• Ferrari's first front-engined V8 road car
• Delivered new in Switzerland
• Circa 200km (125 miles) recorded on the odometer
• Recently serviced and recommissioned by Stratton Motor Company

"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.

Autocar rated the California ahead of the Bentley Continental GTC, Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder and Aston Martin DBS for its blend of everyday usability and outright enjoyment, praise indeed.

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. 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 cabin was customarily well-appointed. In its original incarnation the California's 4.3-litre V8 engine produced 453bhp (482bhp from 2012). 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 wonderful example of this landmark Ferrari model was ordered new by our vendor from the official Ferrari concessionaire Modena Cars SA in Geneva, Switzerland. Finished in Bianco Avus with Rosso/Crema leather interior and Crema roof, the car comes with copies of its Swiss Carte Grise and original purchase receipt, the latter listing its unique specification.

Since acquisition the Ferrari has been kept on static display as part of the vendor's substantial private collection (seeing minimal use) and has recently been recommissioned by Stratton Motor Company. With extensive works undertaken including multi point check, replacement all filters, engine oil, diff oil, coolant, spark plugs and brake fluids, the changing of all auxiliary belts. The invoice for this work is on file totalling some £7,800.


Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to stay in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the standard rate of 20% and Import Duty at 10%+VAT on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.