1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder.
We all know that Ferraris don’t come cheap. Come to think of it, a tour of Italy would be more within reach than actually buying a brand-new Ferrari supercar. The latest road-going ferrari is the LaFerarri, which, depending upon your country of residence, retails for about $1.8 million (appx. INR 12 crore). That is very expensive for sure, but that number simply pales in comparison to the most expensive Ferraris out there. A 1962 Ferrari GTO recently sold for an eye-watering $35 million (or INR 180 crore). However, in a couple of weeks, there shall be a new contender to this throne and that car is none other than a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder which is bathed in this gorgeous Blu Scuro colour scheme.
It might not be red, but it can make your wallet red hot!
This particular example is one of only 16 (open headlights models) to be ever produced and is set to be auctioned at an astonishing $13.8 million or in Bharatiya currency, almost Rs. 88 crore! That’s exactly 7.33 times more expensive than the LaFerrari hybrid supercar. The Ferrari 250 series of Italian classics have always commanded a massive premium and by the looks of it, this sublime and pristine Spyder shall be no different to that rule.
That sensual body is the work of Sergio Scaglietti.
This is the short wheelbase version (SWB) of the 250 GT.
The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder has a wheelbase of just 2400mm, instead of the 2600mm found on the standard 250 GT. It also got its power from a carbureted 3.0-litre V12, making 225bhp and the power being sent to the rear wheels. Of course, with leaf springs at the back, we wouldn’t presume anyone to chuck this Ferrari into any corners at any kind of fast speeds. This car isn’t about speed or handling, as it might struggle against a really sprightly modern-day hot hatchback. This Ferrari is about enjoying the glory of that sensational exterior, classic interior, buzzy little V12 with no butterfly valves and above all, having all that open sky above you.
The interior of the 250 GT is full of beautiful leather, wood and metal accents.
If you want power steering, power windows, electronic this powered that, then you will be happy to know that this exotic isn’t for you. But if you have a taste for classic Ferraris and have Blue Whale loads of cash lying about, then be the reason when the hammer goes down at the Villa Erba auction and buy this! It might never be as reliable or as fast as its present generation, but it oozes more charisma and class than any of them ever will.