One to Buy: Sebastian Vettel's 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Spyder California Competizione
In the echelons of motoring, few machines rank higher than Ferrari’s 250 GT Spyder California.
Produced between 1957 and 1963, the Spyder California was effectively an open top variant of the racey 250 GT Berlinetta that proved itself the car to beat in Grand Touring competition during the late 1950s.
Both cars were based around a traditional tubular steel chassis draped in gorgeous air-piercing bodywork. At their heart was a three-litre iteration of the legendary Gioacchino Colombo-designed V12 engine that produced close to 300bhp if equipped with the most radical equipment on offer.
From 1960 the 250 GT Berlinetta and Spyder California were updated to incorporate Ferrari’s new short wheelbase chassis which enabled them to keep the opposition at bay until the legendary 250 GTO arrived in 1962.
Customers could configure their Spyder California with all manner of different options, arguably the most desirable of which was a lightweight aluminium instead of steel body.
Just eight Spyder Californias built on the original long wheelbase chassis were equipped as such, one of which is currently on offer with Tom Hartley Jnr. in Derbyshire.
Chassis 1627 GT was completed in December 1959 and also optioned with the highly sought after covered headlights and front disc brakes. Furthermore, 1627 GT was reputedly the only example of its type not to come with front fender-mounted cooling vents.
Originally red with a black upholstery, the car comes with a fascinating history and has in recent times been restored to the sensational colour scheme of Blu Sera over Beige upholstery, work commissioned by the car’s owner since 2011, four-time Formula 1 World Champion, Sebastian Vettel.
Reprinted below is Tom Hartley Jnr.’s description for this fabulous 1950s Ferrari roadster:
1 of only 50 LWB 250 California Spyders ever produced and 1 of only 8 aluminium-bodied ‘Competizione’ examples. Of the 8 aluminium-bodied cars, this is 1 of only 6 that was born with disc brakes.
It also benefits from being an original covered headlamp example, the only LWB California Spyder to be born without side vents from new and is fresh from a total restoration by marque specialists.
Following its restoration it was awarded its Ferrari ‘Red Book’ Classiche certification which confirms it importantly still retains its original chassis, engine and gearbox.
A very special car that’s offered direct from a highly decorated Formula One World Champion, who has owned the car for more than a decade.
