In 1960 Scaglietti revealed the 250 GT California Spyder SWB at Geneva. Thanks to the work of importer Luigi Chinetti, the USA became a very important market, and based on an idea from John Von Neumann (the west coast representative), the California Spyder was born. Just 106 cars were built, nine of them with aluminum bodies and all in ‘convertible’ design; but only one of them in right hand drive – Chassis # 2591. In October 2013, the classic Ferrari experts GTO Engineering began work on this California Spyder. The restoration was particularly complex, as so much was incorrect on the car due to a previous restoration done by electrical engineers who, although undoubtedly competent, were not marque knowledgeable and had included many ‘modifications’. GTO Engineering went to great lengths to get the bodywork and all the mechanicals correct. All the incorrect hardware, panels and mechanical components were replaced with correct parts, and the car was restored to its original splendour. The result was a stunningly beautiful SWB right hand drive California Spyder as correct as it left the factory. The car was displayed in the exclusive Windsor Concours of Elegance, held inside Windsor Castle last September.
GTO Engineering
UK +44 (0)118 940 1101;
USA +1 424 303 7005
www.gtoengineering.com
