The Ferrari California instantly evokes the kind of joy that comes from cruising around. With a name inspired by fun in the sun and an eye-catching design that helps to elevate any adventure, the Ferrari California is an exciting sports car that is perfect for any kind of automotive journey, regardless of where your path takes you. This phenomenal member of the Ferrari family has an interesting history, too. Find out more about the Ferrari California here at Ferrari of Long Island, serving Plainview, NY and Huntington, and find yours in our pre-owned Ferrari inventory today!
Inspired by Sunny California
The story of the Ferrari California begins with a call from American drivers who wanted a version of a model called the 250 GT that had an open top that would work well for Californian customers. It didn't take much convincing for Ferrari to start designing a sports car that fit the bill. Eventually, the California was born, and it quickly became a favorite among drivers around Malibu Beach and Beverly Hills. Imagine driving around Oyster Bay and capturing the attention of passersby.
Fit for the Track
One remarkable detail about the California model's surge in popularity is the fact that there weren't actually very many of them in circulation. A mere 106 examples were built. Still, it gained quite the following and soon made a name for itself on the track as some adapted them for racing. The California saw quite a bit of track time around the late 1950s and early 1960s, with California models snagging fifth place in the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans, fifth place at Sebring in 1960, and a few other notable outings.
Designed to Impress
Between its striking good looks and powerful V12 engine, the California easily wowed drivers when it first arrived on the scene. A new model revived the nameplate in 2008, stirring up more excitement and fond feelings for this gem from decades past.
Curious about the Ferrari California and the impact that it made on the Ferrari lineup across the years? Visit our Ferrari dealership serving Spring Valley and New York, NY to learn more.