If you were to ask any Ferrari boffin which of the brand's earlier models were the most beautiful, you will be presented with a variety of options including the 1957 Ferrari 250 California. Although it is a well-known fact that "il Commendatore" himself, Enzo Ferrari, cared more for racing vehicles, the same passion and performance that defined the Grand Prix vehicles made its way into the road-going models.
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Like with the 250 California the 2009 Ferrari California takes shape as a front-engine, cabriolet. While certainly, it lends itself to the road, make no mistake, it can also navigate a track just like other more performance orientated Ferrari models. The California has subsequently been replaced by the California T, the Portofino and most recently the Portofino M, however, there are plenty used Ferrari California examples to be found.
Exterior
Penned by the Italian design house Pininfarina, the California was created to attract new customers to the brand as the model would be positioned as the entry-point to the Italian automaker. The model was not only tasked with exuding the same timeless design as found on earlier models but also to innovate and redefine the segment.
Taking inspiration from the original 250 California, the model incorporates a large grille up front with proportionate bi-xenon headlamps which feature daylight running lamps. An element that harks back to the classic model is the thin air intake that features centrally on the bonnet. Similarly, designers included apertures on the flanks as you would have found on the earlier models.
At the rear, the California feature a single taillamp on each side of the vehicle, a design theme that would feature on the later California T and continue on to the Ferrari Portofino M model. A new design choice on the California is the vertically stacked tailpipes, two on each side and was the last time it featured in the lineage.
Interior
What set apart the original California was not only its glamorous exterior design but also the interior which incorporated more luxury than usual. A similar theme is found in this model where the designers included plush leather finishes and even a central infotainment screen. Ferrari also gave customers the choice of either specifying their California with a 2+ configuration offering two additional seats, seatbelts and ISOFIX attachment points. Alternatively, you could opt for a bench layout to stow suitcases or golf bags.
Drivers will also notice that the California retained an analogue instrument cluster, however, incorporated four TFT screens for additional vehicle information to be displayed on. Centrally fitted comes a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system which offers customers, Satellite Navigation, USB connectivity, Bluetooth, CD, voice commands and an iPod connector.
Drivetrain
One of the main reasons anyone buys a Ferrari is to gain access to their high performing engines. This California comes fitted with a V8 motor instead of the traditional V12, however, it packs a punch. The 4.3-litre, direct injection, petrol engine produces 338 kW and 485 Nm of torque which is capable of propelling the model to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and on to a top speed of 310 km/h.
You will find that most come fitted with the dual-clutch, 7-speed + reverse, F1 transmission. This gearbox allows the driver to either select full auto where dual-clutch transmission, one clutch dedicated to even-numbered gears and the other for odd-numbered gears, takes control of the changes. Drivers can also take control by using the gear changing paddles that feature behind the steering wheel to manually change up, or down.
What few will know is that the Ferrari California is the last Ferrari model to offer a manual transmission. Yes, customers had the opportunity to opt for a 6-speed manual gated transmission in place of the 7-speed dual-clutch. While Ferrari has not released any official numbers on this, it is believed that only three California models ever left the factory with the manual transmission, making this specification quite desirable.
So if you find yourself in a used Ferrari California with a manual transmission, buy it as it might not only be your next drop-top Ferrari but a good investment too.
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