Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder SWB - Best Ferraris ever

Stunning looks, race car tech and a starring role in a cult movie put the California on our list

Years: 1960-1961Engine: 3.0-litre V12, 276bhpTransmission: Five-speed manual, rear-wheel driveTop speed: 140mph (est)Number built: 55Current value: £14million

While the 250 GT was primarily a sports racing car, it did spawn a line of desirable roadgoing models, too. These used the same running gear as the racers, largely based around Ferrari's light-yet-powerful Colombo V12, although the road cars were equipped with luxuries such as plush leather and carpets to make them more civilised for regular street use.

Among the most desirable variants of the 250 GT series are the California convertibles - you only have to look at the auction prices of these cars to see that. While the modern California T pays homage to the California in name, it can't really compare with its famous namesake. The California came in long and short wheelbase guises, with 50 LWB and 55 SWB models built, and both cars had bodywork created by styling house Scaglietti.

While the later car is slightly more numerous, it's the more desirable car and fetches higher prices. That's partly because it has a slightly sharper look, while its disc brakes and 276bhp Colombo V12 were lifted from the successful 250 GT SWB racing car.

But its appearance in 1986 cult classic movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off has also helped to raised its profile as one of the most desirable convertible Ferraris of all. Of course, the 'Ferrari' in the film was a fibreglass replica that was based on MG running gear, which is a good job, because it was sacrificed towards the end of the movie through a plate glass window into the woods below.

As of today, the 250 GT California Spyder SWB ranks alongside the 250 GTO and Testa Rossa as one of the most desirable Ferraris of all. Radio DJ Chris Evans paid £5.5million in 2008 for a California previously owned by film star James Coburn, while another example sold in 2016 for a hefty £17million.

Senior test editor

Dean has been part of the Auto Express team for more than 20 years, and has worked across nearly all departments, starting on magazine production, then moving to road tests and reviews. He's our resident van expert, but covers everything from scooters and motorbikes to supercars and consumer products.

Recommended

Ferrari’s next hypercar spied testing with hybrid power and big aero
Ferrari 'F250' hypercar - front
News

Ferrari’s next hypercar spied testing with hybrid power and big aero

The next chapter in Ferrari’s hypercar story is about to open, following on from LaFerrari, Enzo, F50 and F40…
24 Nov 2023
New Ferrari 499P Modificata is a £4.6m track-only Le Mans tribute
Ferrari 499P Modificata - front 3/4
News

New Ferrari 499P Modificata is a £4.6m track-only Le Mans tribute

This is your chance to live out your dreams of winning the famous 24-hour endurance race, in a super-exclusive Ferrari
30 Oct 2023
New Ferrari SP-8 is the latest one-off you can’t buy
Ferrari SP-8 - front
News

New Ferrari SP-8 is the latest one-off you can’t buy

Feast your eyes on this bold Ferrari - created for just one special customer
24 Oct 2023
Top 10 most expensive cars ever sold at auction
Mercedes 300 SLR
Features

Top 10 most expensive cars ever sold at auction

What is the most expensive car ever sold at auction? We list the most valuable cars ever to go under the hammer
21 Aug 2023

Most Popular

New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed
Dacia Duster - front
News

New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed

Dacia has taken the wraps off the latest Duster, which arrives with a new look and fresh technology
29 Nov 2023
The paper-thin speakers set to transform car audio
Auto Express editor-in-chief Steve Fowler holding a speaker developed by Warwick Acoustics
Features

The paper-thin speakers set to transform car audio

British firm is planning to shake up the in-car hi-fi world with its audio panels that replace traditional speakers. We sound them out
27 Nov 2023
New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash
BMW Neue Klasse SUV exclusive image - front
News

New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash

BMW’s first Neue Klasse electric SUV could carry the iX3 nameplate and our exclusive images preview how it might look
30 Nov 2023