossa (1957–1961, ~34 built) was Ferrari's frontline 3.0-liter sports prototype racer under new FIA rules, dominating events like Le Mans, Sebring, and the World Sportscar Championship with its lightweight construction, pontoon-fender Scaglietti body, and high-revving power.This racing prowess elevated the entire 250 lineup's reputation, allowing Ferrari to apply proven components (engine, suspension, brakes) to customer cars. The 250 GT Berlinetta "Tour de France" (TdF, 1956–1959) served as the immediate technical bridge: a road/race grand tourer with a longer 2.60-meter wheelbase, independent front suspension, and live rear axle options.
Development of the 250 GT California Spyder
Key Context: The 250 Family Platform
All major 250 models shared the foundational Colombo V12 engine (initially 2,953 cc, producing 240–300+ hp depending on tune) and tubular chassis elements refined through racing. The 250 Testa Rossa (1957–1961, ~34 built) was Ferrari's frontline 3.0-liter sports prototype racer under new FIA rules, dominating events like Le Mans, Sebring, and the World Sportscar Championship with its lightweight construction, pontoon-fender Scaglietti body, and high-revving power.This racing prowess elevated the entire 250 lineup's reputation, allowing Ferrari to apply proven components (engine, suspension, brakes) to customer cars. The 250 GT Berlinetta "Tour de France" (TdF, 1956–1959) served as the immediate technical bridge: a road/race grand tourer with a longer 2.60-meter wheelbase, independent front suspension, and live rear axle options.
Development of the 250 GT California Spyder
- Origins (1957–1958): The idea stemmed from U.S. Ferrari importers Luigi Chinetti (East Coast) and John von Neumann (West Coast/California), who saw demand for a more aggressive, open convertible than the elegant but softer 250 GT Cabriolet Series I (Pinin Farina-bodied). They wanted something sportier, inspired by the TdF Berlinetta's chassis and the racing 250s' performance. Ferrari agreed, tasking Sergio Scaglietti to design and build the body at his Modena works.
- Launch: Prototype shown in late 1957; series production began in Q2 1958.
- Chassis and Mechanicals: Built on the long-wheelbase (LWB) TdF platform (2.60 m wheelbase), sharing the same tubular frame, suspension layout, and Colombo V12 (Tipo 128 series, ~240–260 hp initially). Brakes evolved from drums to discs in some examples. This directly echoed racing tech from the Testa Rossa era, where similar V12 tunes and chassis refinements proved durable in endurance events.
- Body Style: Scaglietti Spyder coachwork—open two-seater with a low windshield, sculpted fenders, and a more muscular, purposeful stance than the Cabriolet. It retained some racing-inspired elements (e.g., lightweight potential) but prioritized road usability (soft top, comfortable seating).
- Evolution to SWB (1960–1963): At the 1960 Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari introduced the short-wheelbase (SWB) version (2.40 m wheelbase), adopting the chassis from the 250 GT Berlinetta SWB (a race-winning evolution of the TdF). This brought:
- Improved handling and cornering.
- Wider track, Koni shocks, disc brakes standard.
- Uprated engine (~280 hp in top tune).
- More compact, aggressive proportions. The SWB California proved surprisingly competitive in amateur racing (e.g., class wins at Sebring 1959, strong Le Mans finishes), though it was never a full factory racer like the TR.
- LWB (1958–1959/1960): ~41–50 units (mostly steel bodies; a few aluminum for competition).
- SWB (1960–1963): ~50–55 units (steel bodies standard; rare aluminum "Competizione" versions with TR-inspired engine tweaks, e.g., higher redline and ~260–280 hp).
- Total: ~100 units (split roughly evenly between LWB and SWB), making it rarer than many 250 GTs but more accessible than the ~34 Testa Rossas.
- Not a direct evolution: The TR was a dedicated front-engined prototype racer (pontoon-fender body, extreme lightweight focus, no road compromises). The California was a road-going GT convertible derived from the TdF Berlinetta lineage.
- Shared DNA: Both benefited from the same Colombo V12 evolution, chassis tech, and Scaglietti craftsmanship. Racing successes of the TR (and TdF) boosted demand for high-performance 250s, indirectly leading to models like the California. Some competition-spec Californias used engine tunes echoing TR developments (e.g., higher-output carbs/redlines).
- Market Positioning: TR = pure racing icon (values $20–40M+ today). California = glamorous, usable road/race hybrid (SWB examples often $10–20M+ at auction; famous for Ferris Bueller's Day Off fame).
- Legacy Bridge: The California helped transition Ferrari's 250 platform from hardcore racers (TR, TdF) to more refined GTs (e.g., later 250 GTO drew from SWB elements). It fulfilled "California dreaming" by offering exotic performance in an open-top package tailored for American tastes.
LWB Competizione
Intro
The California Spider Competizione cannot be considered as a separate variety. They were not supported in racing by the brand. Being assembled by hand by Scaglietti, they accepted the specific requirements of the customers. Most of them were delivered to the USA.
An LWB spider was assembled in 1959 with many competition features for an Italian amateur racing driver, replacing a slightly damaged 1956 competition TdF berlinetta. The spider was mostly raced in local hill climbs in 1959 and 1960 and finished also 5th overall at the 1959 Monza Coppa InterEuropa.
Its state of the art components include a one-off stylish steel body, the latest version of the Colombo V-12, a heat tolerant gearbox, a cold air box, a long range 136 liter fuel tank, a quick release fuel filler, and among the factory standard options the covered headlamps and the highly rare removable hardtop.
This bespoke spider retains its original chassis, body, engine and gearbox and is accompanied by its hardtop. It has been repainted in its original Italian colors, red with white and green central stripe. It was sold for $ 10.8M by Gooding on August 13, 2021, lot 36. It is illustrated in the pre sale press release. The TdF was sold for $ 5.7M by RM Sotheby's on August 20, 2016, lot 232.
A car of the same model was sold for $ 11.3M by Gooding on August 18, 2012. Made in 1960, it had been used as a show car by George Reed, Ferrari's agent in Illinois and Wisconsin. It is in excellent condition but with no racing history.
An LWB spider was assembled in 1959 with many competition features for an Italian amateur racing driver, replacing a slightly damaged 1956 competition TdF berlinetta. The spider was mostly raced in local hill climbs in 1959 and 1960 and finished also 5th overall at the 1959 Monza Coppa InterEuropa.
Its state of the art components include a one-off stylish steel body, the latest version of the Colombo V-12, a heat tolerant gearbox, a cold air box, a long range 136 liter fuel tank, a quick release fuel filler, and among the factory standard options the covered headlamps and the highly rare removable hardtop.
This bespoke spider retains its original chassis, body, engine and gearbox and is accompanied by its hardtop. It has been repainted in its original Italian colors, red with white and green central stripe. It was sold for $ 10.8M by Gooding on August 13, 2021, lot 36. It is illustrated in the pre sale press release. The TdF was sold for $ 5.7M by RM Sotheby's on August 20, 2016, lot 232.
A car of the same model was sold for $ 11.3M by Gooding on August 18, 2012. Made in 1960, it had been used as a show car by George Reed, Ferrari's agent in Illinois and Wisconsin. It is in excellent condition but with no racing history.
1
1959
2017 SOLD for $ 18M by RM Sotheby's
Designed on the 250 GT chassis as a cabriolet to please American customers, the California Spider (originally Spyder) was not expected by Ferrari to compete in endurance racing against the berlinetta nicknamed TdF built on the same chassis.
It was however tempting to push the California into the competition. Luigi Chinetti is acting between Ferrari and American customers. Having been at the origin of the California project, he obtains from Ferrari the delivery of aluminum alloy spiders bodied by Scaglietti.
In 1959 the 250 GT chassis is still in its long version which will later be identified as LWB. For the 24 hours of Le Mans in that year Chinetti and his NART team enter three Ferraris : a 250 Testa Rossa, a 250 TdF and a California Spider.
Released from the factory under pressure from Chinetti five days before Le Mans with a simple flash of paint and a far from complete interior layout, this 250 GT LWB California Spider is the second of its kind in the Competizione configuration. Driven by its first owner and a co-driver, this brand new car ends the event with a very good result : 5th overall and 3rd in class. It was afterward honorably participating in various American competitions in 1959 and 1960.
This high-end car with a competition history is still more desirable since it was restored in 2011 by Motion Products Inc., the company of Wayne Obry. It was sold for $ 18M from a lower estimate of $ 14M by RM Sotheby's on December 6, 2017, lot 141, and for $ 9.5M by Broad Arrow on March 8, 2025, lot 234. It is presented in its original silver metallic livery. The engine is in matching numbers. It is Ferrari Classiche certified. Please watch the video shared by Broad Arrow.
Ferrari and NART did not push this solution much further : eight LWB and only three SWB Spiders had been built for competition.
It was however tempting to push the California into the competition. Luigi Chinetti is acting between Ferrari and American customers. Having been at the origin of the California project, he obtains from Ferrari the delivery of aluminum alloy spiders bodied by Scaglietti.
In 1959 the 250 GT chassis is still in its long version which will later be identified as LWB. For the 24 hours of Le Mans in that year Chinetti and his NART team enter three Ferraris : a 250 Testa Rossa, a 250 TdF and a California Spider.
Released from the factory under pressure from Chinetti five days before Le Mans with a simple flash of paint and a far from complete interior layout, this 250 GT LWB California Spider is the second of its kind in the Competizione configuration. Driven by its first owner and a co-driver, this brand new car ends the event with a very good result : 5th overall and 3rd in class. It was afterward honorably participating in various American competitions in 1959 and 1960.
This high-end car with a competition history is still more desirable since it was restored in 2011 by Motion Products Inc., the company of Wayne Obry. It was sold for $ 18M from a lower estimate of $ 14M by RM Sotheby's on December 6, 2017, lot 141, and for $ 9.5M by Broad Arrow on March 8, 2025, lot 234. It is presented in its original silver metallic livery. The engine is in matching numbers. It is Ferrari Classiche certified. Please watch the video shared by Broad Arrow.
Ferrari and NART did not push this solution much further : eight LWB and only three SWB Spiders had been built for competition.
2
1959
2016 SOLD for $ 18M by Gooding
The Ferrari 250 GT California Spider in the wheel base later identified as LWB is a series of 50 sports cars produced to please American customers between 1957 and 1960. The SWB is its successor. The brand continually works to improve its products and remains attentive to specific needs, which can create significant disparities from one vehicle to another.
Nine 'LWB' were originally built for competition with a lightweight body in aluminum alloy. A California Spider 'LWB' Competizione built in 1959 was sold for $ 18M on August 20, 2016 by Gooding, lot 033. It is illustrated in the post shared by Forbes.
The settings of this model had been specially effective, including some engine components from the Testa Rossa to achieve a compression ratio of 9.8: 1, the highest of all the LWB, and a power of 275 hp about 50 hp over the basic model. Its features include from the origin the disc brakes, a rarity at that time, and its headlights are covered.
Sold to Chinetti for George Reed who was Ferrari's agent in Illinois and Wisconsin, it was raced with some parsimony until 1964 and remains in a matching numbers configuration for all its major elements.
This car is exceptional when considering that it is the best performing from all the LWB and that only three SWB California Spider Competizione were later assembled.
Nine 'LWB' were originally built for competition with a lightweight body in aluminum alloy. A California Spider 'LWB' Competizione built in 1959 was sold for $ 18M on August 20, 2016 by Gooding, lot 033. It is illustrated in the post shared by Forbes.
The settings of this model had been specially effective, including some engine components from the Testa Rossa to achieve a compression ratio of 9.8: 1, the highest of all the LWB, and a power of 275 hp about 50 hp over the basic model. Its features include from the origin the disc brakes, a rarity at that time, and its headlights are covered.
Sold to Chinetti for George Reed who was Ferrari's agent in Illinois and Wisconsin, it was raced with some parsimony until 1964 and remains in a matching numbers configuration for all its major elements.
This car is exceptional when considering that it is the best performing from all the LWB and that only three SWB California Spider Competizione were later assembled.
SWB
1
1960 prototype
2024 SOLD for $ 17M by RM Sotheby's
In 1960 Ferrari shortens the chassis for both spiders and berlinettas now referred as passo corto or SWB (Short Wheelbase).
That wheelbase is reduced of 20 cm down to 240 cm from the earlier variety which from then becomes known as passo lungo or LWB (Long Wheel Base). The change provides a significant improvement for stability in cornering and for the ratio of speed and power. As a consequence it brings some loss in elegance and comfort.
The first 250 GT SWB California Spider was displayed by Ferrari and Pininfarina in March 1960 at the Geneva Motor Show. Completed by Scaglietti in May 1960, it is titled as a 1961. It is equipped from factory with a Motore competizione Tipo 168 V-12 engine, covered headlights, and factory removable hardtop.
It is Red Book certified by Ferrari Classiche, retaining in matching numbers its original engine, gearbox, rear axle, and bodywork. It was sold for $ 17M by RM Sotheby's on August 17, 2024, lot 346. It had been once fitted by a proud owner with the registration plate 1ST SWB.
The second SWB was completed in August 1960. This transition California Spider with a steel body is one of only two fitted with the Tipo 128F engine of the 250 GTE 2+2 Series 2 and one of only three without side vents. It does not have the covered headlights.
It was sold after auction for $ 8.25M by RM Sotheby's on August 19, 2023, lot 354. Please watch the video shared by the auction house. It was refinished before the sale to its livery of the 1962 Targa Florio which had been the only racing event in its early period. Its engine, gearbox and rear axle are in matching numbers. Its original soft top and hard top accompany in separate cases.
That wheelbase is reduced of 20 cm down to 240 cm from the earlier variety which from then becomes known as passo lungo or LWB (Long Wheel Base). The change provides a significant improvement for stability in cornering and for the ratio of speed and power. As a consequence it brings some loss in elegance and comfort.
The first 250 GT SWB California Spider was displayed by Ferrari and Pininfarina in March 1960 at the Geneva Motor Show. Completed by Scaglietti in May 1960, it is titled as a 1961. It is equipped from factory with a Motore competizione Tipo 168 V-12 engine, covered headlights, and factory removable hardtop.
It is Red Book certified by Ferrari Classiche, retaining in matching numbers its original engine, gearbox, rear axle, and bodywork. It was sold for $ 17M by RM Sotheby's on August 17, 2024, lot 346. It had been once fitted by a proud owner with the registration plate 1ST SWB.
The second SWB was completed in August 1960. This transition California Spider with a steel body is one of only two fitted with the Tipo 128F engine of the 250 GTE 2+2 Series 2 and one of only three without side vents. It does not have the covered headlights.
It was sold after auction for $ 8.25M by RM Sotheby's on August 19, 2023, lot 354. Please watch the video shared by the auction house. It was refinished before the sale to its livery of the 1962 Targa Florio which had been the only racing event in its early period. Its engine, gearbox and rear axle are in matching numbers. Its original soft top and hard top accompany in separate cases.
2
1960 3rd SWB
2026 SOLD for € 14M by RM Sotheby's
Compare together the first three Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider (1960) : 1795 GT, (sold by RM Sotheby's on August 17, 2024, lot 346), 1883 GT (sold by RM Sotheby's after the auction of August 19, 2023, lot 354), 1915 GT (sold for € 14M by RM Sotheby's in Paris on January 28, 2026, lot 140.
Comparison of the First Three 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spiders
The Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider is an iconic open-top grand tourer, with only 56 short-wheelbase examples produced between 1960 and 1963. These three chassis represent the earliest in the series: 1795 GT (the very first), 1883 GT (the second), and 1915 GT (the third). All are powered by variations of Ferrari's 3.0-liter Colombo V-12 engine, feature Scaglietti coachwork, and hold Ferrari Classiche "Red Book" certification confirming matching-numbers components. They differ in features, histories, and market outcomes. Below is a tabulated comparison based on available details.
Chassis Number
1st : 1795 GT
2nd : 1883 GT
3rd : 1915 GT
Engine Number
1st : 1795 GT (competition-spec Tipo 168)
2nd : 1883 GT (Tipo 128 F; one of two fitted)
3rd : 1915 GT (short-block V-12)
Other Numbers
1st : Gearbox: 539/3; Rear Axle: 92 F
2nd : Gearbox: 34; Rear Axle: 222 F
3rd : Rear Axle: 267 F; Ribbed competition gearbox
Production Details
1st : Completed early 1960; one of 39 with covered headlamps; factory hardtop; unique dashboard layout
2nd : Completed August 1960; one of 18 with uncovered headlamps; one of three without side vents; one of 25 with factory hardtop; Turin Motor Show car
3rd : Completed September 1960; one of 39 with covered headlamps; delivered to France
Original Colors
1st : Exterior: Grigio; Interior: Red leather
2nd : Exterior: Blu Medio; Interior: Rosso vaumol leather
3rd : Exterior: Bianco; Interior: Nero
Current Colors
1st : Exterior: Grigio; Interior: Black
2nd : Exterior: Light blue metallic; Interior: Rosso
3rd : Exterior: Nero; Interior: Rosso leather
Special Features
1st : Competition engine; covered headlamps; removable hardtop; believed unique dashboard
2nd : Tipo 128 F engine; no side vents; factory hardtop and soft-top; bolt-on rollbar for Targa Florio tribute
3rd : Covered headlamps (confirmed original); spare 3.8-liter engine; original 16-inch Borrani wheels
Racing History
1st : Used in Scuderia Hanseat driving school at Nürburgring (1960); no formal racing
2nd : 3rd in class, 19th overall at 1962 Targa Florio (only California Spider to compete in period); later Colorado Grand and Ferrari Cavalcade
3rd : No specific racing history; model lineage includes Sebring and Le Mans successes
Ownership Chain
1st : 5 owners: John Gordon Bennett (1960), Bob Grossman (1963), Chandler Kibbee (1963-1978), Michael Alessandro (1978-2008), current (2008-present)
2nd : ~12 owners: Robert Fusina (1960), Alessandro Terni, Carlo Moraglia, Guido De Bonis, Felix Manuel Cormin Villa, Bob Grossman, four private (to 1982), Robert Panella, Carlos Monteverde, Tony Singer, Swiss collector (2002-2011), current (2012-present)
3rd : 5 owners: Pierre Liechti (1960-1965), Micheline Dalbard (1965), Roland Louis Duteurtre (to ~1972), Guido Bartolomeo (1972-1996), current (1996-present)
Restoration
1st : Maintained; no major restoration detailed
2nd : Full restoration 2013-2016 by Italian craftsmen (body by Carrozzeria Egidio Brandoli/Zanasi & Co.; mechanicals by Joe Macari)
3rd : Nut-and-bolt restoration in 1990s by Carrozzeria Campana Onorio; interior re-trimmed in late 2025
Certification
1st : Ferrari Classiche Red Book (matching numbers: engine, gearbox, axle, body)
2nd : Ferrari Classiche Red Book (matching numbers: engine, gearbox, axle); post-2016 certification
3rd : Ferrari Classiche Red Book (matching numbers: chassis, engine, axle, body, gearbox); reissued Nov 2025
Current Condition
1st : Superbly presented; regularly driven
2nd : Recently refinished; includes spare wheels, hardtop/soft-top in cases; event-ready
3rd : Finely restored; includes spare engine and documentation
Sale Details
1st : Sold for $17,055,000 USD at RM Sotheby's Monterey (Aug 17, 2024, Lot 346)
2nd : Sold post-auction by RM Sotheby's after Monterey (Aug 19, 2023, Lot 354); price not publicly disclosed
3rd : For sale at RM Sotheby's Paris (Jan 28, 2026); estimate €12,000,000 - €14,000,000 EUR
These early examples highlight the model's evolution, with 1795 GT and 1915 GT emphasizing road-going luxury (covered headlamps, fewer vents), while 1883 GT stands out for its racing pedigree and unique specifications. All have been preserved or restored to high standards, with provenance supported by historians like Marcel Massini. Values reflect their rarity, with recent sales and estimates in the eight-figure range.
Comparison of the First Three 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spiders
The Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider is an iconic open-top grand tourer, with only 56 short-wheelbase examples produced between 1960 and 1963. These three chassis represent the earliest in the series: 1795 GT (the very first), 1883 GT (the second), and 1915 GT (the third). All are powered by variations of Ferrari's 3.0-liter Colombo V-12 engine, feature Scaglietti coachwork, and hold Ferrari Classiche "Red Book" certification confirming matching-numbers components. They differ in features, histories, and market outcomes. Below is a tabulated comparison based on available details.
Chassis Number
1st : 1795 GT
2nd : 1883 GT
3rd : 1915 GT
Engine Number
1st : 1795 GT (competition-spec Tipo 168)
2nd : 1883 GT (Tipo 128 F; one of two fitted)
3rd : 1915 GT (short-block V-12)
Other Numbers
1st : Gearbox: 539/3; Rear Axle: 92 F
2nd : Gearbox: 34; Rear Axle: 222 F
3rd : Rear Axle: 267 F; Ribbed competition gearbox
Production Details
1st : Completed early 1960; one of 39 with covered headlamps; factory hardtop; unique dashboard layout
2nd : Completed August 1960; one of 18 with uncovered headlamps; one of three without side vents; one of 25 with factory hardtop; Turin Motor Show car
3rd : Completed September 1960; one of 39 with covered headlamps; delivered to France
Original Colors
1st : Exterior: Grigio; Interior: Red leather
2nd : Exterior: Blu Medio; Interior: Rosso vaumol leather
3rd : Exterior: Bianco; Interior: Nero
Current Colors
1st : Exterior: Grigio; Interior: Black
2nd : Exterior: Light blue metallic; Interior: Rosso
3rd : Exterior: Nero; Interior: Rosso leather
Special Features
1st : Competition engine; covered headlamps; removable hardtop; believed unique dashboard
2nd : Tipo 128 F engine; no side vents; factory hardtop and soft-top; bolt-on rollbar for Targa Florio tribute
3rd : Covered headlamps (confirmed original); spare 3.8-liter engine; original 16-inch Borrani wheels
Racing History
1st : Used in Scuderia Hanseat driving school at Nürburgring (1960); no formal racing
2nd : 3rd in class, 19th overall at 1962 Targa Florio (only California Spider to compete in period); later Colorado Grand and Ferrari Cavalcade
3rd : No specific racing history; model lineage includes Sebring and Le Mans successes
Ownership Chain
1st : 5 owners: John Gordon Bennett (1960), Bob Grossman (1963), Chandler Kibbee (1963-1978), Michael Alessandro (1978-2008), current (2008-present)
2nd : ~12 owners: Robert Fusina (1960), Alessandro Terni, Carlo Moraglia, Guido De Bonis, Felix Manuel Cormin Villa, Bob Grossman, four private (to 1982), Robert Panella, Carlos Monteverde, Tony Singer, Swiss collector (2002-2011), current (2012-present)
3rd : 5 owners: Pierre Liechti (1960-1965), Micheline Dalbard (1965), Roland Louis Duteurtre (to ~1972), Guido Bartolomeo (1972-1996), current (1996-present)
Restoration
1st : Maintained; no major restoration detailed
2nd : Full restoration 2013-2016 by Italian craftsmen (body by Carrozzeria Egidio Brandoli/Zanasi & Co.; mechanicals by Joe Macari)
3rd : Nut-and-bolt restoration in 1990s by Carrozzeria Campana Onorio; interior re-trimmed in late 2025
Certification
1st : Ferrari Classiche Red Book (matching numbers: engine, gearbox, axle, body)
2nd : Ferrari Classiche Red Book (matching numbers: engine, gearbox, axle); post-2016 certification
3rd : Ferrari Classiche Red Book (matching numbers: chassis, engine, axle, body, gearbox); reissued Nov 2025
Current Condition
1st : Superbly presented; regularly driven
2nd : Recently refinished; includes spare wheels, hardtop/soft-top in cases; event-ready
3rd : Finely restored; includes spare engine and documentation
Sale Details
1st : Sold for $17,055,000 USD at RM Sotheby's Monterey (Aug 17, 2024, Lot 346)
2nd : Sold post-auction by RM Sotheby's after Monterey (Aug 19, 2023, Lot 354); price not publicly disclosed
3rd : For sale at RM Sotheby's Paris (Jan 28, 2026); estimate €12,000,000 - €14,000,000 EUR
These early examples highlight the model's evolution, with 1795 GT and 1915 GT emphasizing road-going luxury (covered headlamps, fewer vents), while 1883 GT stands out for its racing pedigree and unique specifications. All have been preserved or restored to high standards, with provenance supported by historians like Marcel Massini. Values reflect their rarity, with recent sales and estimates in the eight-figure range.
1960 5th SWB example
2026 for sale on March 6 by Gooding Christie's
1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider. The 1963 GT is the 5th SWB variant. It will be sold on March 6, 2026 by Gooding Christie's in Amelia Island, lot 145. Compare it with globally the first three 1960 SWB.
The 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider, chassis 1963 GT, is set to be offered as lot 145 at Gooding Christie's Amelia Island Auctions on March 5-6, 2026. It carries a pre-sale estimate of $16,000,000 – $18,000,000 USD. This is a covered-headlight example (one of only 39 such configurations out of the total 56 SWB California Spiders built from 1960-1963), further enhanced by an ultra-rare factory removable hardtop. It is Ferrari Classiche-certified, with matching numbers.
Completed on September 19, 1960 (per factory records via Barchetta.cc), it ranks as the 5th SWB California Spider produced. Originally delivered new to German Ferrari distributor Auto Becker in Düsseldorf, it was displayed at the Salon de Paris in October 1960. It has had a remarkably stable ownership history: just two West Coast U.S. collections since 1976, including over 30 years with Ronald Van Kregten. It was discovered in untouched, unrestored "survivor" condition upon his passing and previously sold at Gooding & Company in 2009 (Scottsdale) for $4.95 million (including buyer's premium) as a barn-find-style highlight. It represents one of the most desirable variants in the series due to the combination of covered headlights and factory hardtop, placing it at the top tier of collector preference for road-oriented luxury and rarity.
Comparison to the First Three 1960 SWB California Spiders
The first three SWB California Spiders (all completed in 1960) are the earliest builds in the series and often command premiums for their historical significance, prototype-like features, and provenance. They are detailed extensively in prior reports (e.g., the referenced arthitparade.net analysis), with all three Ferrari Classiche-certified and matching-numbers examples.
The 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider, chassis 1963 GT, is set to be offered as lot 145 at Gooding Christie's Amelia Island Auctions on March 5-6, 2026. It carries a pre-sale estimate of $16,000,000 – $18,000,000 USD. This is a covered-headlight example (one of only 39 such configurations out of the total 56 SWB California Spiders built from 1960-1963), further enhanced by an ultra-rare factory removable hardtop. It is Ferrari Classiche-certified, with matching numbers.
Completed on September 19, 1960 (per factory records via Barchetta.cc), it ranks as the 5th SWB California Spider produced. Originally delivered new to German Ferrari distributor Auto Becker in Düsseldorf, it was displayed at the Salon de Paris in October 1960. It has had a remarkably stable ownership history: just two West Coast U.S. collections since 1976, including over 30 years with Ronald Van Kregten. It was discovered in untouched, unrestored "survivor" condition upon his passing and previously sold at Gooding & Company in 2009 (Scottsdale) for $4.95 million (including buyer's premium) as a barn-find-style highlight. It represents one of the most desirable variants in the series due to the combination of covered headlights and factory hardtop, placing it at the top tier of collector preference for road-oriented luxury and rarity.
Comparison to the First Three 1960 SWB California Spiders
The first three SWB California Spiders (all completed in 1960) are the earliest builds in the series and often command premiums for their historical significance, prototype-like features, and provenance. They are detailed extensively in prior reports (e.g., the referenced arthitparade.net analysis), with all three Ferrari Classiche-certified and matching-numbers examples.
- 1st SWB: Chassis 1795 GT (completed May 1960; showcased at 1960 Geneva Motor Show)
Features: Competition-spec Tipo 168 engine ("Motore competizione"), covered headlights, factory hardtop, unique dashboard layout.
Original colors: Grigio exterior, red leather interior (current: grigio/black).
History: Limited use (e.g., Scuderia Hanseat driving school at Nürburgring), no major period racing; 5 owners. Superbly presented and regularly driven.
Auction: Sold for $17,055,000 USD at RM Sotheby's Monterey (August 2024).
Status: Often regarded as the most important SWB California Spider due to being the absolute first built (prototype) and show car. - 2nd SWB: Chassis 1883 GT (completed August 1960)
Features: Rare Tipo 128 F engine (one of two fitted), uncovered headlights (one of 18), no side vents (one of three), factory hardtop (one of 25), bolt-on rollbar (for Targa Florio tribute).
Original colors: Blu medio exterior, rosso vaumol leather (current: light blue metallic/rosso).
History: Only California Spider to compete in period racing (3rd in class, 19th overall at 1962 Targa Florio); later event use (Colorado Grand, Ferrari Cavalcade). Full restoration 2013-2016 by Italian craftsmen.
Auction: Post-auction sale via RM Sotheby's Monterey (August 2023; price undisclosed).
Status: Stands out for its genuine period racing pedigree and unique specs (e.g., no vents, special engine). - 3rd SWB: Chassis 1915 GT (completed September 1960)
Features: Covered headlights (one of 39), ribbed competition gearbox, original 16-inch Borrani wheels, spare 3.8-liter engine.
Original colors: Bianco exterior, nero interior (current: nero/rosso leather).
History: No notable period racing; 5 owners (initially France, long-term current since 1996). Nut-and-bolt restoration in 1990s (Carrozzeria Campana Onorio), recent interior re-trim (2025).
Auction: Sold for €14,067,500 (~$15.2M USD equivalent) at RM Sotheby's Paris (January 2026, lot 140).
Status: Emphasizes road luxury and preservation; strong but less "prototype" or racing-oriented than the first two.
- Production Position: 1963 GT was completed in September 1960, the same month as chassis 1915 GT (the 3rd), making it an early production example rather than a late-run one. It ranks as the 5th built overall, following closely behind the initial trio (1795 GT in May, 1883 GT and 1915 GT in August/September). The first three remain the earliest with potential prototype variations (e.g., unique dashboards, special engines, or first-use features), while 1963 GT benefits from being among the very first batch of covered-headlight cars.
- Features Overlap & Desirability: Like 1795 GT and 1915 GT, it has covered headlights (highly sought-after for elegance). It shares the rare factory hardtop with 1795 GT and 1883 GT (and 1915 GT may have had one period). It uses the standard Tipo 168 engine, lacking the competition-spec or rare Tipo 128 F of the first two, but aligns closely in road-focused appeal.
- Condition & Provenance: 1963 GT stands out as a long-term "survivor" car (low ownership, untouched for decades), similar to the preserved quality of the first three but with a more stable U.S. collection history versus the European-focused early ones.
- Market/Values: The first three have achieved high results ($17M+ for 1795 GT, €14M for 1915 GT), reflecting premiums for earliness and uniqueness. 1963 GT's $16M–$18M estimate aligns closely, driven by its covered-headlight + hardtop combo—placing it in the same elite tier, though potentially slightly below the absolute "first" examples (especially the prototype 1795 GT) in pure historical prestige.
3
1961 Competizione
2025 SOLD for $ 25.3M by Gooding Christie's
When Ferrari upgraded the California Spider to SWB, they did not maintain a concern for using that model in competition. Only two examples were built in a full Competizione specification, with an alloy body and the quick release external fuel filler. A third alloy car missed the improved filler.
The two cars were indeed the most effective California Spiders with 40 hp more than the basic spider.
The 6th SWB was built in June 1960 on the SWB chassis Tipo 539 with a 3 liter V-12 type 168B engine including high compression cylinder heads and larger valves. Its first outing at Le Mans 24 in that year, was disappointing : entered by NART, it retired while in 11th position.
The second ultimate SWB is the 14th according to its page in barchetta.cc. It was assembled in 1961 with a 168 engine without the 168B improvements. It has a removable aluminum hardtop and the covered headlights.
Sold new to a German privateer, it was entered in local competitions. Its rear was damaged in a road accident in 1964. Retaining its original chassis, body, engine, gearbox and differential, it was sold for $ 25.3M from an estimate in excess of $ 20M by Gooding Christie's on August 15, 2025, lot 26. It is illustrated in the release and in the video shared by the auction house.
Response by Grok :
Quote
Gooding Christie's @goodingandco Aug 16 0:27
One of only two alloy-bodied, competition-spec examples, this 1961 #Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione is a collector’s dream. Held in three major Ferrari collections, the star is exiting the block for a record-breaking $25,305,000! #SOLD #PebbleBeachAuctions
The two cars were indeed the most effective California Spiders with 40 hp more than the basic spider.
The 6th SWB was built in June 1960 on the SWB chassis Tipo 539 with a 3 liter V-12 type 168B engine including high compression cylinder heads and larger valves. Its first outing at Le Mans 24 in that year, was disappointing : entered by NART, it retired while in 11th position.
The second ultimate SWB is the 14th according to its page in barchetta.cc. It was assembled in 1961 with a 168 engine without the 168B improvements. It has a removable aluminum hardtop and the covered headlights.
Sold new to a German privateer, it was entered in local competitions. Its rear was damaged in a road accident in 1964. Retaining its original chassis, body, engine, gearbox and differential, it was sold for $ 25.3M from an estimate in excess of $ 20M by Gooding Christie's on August 15, 2025, lot 26. It is illustrated in the release and in the video shared by the auction house.
Response by Grok :
Quote
Gooding Christie's @goodingandco Aug 16 0:27
One of only two alloy-bodied, competition-spec examples, this 1961 #Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione is a collector’s dream. Held in three major Ferrari collections, the star is exiting the block for a record-breaking $25,305,000! #SOLD #PebbleBeachAuctions
- The X post from Gooding Christie's auction house highlights the sale of a rare 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione, one of only two alloy-bodied, competition-spec examples ever built, which fetched a record-breaking $25,305,000 at the Pebble Beach Auctions on August 16, 2025. This sale underscores the car's significance as a collector's dream, having been held in three major Ferrari collections before being auctioned.
- The Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione is notable for its historical and engineering value; it features a competition-specification Tipo 168 engine, covered headlights, and a factory removable hardtop, making it one of the most sought-after models due to its performance and rarity. The auction's success reflects the enduring appeal and high market value of such iconic vehicles, with the sale price exceeding the initial estimate of over $20,000,000.
- The event at Pebble Beach, a prestigious venue since 1950, continues to be a focal point for collector car enthusiasts, with Gooding Christie's maintaining its reputation for selling some of the world's most valuable cars. This particular auction's outcome aligns with trends in the collector car market, where rare and historically significant vehicles often command prices well above their estimates, driven by demand from wealthy collectors and investors.
4
1961 ex Baillon
2015 SOLD for € 16.3M by Artcurial
I once believed that the top prices rewarded the cars in perfect condition. The ex Delon-Baillon California Spider cancels such a view. Hidden in a barn since 1975 after the bankruptcy of its owner, it had been retrieved under stacks of magazines. Ferraris are vehicles of an exceptional robustness : it had valiantly withstood four decades of neglect in the wet French countryside.
More important for its position on the market : it has never been disassembled. Despite its pitiful look, it has everything to become through a careful restoration the best car in its glorious class. Its short belonging in 1963 to a movie star, widely reported by the media before and after the sale, probably had no impact on its price.
Here is its story :
The Ferrari 250 GT California Spider with chassis 2935GT was released from factory in 1961 and exhibited at the October 1961 Paris Motor Show. It was very elegant with the new short wheel base SWB chassis, now systematic for this model, and the rare option of covered headlights. The actor Gérard Blain bought it one week after the Salon closed.
Its second owner is Alain Delon, who uses it in Monaco and Los Angeles and is pictured with it with lovely passengers : Jane Fonda, Shirley MacLaine, his wife Nathalie. Delon sold it in 1965 with 37,000 km from new.
After several intermediaries, the car is acquired in 1971 by Roger Baillon and his son Jacques, contractors in truck bodywork and transport. In 1950, more than ten years before the Schlumpf brothers, Roger had started to recover and restore automotive masterpieces, with a view to create a museum.
Baillon puts the Ferrari in the barn. He probably does not use it, although he paid for its tax disc until 1975. The Baillon collection is secret, in large part because of the bankruptcy of the company. Some elements of the collection were seized and sold at auction near Niort in 1979 and 1985. The others remained hidden.
Jacques Baillon died in 2013. The heirs opened the hangar for an expertise by Artcurial on September 30, 2014, thus creating the most sensational "barn find" of modern times.
The storage had not been homogeneous. Two cars had been preserved from mist during these four decades, the Ferrari and a Maserati A6G 2000 Gran Sport berlinetta. Under its layer of dust, the Ferrari is in matching numbers, with intact bodywork except for the hood distorted under the magazines, and with its original upholstery and documentation.
Artcurial managed the auction in Paris on February 6, 2015, making a hype with the former belonging of the Ferrari to Delon. Connoisseurs are not mistaken : this car is an extremely rare untouched California Spider. Estimated at a daring € 9.5M, it was sold for € 16.3M, lot 59. The Maserati fetched € 1.96M. In a near collapse condition, an exceptional Talbot Lago T26 Grand Sport by Saoutchik was sold for € 1.7M.
More important for its position on the market : it has never been disassembled. Despite its pitiful look, it has everything to become through a careful restoration the best car in its glorious class. Its short belonging in 1963 to a movie star, widely reported by the media before and after the sale, probably had no impact on its price.
Here is its story :
The Ferrari 250 GT California Spider with chassis 2935GT was released from factory in 1961 and exhibited at the October 1961 Paris Motor Show. It was very elegant with the new short wheel base SWB chassis, now systematic for this model, and the rare option of covered headlights. The actor Gérard Blain bought it one week after the Salon closed.
Its second owner is Alain Delon, who uses it in Monaco and Los Angeles and is pictured with it with lovely passengers : Jane Fonda, Shirley MacLaine, his wife Nathalie. Delon sold it in 1965 with 37,000 km from new.
After several intermediaries, the car is acquired in 1971 by Roger Baillon and his son Jacques, contractors in truck bodywork and transport. In 1950, more than ten years before the Schlumpf brothers, Roger had started to recover and restore automotive masterpieces, with a view to create a museum.
Baillon puts the Ferrari in the barn. He probably does not use it, although he paid for its tax disc until 1975. The Baillon collection is secret, in large part because of the bankruptcy of the company. Some elements of the collection were seized and sold at auction near Niort in 1979 and 1985. The others remained hidden.
Jacques Baillon died in 2013. The heirs opened the hangar for an expertise by Artcurial on September 30, 2014, thus creating the most sensational "barn find" of modern times.
The storage had not been homogeneous. Two cars had been preserved from mist during these four decades, the Ferrari and a Maserati A6G 2000 Gran Sport berlinetta. Under its layer of dust, the Ferrari is in matching numbers, with intact bodywork except for the hood distorted under the magazines, and with its original upholstery and documentation.
Artcurial managed the auction in Paris on February 6, 2015, making a hype with the former belonging of the Ferrari to Delon. Connoisseurs are not mistaken : this car is an extremely rare untouched California Spider. Estimated at a daring € 9.5M, it was sold for € 16.3M, lot 59. The Maserati fetched € 1.96M. In a near collapse condition, an exceptional Talbot Lago T26 Grand Sport by Saoutchik was sold for € 1.7M.
Overview of the Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider (Chassis 2935GT)
The car in question is a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT Short Wheelbase (SWB) California Spider, chassis number 2935GT. This model is widely regarded as one of the most elegant and desirable open-top Ferraris ever produced, combining road-going luxury with racing pedigree. It features a 3.0-liter Colombo V12 engine producing approximately 280 horsepower, a four-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension, live rear axle, and disc brakes. The body was designed by Pinin Farina and built by Scaglietti, with a steel construction (unlike some aluminum competition variants). This specific example is one of only 37 SWB California Spiders equipped with covered headlights, which enhance its aesthetic appeal and rarity. It retains its original matching-numbers components: engine 2935, internal number 610 E, gearbox 8.61, and rear axle 383F. The exterior was finished in dark blue (now appearing black due to patina), with a black imitation leather interior and a matching hardtop.
The Ferrari 250 series, introduced in the late 1950s, marked a pivotal era for the marque, evolving from artisanal production to industrial scale while maintaining a focus on the versatile 3-liter V12 engine. The California Spider was conceived as a bridge between track and road, sharing its 2.4-meter wheelbase (later shortened to 2.6 meters for the SWB) with models like the 250 GT Berlinetta "Tour de France." It was particularly popular in the U.S. market, thanks to importer Luigi Chinetti, with early examples achieving racing success, such as a class win at the 1959 Sebring 12 Hours and a fifth-place finish at Le Mans. Production of the SWB California Spider ran from 1960 to 1963, with a total of 55 units built (including prototypes and variants), making it one of Ferrari's rarest road cars.
Full Ownership and Event History
The history of chassis 2935GT is well-documented through original registration papers, insurance documents, and period references, compiled by experts like Marc Bouvot, Jess Pourret, and Marc Rabineau. Below is a chronological timeline of its ownership, usage, and key events:
September 27, 1961, Completion at Ferrari FactoryBuilt as a left-hand-drive example with covered headlights and steel body. Internal number 610 E.
October 5–15, 1961, Paris Motor Show DisplayExhibited on the Franco-Britannic Autos stand (Ferrari's French importer) during the second week of the show, replacing a sold Berlinetta. This provenance as a Salon de Paris car adds significant historical value.
October 21, 1961, Gérard Blain (First Owner), Purchased by French actor and comedian Gérard Blain. Registered as 88 LR 75 in Paris (address: 9 rue de Siam, Paris XVIe). Blain, known for films like Le Beau Serge, owned it briefly.
May 23, 1963, Alain Delon (Second Owner), Acquired by iconic French actor Alain Delon. Registered as 4452 MC in Monaco. Delon used it extensively, including on the French Côte d'Azur for filming Les Félins (1963) with Jane Fonda. It also appeared in La Rolls Royce Jaune (1964) with Shirley MacLaine. In 1964, Delon shipped it to California for personal use, where it was photographed in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills with him and Nathalie Delon. Front indicator lights were modified to U.S. specifications during this time. Original Monaco plates were later rediscovered. Odometer at sale: ~37,000 km.
July 1965 – August 2, 1965, Sale to Paul Bouvot, Sold via Michel Maria Urman Automobiles for 30,000 francs. Bought by Paul Bouvot, registered as 6101 RU 75 on August 18, 1965. Bouvot added ~25,000 km, including trips to the Peugeot Style Centre.
May 1966, Robert Cooper, Sold to Canadian Robert Cooper, residing in Paris. Brief ownership.
Late 1966 – October 1967, Unnamed Parisian Enthusiast, Passed to a sports car aficionado in Paris.
October 1967 – November 1971, Unnamed Paris Doctor, Owned by a doctor in Paris; limited use.
November 1971 – 2015, Jacques Baillon (Baillon Collection), Acquired by Jacques Baillon and integrated into his father's renowned collection of 1950s classics in western France. Rarely driven (odometer ~62,000 km), it was stored in a garage under protective cover, accumulating dust, magazines, and papers. For decades, it was mistakenly believed to be a standard steel-bodied 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, adding to its "lost" status. Items found inside included original tan leather gloves, 1971–1975 tax discs, owner's manual, fuel receipts, spare keys, a children's toy train set (a forgotten Christmas gift), a pharmacy kit, and Paul Frère's book La Conduite en Compétition. The glovebox required its original key to open.
September 30, 2014, Discovery in Baillon Barn Find, Rediscovered by Artcurial experts Matthieu Lamoure and Pierre Novikoff amid the Baillon collection—a hoard of ~60 neglected classics amassed by entrepreneur Roger Baillon in the 1950s–1970s. This 2935GT was the star piece, found in remarkably preserved condition despite the barn setting: body and chassis sound, doors/bonnet/boot aligning properly, original engine bay intact (including rare coils), and interior untouched. A dent in the boot from stacked papers was left unrestored for authenticity.
February 6, 2015, Auction at Artcurial Retromobile, Sold as Lot 59 in barn-find condition for €16,288,000 (including buyer's premium), exceeding the pre-sale estimate of €9,500,000–€12,000,000. The buyer was anonymous, and the car entered a private collection.
Post-2015, Private Ownership, No public sales, restorations, or appearances are documented after the 2015 auction. It remains off the market, likely preserved in its original state or sympathetically restored privately. No concours showings or resales have been reported as of 2026.
The car's history is supported by original documents, including Monaco registration plates, Delon's insurance papers, a registration copy, and a leather folder. Period references include Dominique Pascal's book Les Ferrari au Salon de Paris-1948/1988.
Explanation of the High Estimate and Sale Price
The pre-sale estimate of €9.5 million (lower bound) to €12 million reflected the car's inherent rarity and pedigree, but the final hammer price of €16.3 million (precisely €16,288,000 including premium) shattered expectations due to a combination of factors that ignited intense bidder interest. This represented a 71% premium over the low estimate and set a world record for a barn-find Ferrari at the time.
Key reasons for the elevated value:
The car in question is a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT Short Wheelbase (SWB) California Spider, chassis number 2935GT. This model is widely regarded as one of the most elegant and desirable open-top Ferraris ever produced, combining road-going luxury with racing pedigree. It features a 3.0-liter Colombo V12 engine producing approximately 280 horsepower, a four-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension, live rear axle, and disc brakes. The body was designed by Pinin Farina and built by Scaglietti, with a steel construction (unlike some aluminum competition variants). This specific example is one of only 37 SWB California Spiders equipped with covered headlights, which enhance its aesthetic appeal and rarity. It retains its original matching-numbers components: engine 2935, internal number 610 E, gearbox 8.61, and rear axle 383F. The exterior was finished in dark blue (now appearing black due to patina), with a black imitation leather interior and a matching hardtop.
The Ferrari 250 series, introduced in the late 1950s, marked a pivotal era for the marque, evolving from artisanal production to industrial scale while maintaining a focus on the versatile 3-liter V12 engine. The California Spider was conceived as a bridge between track and road, sharing its 2.4-meter wheelbase (later shortened to 2.6 meters for the SWB) with models like the 250 GT Berlinetta "Tour de France." It was particularly popular in the U.S. market, thanks to importer Luigi Chinetti, with early examples achieving racing success, such as a class win at the 1959 Sebring 12 Hours and a fifth-place finish at Le Mans. Production of the SWB California Spider ran from 1960 to 1963, with a total of 55 units built (including prototypes and variants), making it one of Ferrari's rarest road cars.
Full Ownership and Event History
The history of chassis 2935GT is well-documented through original registration papers, insurance documents, and period references, compiled by experts like Marc Bouvot, Jess Pourret, and Marc Rabineau. Below is a chronological timeline of its ownership, usage, and key events:
September 27, 1961, Completion at Ferrari FactoryBuilt as a left-hand-drive example with covered headlights and steel body. Internal number 610 E.
October 5–15, 1961, Paris Motor Show DisplayExhibited on the Franco-Britannic Autos stand (Ferrari's French importer) during the second week of the show, replacing a sold Berlinetta. This provenance as a Salon de Paris car adds significant historical value.
October 21, 1961, Gérard Blain (First Owner), Purchased by French actor and comedian Gérard Blain. Registered as 88 LR 75 in Paris (address: 9 rue de Siam, Paris XVIe). Blain, known for films like Le Beau Serge, owned it briefly.
May 23, 1963, Alain Delon (Second Owner), Acquired by iconic French actor Alain Delon. Registered as 4452 MC in Monaco. Delon used it extensively, including on the French Côte d'Azur for filming Les Félins (1963) with Jane Fonda. It also appeared in La Rolls Royce Jaune (1964) with Shirley MacLaine. In 1964, Delon shipped it to California for personal use, where it was photographed in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills with him and Nathalie Delon. Front indicator lights were modified to U.S. specifications during this time. Original Monaco plates were later rediscovered. Odometer at sale: ~37,000 km.
July 1965 – August 2, 1965, Sale to Paul Bouvot, Sold via Michel Maria Urman Automobiles for 30,000 francs. Bought by Paul Bouvot, registered as 6101 RU 75 on August 18, 1965. Bouvot added ~25,000 km, including trips to the Peugeot Style Centre.
May 1966, Robert Cooper, Sold to Canadian Robert Cooper, residing in Paris. Brief ownership.
Late 1966 – October 1967, Unnamed Parisian Enthusiast, Passed to a sports car aficionado in Paris.
October 1967 – November 1971, Unnamed Paris Doctor, Owned by a doctor in Paris; limited use.
November 1971 – 2015, Jacques Baillon (Baillon Collection), Acquired by Jacques Baillon and integrated into his father's renowned collection of 1950s classics in western France. Rarely driven (odometer ~62,000 km), it was stored in a garage under protective cover, accumulating dust, magazines, and papers. For decades, it was mistakenly believed to be a standard steel-bodied 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, adding to its "lost" status. Items found inside included original tan leather gloves, 1971–1975 tax discs, owner's manual, fuel receipts, spare keys, a children's toy train set (a forgotten Christmas gift), a pharmacy kit, and Paul Frère's book La Conduite en Compétition. The glovebox required its original key to open.
September 30, 2014, Discovery in Baillon Barn Find, Rediscovered by Artcurial experts Matthieu Lamoure and Pierre Novikoff amid the Baillon collection—a hoard of ~60 neglected classics amassed by entrepreneur Roger Baillon in the 1950s–1970s. This 2935GT was the star piece, found in remarkably preserved condition despite the barn setting: body and chassis sound, doors/bonnet/boot aligning properly, original engine bay intact (including rare coils), and interior untouched. A dent in the boot from stacked papers was left unrestored for authenticity.
February 6, 2015, Auction at Artcurial Retromobile, Sold as Lot 59 in barn-find condition for €16,288,000 (including buyer's premium), exceeding the pre-sale estimate of €9,500,000–€12,000,000. The buyer was anonymous, and the car entered a private collection.
Post-2015, Private Ownership, No public sales, restorations, or appearances are documented after the 2015 auction. It remains off the market, likely preserved in its original state or sympathetically restored privately. No concours showings or resales have been reported as of 2026.
The car's history is supported by original documents, including Monaco registration plates, Delon's insurance papers, a registration copy, and a leather folder. Period references include Dominique Pascal's book Les Ferrari au Salon de Paris-1948/1988.
Explanation of the High Estimate and Sale Price
The pre-sale estimate of €9.5 million (lower bound) to €12 million reflected the car's inherent rarity and pedigree, but the final hammer price of €16.3 million (precisely €16,288,000 including premium) shattered expectations due to a combination of factors that ignited intense bidder interest. This represented a 71% premium over the low estimate and set a world record for a barn-find Ferrari at the time.
Key reasons for the elevated value:
- Rarity and Desirability: As one of just 37 SWB California Spiders with covered headlights (out of 55 total SWB examples), it represents the pinnacle of Ferrari's open GT cars. The covered-headlight design is considered the most elegant, commanding a premium over open-headlight variants. Ferrari cabriolets from this era are scarce, as the marque prioritized closed coupes; the California Spider is often hailed as "the most beautiful cabriolet of the second half of the 20th century." Comparable unrestored examples rarely surface, and matching-numbers originality further elevates it.
- Celebrity Provenance and Cultural Icon Status: Ownership by Alain Delon, one of France's most famous actors, added immense star power. Delon's glamorous lifestyle—driving the car with Jane Fonda and Shirley MacLaine, featuring it in films, and touring California—created a romantic narrative. Photos of Delon behind the wheel with these Hollywood icons became legendary, blending automotive history with cinema. This provenance can inflate values by 20–50% for similar classics, as collectors prize "story" alongside mechanics.
- Barn-Find Allure and Originality: Discovered after 43 years in the Baillon collection—a sensational "treasure trove" of 60 cars hyped as one of the greatest barn finds ever—the car carried an aura of mystery and adventure. It was "lost" for decades, misidentified as a Berlinetta, which amplified the surprise upon rediscovery. Its unrestored condition, with authentic patina (dust, dents, and time-capsule items inside), appealed to purists who value untouched history over polished restorations. Barn finds often fetch premiums due to their narrative appeal, as seen in the overall Baillon sale totaling €25.15 million.
5
1961
2016 SOLD for $ 17.2M by Gooding
On March 11, 2016, Gooding sold for $ 17.2M a California Spider, lot 069. This specific example has many qualities that make it one of the most desirable Ferrari cars.
This car built in 1961 has the two outstanding aesthetic achievements by Scaglietti : the bodywork on the shorter frame and the covered headlights. Its color is the best symbol of the brand : it is painted in red and the leathers are black.
It had only three owners from new who carefully maintained and serviced it without modification and it so remains one of the most original from that model. It had probably never left Italy.
This California Spider is the dream car in the film Ieri, Oggi, Domani released in 1963. The movie is composed of three episodes of the Italian life unconnected in location or time, whose only common point is the leading couple, Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni.
The central story, Oggi, was inspired from a short novel by Moravia whose title Troppo Ricca demonstrates the intention of social criticism. The woman drives with her lover the Rolls-Rolls of her husband and suddenly considers that she must make a choice between man and car. Relationships become nervous and Sophia crashes the Rolls.
The woman leaves on the road both car and lover and makes hitchhiking. They are near to Milan and the car that boards Sophia is our Ferrari, lent by its owner of that time to the film producer. Italy did not need to rely on concept cars to show on screen the ideal car : they had the 250 GT SWB California Spider.
This car built in 1961 has the two outstanding aesthetic achievements by Scaglietti : the bodywork on the shorter frame and the covered headlights. Its color is the best symbol of the brand : it is painted in red and the leathers are black.
It had only three owners from new who carefully maintained and serviced it without modification and it so remains one of the most original from that model. It had probably never left Italy.
This California Spider is the dream car in the film Ieri, Oggi, Domani released in 1963. The movie is composed of three episodes of the Italian life unconnected in location or time, whose only common point is the leading couple, Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni.
The central story, Oggi, was inspired from a short novel by Moravia whose title Troppo Ricca demonstrates the intention of social criticism. The woman drives with her lover the Rolls-Rolls of her husband and suddenly considers that she must make a choice between man and car. Relationships become nervous and Sophia crashes the Rolls.
The woman leaves on the road both car and lover and makes hitchhiking. They are near to Milan and the car that boards Sophia is our Ferrari, lent by its owner of that time to the film producer. Italy did not need to rely on concept cars to show on screen the ideal car : they had the 250 GT SWB California Spider.
6
1961
2015 SOLD for $ 16.8M by Gooding
A highly original 1961 California Spider with SWB chassis, covered headlights and optional hardtop cumulates the best desirability for the model.
The 33rd SWB spider had been Ferrari Classiche certified in 2006, assessing that it retains its original chassis, body, engine, and other important mechanical components.
It had been loaned in 2014 to the brand as a parade car for the Belgian Grand Prix.
It was sold for $ 16.8M by Gooding on August 16, 2015, lot 129. Still unrestored, it passed on August 16, 2024 at the same auction house, lot 59. Please watch the video shared in 2024 by the auction house. This car has never been entered in a major concours d'élégance.
A 1961 SWB was sold for $ 15.2M by Gooding on August 16, 2014, lot 18. This car was exhibited at the Salon de l'Automobile at the Grand Palais in October 1961. It briefly belonged to actress Barbara Hershey. Owned by a suite of careful collectors since 1974, it has been from 1993 one of the most regular stars of the Concours d'Elegance. This spider has a rare option, the removable hardtop, which allows if needed to use it as a coupe.
On May 18, 2008 RM Auctions in association with Sotheby's sold for € 7M the 1961 SWB that had belonged to the actor James Coburn from 1964 until his death in 2002.
The 33rd SWB spider had been Ferrari Classiche certified in 2006, assessing that it retains its original chassis, body, engine, and other important mechanical components.
It had been loaned in 2014 to the brand as a parade car for the Belgian Grand Prix.
It was sold for $ 16.8M by Gooding on August 16, 2015, lot 129. Still unrestored, it passed on August 16, 2024 at the same auction house, lot 59. Please watch the video shared in 2024 by the auction house. This car has never been entered in a major concours d'élégance.
A 1961 SWB was sold for $ 15.2M by Gooding on August 16, 2014, lot 18. This car was exhibited at the Salon de l'Automobile at the Grand Palais in October 1961. It briefly belonged to actress Barbara Hershey. Owned by a suite of careful collectors since 1974, it has been from 1993 one of the most regular stars of the Concours d'Elegance. This spider has a rare option, the removable hardtop, which allows if needed to use it as a coupe.
On May 18, 2008 RM Auctions in association with Sotheby's sold for € 7M the 1961 SWB that had belonged to the actor James Coburn from 1964 until his death in 2002.
7
1962
2023 SOLD for $ 18M by Gooding
A late production California Spider SWB was prepared in a rare and spectacular Azzurro Metallizzato color by Ferrari to be exhibited by Chinetti at the 1962 New York International Auto Show. It has been fitted with some options including the covered headlights. All its subsequent story was in California.
Sheltered in 1971 by a specialist of wrecked cars after a high speed skidding, it was treasured afterwards in only two collections. Restored in its original color in 2004, it won a platinum award at the 2006 Pebble Beach concours d'elegance.
Still fitted with its original chassis, coachwork, engine, gearbox and rear axle, it was sold for $ 18M by Gooding on March 3, 2023, lot 164. It is illustrated in the pre sale press release. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Grok thought :
Quote
Gooding Christie's @goodingandco Mar 3, 2023
The star of the show! The sole example delivered new in spectacular Azzurro Metallizzato, this award-winning 1962 #Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider is headed home with one lucky new owner. #SOLD for an astronomic $18,045,000! #AmeliaIslandAuctions
Sheltered in 1971 by a specialist of wrecked cars after a high speed skidding, it was treasured afterwards in only two collections. Restored in its original color in 2004, it won a platinum award at the 2006 Pebble Beach concours d'elegance.
Still fitted with its original chassis, coachwork, engine, gearbox and rear axle, it was sold for $ 18M by Gooding on March 3, 2023, lot 164. It is illustrated in the pre sale press release. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Grok thought :
Quote
Gooding Christie's @goodingandco Mar 3, 2023
The star of the show! The sole example delivered new in spectacular Azzurro Metallizzato, this award-winning 1962 #Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider is headed home with one lucky new owner. #SOLD for an astronomic $18,045,000! #AmeliaIslandAuctions
- This post announces the $18,045,000 sale of a 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider at Gooding & Company's 2023 Amelia Island Auction, highlighting its status as the sole example in factory-original Azzurro Metallizzato paint.
- As one of only 37 covered-headlight SWB California Spiders produced, the car boasts exceptional provenance, including display at the 1962 New York Auto Show, ownership by two elite collections since 1972, and Ferrari Classiche certification for matching components.
- The video depicts the auction's electric atmosphere, with bids surging past $15 million in under 10 seconds amid a packed crowd, reflecting the model's enduring allure as Ferrari's most coveted convertible from the early 1960s.
8
1963
2024 SOLD for $ 18M by Mecum
The 250 GT roadster known as California Spider was a success for Ferrari. The 106th and final example, completed in February 1963, is the 56th to use the Short Wheel Base chassis.
This 250 GT SWB California Spider keeps its original chassis, body, engine and gearbox. It was sold for $ 18M by Mecum on January 13, 2024, lot S195.3.
Ferrari was reluctant with the spiders, pushed by Chinetti for the American market. The next trial, in 1967, is a commission of 25 by Chinetti for a 275 GTB/4 NART Spyder, reduced to 10 units when marketing difficulties became obvious. There was no further follow.
This 250 GT SWB California Spider keeps its original chassis, body, engine and gearbox. It was sold for $ 18M by Mecum on January 13, 2024, lot S195.3.
Ferrari was reluctant with the spiders, pushed by Chinetti for the American market. The next trial, in 1967, is a commission of 25 by Chinetti for a 275 GTB/4 NART Spyder, reduced to 10 units when marketing difficulties became obvious. There was no further follow.
