CRÈME DE LA CRÈME

In 1957 Ferrari made history with the introduction of a racing spider specifically conceived for the United States’ West Coast market. The 250 GT California Spider was equipped with race-bred mechanical components but trimmed with luxury amenities that often belied the model’s true dual-use purpose. Built in a modest quantity of 106 examples through two different iterations on the long and short-wheelbase chassis, the 250 GT California Spider is today regarded as one of the most collectable Ferraris ever built.

At the 1966 Geneva Salon, Ferrari unveiled a new open model that combined concepts of the California Spider and the premium Superamerica model line. This halo model proved to be the final entry in Ferrari’s distinguished vintage tradition of limited-edition supercars.

The new model featured exquisite open coachwork designed and built by Pininfarina. The front end was similar to the 500 Superfast, with a small oval nose, faired-in headlamps, and dual pop-up driving lamps within the main lights. A long front deck led to a steeply raked windscreen, while the beltline gave way to a triangular cosmetic flourish integrated into the door handle. The design distinctively concluded with the sweeping lines converging into an angular Kamm tail.

This masterful coachwork was one of the most fetching designs in Pininfarina’s history, and it was mounted on a derivation of Ferrari’s type 598 chassis, the 2,650 millimeter-wheelbase platform also used for the 330 GT 2+2. Power was provided by a development of the single-overhead-cam 330 engine, which was enlarged to 4.4 liters. Desirable performance components like power steering and Borrani wire wheels were standard equipment, while a bevy of other accessories were available as options.

With eyes once again set on the American buyer, and hoping to evoke the competition triumphs and aesthetic mastery of the 250 GT California Spider, the new model was dubbed the 365 California Spyder. Only 14 examples were built during 18 months of production, making the model among the rarest of all open-top Ferraris.

For enthusiasts of Ferrari’s legendary relationship with Pininfarina, there can be no higher watermark than the 365 California. Exquisitely designed, indubitably rare, and appointed for the likes of royalty, this outstanding model constitutes the last of Ferrari’s vintage flagship open touring models—and what an extraordinary statement it was!

CHASSIS NUMBER 9935

Claiming a short chain of ownership including only two long-term caretakers in the last 53 years; a 2009 refurbishment by one of the niche’s most respected restoration shops; and Ferrari Classiche Red Book authentication confirming full matching-numbers, this breathtaking 365 California is a particularly desirable example of Maranello’s mid-1960s flagship spyder. According to the research of marque expert Marcel Massini, which is corroborated by a deep file of documentation, chassis number 9935 is the ninth of only 14 examples built.

Completed in May 1967, the 365 was ordered new by Waldorf Leasing on behalf of Los Angeles resident Nancy Tewksbury, who already owned a 275 GTS. The California was trimmed with a Bianco Molitan “M” white leather interior that matched her 275 GTS, and it was appointed with a passenger headrest, air conditioning, and instruments in miles. In addition to the standard power steering, the car was equipped with an uprated Bendix fuel pump. While the interior was complemented by a matching white soft top, and contrasting red carpets, the coachwork was finished in Rosso Cina (China Red) paint, combining for a very striking color scheme.

A month later the Ferrari was shipped to Chinetti Motors in New York and subsequently delivered to Mrs. Tewksbury, who officially leased the car from Waldorf Leasing. Oddly enough, the first owner kept the Spyder for only a few months, after which Waldorf sold the car in 1968 to its second private owner, Charles Garretson of Detroit, Michigan.

During 1969 the California was sold to a succession of two very well-known and respected dealers, first passing to Kirk F. White Motorcars, which in turn sold the car to famed competition driver and sports car importer Bob Grossman. In March 1971 the 365 found a more lasting home when it was purchased by Dr. Donald Grove, a physicist at Princeton University. While not a typical collector, Dr. Grove was extremely bright and more than mechanically capable, and he performed many of his own repairs while enjoying the Spyder as a reliable daily driver, as clarified by his correspondence and a handwritten service log on file.

In late 1978 Dr. Grove submitted the Ferrari to The Motorcar Company of Cranbrook, New Jersey, for a comprehensive restoration. Following completion of this work, the 365 was displayed in September 1982 at a Ferrari meeting in Bel Air, Maryland, organized by the well-known marque enthusiast Ron Spangler, proprietor of the Prancing Horse Farm. The California remained in Dr. Grove’s possession through at least 1998, accounting for a remarkable period of over 27 years of fastidious single-owner care. In 2004 the spyder was finally sold to a Florida-based dealer who presented it at the Cavallino Classic staged at the 2004 Concorso Italiano in California, and the car took home a Platinum Award.

In June 2006 the Ferrari was sold to the current owner. Though the California was admirably complete, the prior restoration was beginning to show its age, so the new owner decided to commission a refurbishment by one of the best names in the business, Paul Russell & Company. As confirmed by photos and correspondence on file, this restoration addressed every mechanical and cosmetic element, including a refinish in the original color scheme of Rosso Cina paint over a Bianco Molitan “M" leather interior.

Upon completion of this work in 2009, the California was presented at a number of high-level shows, beginning with the Cavallino Classic in January 2009, where it received a Platinum award. Three months later the Spyder attended some major European events, and in 2017 the car was invited to participate in the factory’s 70th Anniversary Classiche Cavalcade, which it successfully completed.

In addition to benefitting from further service by Paul Russell, the 365 was certified in April 2013 by Ferrari Classiche with a Red Book authenticating the continued presence of all the major matching-numbers mechanical equipment, including the engine, gearbox, rear axle, and coachwork. The car is very well documented with factory build sheet copies; 1971 sales invoice and title; prior owner’s notes and correspondence; paperwork and photos from the Paul Russell restoration; and the coveted Red Book and associated Certificate of Authenticity.

This exquisite Ferrari, offered from 18 years of fastidious single-owner care, presents an amazing opportunity to acquire the last of the best, and the best of the last—the ultimate flagship luxury grand touring spyder built by the company that practically invented the concept. Sure to be welcomed at major events and exhibitions worldwide, this rare 365 California would make a crowning addition to any stable of thoroughbred sports cars.