2010 Ferrari California Convertible

• Ferrari's first V8 front-engined road car
• UK-delivered right-hand drive model
• Present ownership since October 2022
• Stored since acquisition

"The Ferrari California might just be the firm's most radical model. It's the first Ferrari road car to have a front-mounted V8 engine, the first to have a dual-clutch gearbox and, although not the first to have a removable hard-top, is the first to follow the current trend of having a fully retractable one that electrically folds into its boot." - Autocar.

Previously used for a limited series of exclusive coachbuilt soft-tops created on the 250 GT chassis in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the evocative 'California' name was revived by Ferrari in 2008 for its new 2+2 hardtop convertible. Featuring just two key sections, rather than the more commonplace three, the retractable roof was a particularly neat and compact example of the type, though the car had to be stationary before it could be operated. With the top in place, the California achieved the remarkable drag coefficient figure of 0.32, making it the most aerodynamic Ferrari to date. Inside, the customarily well-appointed Ferrari cabin featured an electronic handbrake and roof/gearbox controls on the curved centre console.

In its original incarnation the California's 4.3-litre V8 engine produced 453bhp, though from 2012 this was increased to 482bhp. Transmitted via a dual clutch to the seven-speed semi-automatic gearbox, those 453 horses made for a 0-62mph time of just 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 193mph. Performance was restrained by ceramic disc brakes all round.

This right-hand drive California was ordered via Ferrari GB dealership Jardine, Colchester, its original specification was Nero Daytona paint, Nero hide with Grigio stitching, Nero carpets, Daytona style seats, Giallo instruments, Carbon drivers and upper zones, Giallo brake calipers, Scuderia shields, rear panel in carbon and 20" Diamond polished alloys. The car has had six former keepers and has belonged to our vendor since 2nd October 2022 when it was purchased from Autostation in Elgin, Morayshire.

Not used since acquisition by the current owners, the Ferrari has been stored outside underneath a waterproof cover. Servicing may be required before further use. Accompanying paperwork consists of a V5C document; DVLA MoT history; and MoT to 18th September 2024. The current odometer reading is circa 33,000 miles.