Designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, sleek and timeless design, featuring a long hood, short rear deck, and covered or open headlights. Luxurious interior with leather upholstery and classic instrumentation. Equipped with a 3.0-liter V12 engine producing around 280 horsepower and the short wheelbase (SWB) improved handling and agility, making it not only beautiful but also a thrill to drive. The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder is celebrated for its perfect blend of performance, style, and exclusivity. Only 55 examples of the SWB California Spyder were produced, making it extremely rare and valuable.
- Production Years: 1960-1963
- Body Style: 2-door roadster
- Design: Designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti
- Engine: 3.0-liter V12 engine (Tipo 168/61 Colombo)
- Power Output: Approximately 280 hp
- Top Speed: Around 145 mph (233 km/h)
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 6.7 seconds
- Transmission: 4-speed manual
- Chassis: Steel body with aluminum doors, hood, and trunk lid
- Suspension: Independent front suspension with double wishbones, coil springs, and telescopic dampers; rear live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and telescopic dampers
- Brakes: Disc brakes all around (an upgrade from drum brakes used in earlier models)
The 250 GT California Spyder gained additional fame due to its appearance in popular culture, most notably in the 1986 film “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” The Ferrari that appears in the movie is a replica. Total of three replicas, based on the original model were created for the movie by a firm called Modena Design.