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1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider s/n 1055GT (Estimate: $11,000,000 – $13,000,000)
In late 1957, Ferrari developed a new open 250 GT model for the booming North American market. Ferrari’s
two most successful and influential dealers, Luigi Chinetti and John von Neumann, impressed upon the
factory the need for a simple, dual-purpose 250 GT convertible. The idea was to develop a car that could be
driven during the week and raced with success on the weekend.
The result was the California Spider, a high-performance 250 GT with striking coachwork by Carrozzeria
Scaglietti. As its name suggested, the model was aimed at a very specific segment of Ferrari’s American
clientele: young, moneyed enthusiasts who wanted a stylish thoroughbred sports car that was equally at
home on road and track. Like other high-end European sports cars aimed at the American market, the
California Spider featured a racy, swept-back windscreen, minimal interior appointments, bucket seats, and a
lightweight folding top.
Between 1957 and 1963, Ferrari built just 106 California Spiders – 50 of the original long-wheelbase (LWB)
version and 56 of the final short-wheelbase (SWB) variant. Today, the model remains one of the most famous
and desirable Ferraris ever produced – a mechanical object of exceptional beauty and sophistication that has
long captured the interest of connoisseurs.
The car presented here, chassis 1055GT, is the 11th California Spider built and one of a select group
originally finished with the attractive and highly desirable covered-headlamp treatment. Delivered new to Luigi
Chinetti Motors in 1959, and sold new to an attorney in Texas, this California Spider is among the few
examples that raced in period, competing in SCCA events in Florida during 1962.
Chassis 1055GT has a well-documented history and several notable owners, including Gerald Roush, founder
of Ferrari Market Letter, and collectors Tony Wang and Hans Thulin. Keeping with the tradition of devoted
Ferrari ownership, the current owner has kept the car under the finest care and recently entrusted it to the
esteemed marque specialist Motion Products, Inc. for a complete, no-expense-spared restoration.
Presented in the gorgeous, period-correct color scheme of Grigio Vinovo with brown leather interior, this
California Spider has captured a string of important awards at prestigious concours events. In 2018, it secured
a Platinum Award at the Cavallino Classic, the Luigi Chinetti Memorial Award at the FCA National Meeting,
and a Third in Class award at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®. Bolstering its outstanding
show-quality presentation, 1055GT is offered with a correct handbook set, tool kit, Ferrari Classiche Red
Book, a history report compiled by marque historian Marcel Massini, as well as an impressive file of
documentation that traces the unique history of this special 250 GT. Without a doubt, this is a momentous
opportunity for the perfectionist and Ferrari purist to seize at the Pebble Beach sale.
The Pebble Beach Auctions
Dates
Friday, August 16 at 5:00pm
Saturday, August 17 at 11:00am
Location
Pebble Beach Equestrian Center
Corner of Stevenson Drive and Portola Road,
Pebble Beach, CA
Public preview
Wednesday, August 14 through Saturday, August 17
Auction catalogues
$100, includes admission for two to the viewing and the auction
General admission
$40, includes admission for one to the viewing and the auction
Live auction broadcast
www.goodingco.com
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