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Ferrari introduced the 250 GT California Spider in 1957 on their long-wheelbase (LWB) chassis for the
booming North American market. Ferrari’s leading US dealers, Luigi Chinetti and John von Neumann,
requested from the factory a dual-purpose sports car that was highly capable on the racetrack, but
comfortable for use as a daily driver. In 1960, with the introduction of Ferrari’s new short-wheelbase (SWB)
250 GT Berlinetta chassis, Ferrari thoroughly redesigned the California Spider. The new 250 GT SWB
California Spider benefitted from a much more sophisticated chassis, along with standard four-wheel Dunlop
disc brakes, a refined suspension setup and new outside-plug engines. The renowned Italian coachbuilder,
Scaglietti, redesigned the California Spider’s coachwork around the updated chassis, resulting in a much
more aggressive and sporting appearance. Despite being a more refined and well-rounded sports car, the
SWB California Spiders were true thoroughbreds, with several examples raced at events such as the 24
Hours of Le Mans and the Targa Florio. Between 1960 and 1963, Ferrari built just 56 examples of the SWB
variant, with only 37 being highly sought after covered-headlight versions.
The Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider presented here, chassis 2871GT, is among the most desirable
SWB California Spiders. The Ferrari was purchased new in Milan, Italy by the famed Italian industrial
designer, Gianfranco Frattini in September, 1961. While in Mr. Frattini’s care, chassis 2871GT was featured
in the Italian film Ieri, Oggi, Domani (Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow), which starred Sophia Loren and Marcello
Mastroianni. Mr. Frattini lovingly owned the car for 17 years before selling it to Terzo Dalia in June, 1978. Mr.
Dalia participated in two Ferrari events in the early-1980s before selling 2871GT to the current owner in
December, 1985. This important Ferrari has been with its current owner for the last 30 years, is
well-documented by Ferrari historian, Marcel Massini, and is presented the classic color combination of red
with a black interior. This exemplary California Spider, with a celebrated provenance and featuring only three
owners from new, offers the astute collector the opportunity to own a piece of Ferrari history.
The Amelia Island Auction
Date
Friday, March 11, 11:00am
Location
Racquet Park, Omni Amelia Island Plantation, 6800 First Coast Hwy,
Amelia Island, FL 32034
One mile south of Amelia Island Parkway
Public preview
March 10-11
Auctions catalogues
$75, includes admission for two to the viewing and the auctions
General admission
$30, includes admission for one to the viewing and the auctions
Website
www.goodingco.com
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