"Ferrari the Man and His Machines," a fascinating book by Pete Lyons, devotes an entire chapter to the Ferrari 250 GTs, of which the 250 California Spyder is one of the most desireable and "among the most timelessly stylish." This gorgeous cabriolet model has just been made available to Wilkinson's Automobilia as a new release by CNC. Superbly detailed in and out, the 250 California SWB is the next best thing for those of us who may never be able to afford a real Ferrari.
The Spyders weren't the fastest of Ferraris but they were among the most beautiful; indeed the epitome of what a GT should be, at least in the eyes of some, including this writer. Offer me a chance to drive any Ferrari, anywhere, any time, and this is the one I'd choose. (Note: not entirely without experience in these legendary machines, I have driven a Ferrari, when a friend loaned me a 400i for a week in France and Italy.)
The heart of any Ferrari is, of course, the engine. The 250 California SWB was fitted with a famed Colombo-designed V-12 with twin overhead-camshafts. It displaced just under 3-liters (2953 cc) and produced up to 290 hp at 7000 rpm. Top speed of the coupe was 270 km/h: the Spyder's top speed would have been slightly less. And the sound was like a symphony on wheels.
Pininfarina designed the aluminum 2-door body; nothing is lost in the model. The engine with its opening hood, the suspension, the interior (both doors open), even the trunk; all have been rendered in perfect detail. The CNC is a high quality model and appropriately, is not inexpensive at $439.95. Although, compared to the $1-million plus dollars being paid for Ferraris at auctions, it looks like a bargain.
Wilkinsons tell me that an order for the limited production example (2500 worldwide) is being placed on Aug 02 and expects to have them by mid-August. Reason enough to contact the store now and order your exclusive model of what Pete Lyons calls "the sweetest driving and most desirable of Ferraris."
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