Gooding Christie’s recently shared their final catalogs for the upcoming Pebble Beach Auctions and in doing so surprised the collector car world by announcing a stunning consignment – the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione. This is a remarkable example of a classic-era Ferrari produced in incredibly limited numbers.
The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione is a true masterpiece, combining breathtaking aesthetics with exceptional power. This extraordinary vehicle is highly prized for its rarity and has strong ties to the refined tastes of American enthusiasts, as well as Ferrari’s unyielding dedication to high-performance racing.
Origins of the California Spider
The idea of the California Spider, a unique and sporty open-top version of Ferrari’s 250 GT Berlinetta, can be credited to the late 1950s and the vision of Luigi Chinetti, Ferrari’s influential US importer. Along with John von Neumann, his West Coast representative, they identified an emerging market in sunny California for such a vehicle. Unlike the more luxurious Pinin Farina-designed 250 GT Cabriolet already in production, this new concept would stand out as something truly special.
Enzo Ferrari initially had doubts but eventually came on board, and the task of bringing it to life was assigned to Sergio Scaglietti. The first iteration was the 250 GT LWB (Long Wheelbase) California Spider, based on the Tour de France berlinetta. However, it was the even more sought-after 250 GT SWB (Short Wheelbase) California Spider that truly captured the hearts of many, produced from 1960 to 1963. With a wheelbase 20 cm shorter than the LWB, the SWB version offered improved handling and a lower ride height, alongside aesthetic changes including the option of covered or fixed headlights, and the significant upgrade of introducing four-wheel disc brakes in 1959.
The "Competizione" Distinction
Although the California Spider was primarily seen as a high-performance road car for the jet set, a small number were built to “Competizione” or “competition specification.” These were unique, light-weight, aluminum-bodied models created with racing in mind. Out of just 56 SWB California Spiders produced overall, only three boasted lightweight aluminum bodies, and an incredibly low two of these were completed in the full competition spec. This makes the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione an exceptionally rare and historically important vehicle.
These competition models featured:
- Lightweight Aluminum Coachwork: These models are notably lighter in comparison to their steel-bodied counterparts.
- Competition-Spec Engine: A high-performance engine was utilized, based on the 250 Testa Rossa. This engine, which included features like large carburetors and specialized exhausts, could produce around 280 horsepower. This was significantly more than what a standard SWB California Spider would typically offer.
Racing History
Chassis 2383 GT stands as a notable example of the model’s racing prowess. This car was initially painted in Grigio Argento (Silver Gray) and featured blue leather upholstery. It was delivered to a gentleman racer named Ernst Lautenschlager through a company called Auto Becker, which is based in Düsseldorf. During 1961 and 1962, Lautenschlager actively participated in racing events throughout Germany and Austria with strong results:
- 1961: First place finishes at the Preis von Tirol (Innsbruck) and two hill climbs (Schorndorfer and Eberbach)
- 1962: A class win at Eberbach, second place at the Preis der Avus and Neubiberg, and a fourth-place finish at Norisring, with his final race being a fourth-in-class at the Solitude GT.
Although dedicated racing versions of the California Spider were scarce, other Short-Wheel-Base (SWB) California Spiders also participated in races, often because a driver preferred an open GT car. As an example, the 1883 GT chassis, despite not being a complete “Competizione” model, notably competed in the 1962 Targa Florio, finishing third in its class and nineteenth overall.
Legacy and Value
The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione stands as the pinnacle of a highly coveted model series. Its scarcity, striking visual appeal, and authentic racing heritage have solidified its status as one of the most legendary and valuable collector’s cars globally.
Gooding Christie’s will offer chassis 2383 GT for sale during Monterey Car Week next month and it is expected to bring more than $20,000,000.