A 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider valued at $9 million to $11 million has been consigned for auction by Gooding & Company, which calls it the “star car” of the March 6 sale on Amelia Island, Florida. The California Spider, chassis 0937 GT, is numbers-matching and the 7th long-wheelbase example produced by Ferrari, Gooding notes.
The iconic sports car features desirable covered headlights, Borrani wire wheels and a very-rare factory hardtop. Styling characteristics unique to such early examples include one-piece side vents, Tour de France-style taillights and a distinctive rear-end treatment.
“Great California Spiders are always sought-after, and often incite emotions of a sublime motoring experience,” David Gooding, president and founder of the California auction company, said in a news release. “It is always exciting for me as an enthusiast to deliver a Ferrari from the 1950s, the most exciting and glamorous period in the marque’s rich history.
“This elegant covered-headlight example is sure to be a flagship offering in Amelia Island and is a must-have for the serious collector.”
Ferrari built just 106 California Spiders from 1957 and 1963, with 50 of the original LWB versions and 56 of the final short-wheelbase (SWB) models. For today’s collectors, they remain among the most-desirable Ferrari road cars.
After a complete concours restoration by Ferrari specialist Tillack & Co. of Redondo Beach, California, the Ferrari debuted in 2007 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it won the Ferrari GT class. At the 2008 Palm Beach Cavallino Classic, it won the coveted Platinum Award as well as the Judges Cup.
Later in 2008, it was certified by the Ferrari Classiche Department and displayed during Monterey Car Week to promote the program. The current owner has driven the Ferrari on several classic car rallies, including the California Mille and the Colorado Grand.
For more information about Gooding’s Amelia Island sale, visit the auction website.
The GT250 and 507 are truly beautiful cars. In any era. They are the precursors of the BMW Z8, although that car will never attain the value of either the Ferrari or 507.