You don’t usually think of a Ferrari as a practical daily, but that’s exactly the idea behind the California. Offering a front-mid engined layout – a first for Ferrari – a retractable hardtop and a ‘2+2’ layout with folding rear seats and a generous boot, it really was designed to be a daily usable vehicle. It even benefits from ISOFIX points in the rear.
This 12 year old example has clearly been lightly used and is presented in fine overall condition. Having covered fewer than 48,000Km, it’s certainly got many more years of diligent service and exciting adventures ahead of it. As a way to put a Ferrari V8 grand tourer on your driveway, one that is genuinely usable on a daily basis, there California really can’t be beat.California (1).jpg683.37 KB
Electric, heated front seats and driver’s memory function
Parking sensors and reversing camera
Cruise control
Dual zone air conditioning
Fire extinguisher with matched leather cover
Automatic headlights
6.5-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation
Sound system with hands-free phone connection, USB and Aux connections
Tyre pressure and temperature monitoring system
The beige leather upholstery is complemented with smart blue secondary leather to the dashboard top and the steering wheel. It’s a handsome combination and all presents in fine order, with no notable wear or damage we could see. The seats show a little creasing and wear, but nothing of concern.
Blue carpets and floor mats are present and appear to be in good order, with no damage, threading or staining apparent.
All of the switchgear and trim appears to be presented in fine condition. Of course, there are minor marks and blemishes from use, but nothing significant to note. The vendor has not reported any faults or issues with any of the cabin’s functions.
One of the California’s key selling points is its practicality, with the rear bench featuring ISOFIX points, as well as folding down to extend the capacity of the boot. With the seats folded down, a couple of generous suitcases will fit in the boot, even when the roof is stowed.
The ‘Grigio Alloy’ paintwork is a light silvery-blue and shows very well. There is the odd minor blemish and stone chip, but certainly no blemishes or damage that would give us pause.
That serpentine bodywork, with its pronounced swage lines and thick rear haunches, certainly marks the car out from the norm. Here it presents in fine condition – we didn’t see any evidence of corrosion or damage and all the panel gaps appear to be neat and even.
Similarly, the trim, badging and light lenses are all in nice condition, with no cracking, UV damage or obvious wear we could discern.
Fitted with a practical retracting hardtop, the California enables its occupants to revel in the aural delights of that lovely V8, but have the comfort and security of a traditional coupé when desired. It operates very swiftly, raising and lowering in just a few seconds.
It is sitting on the factory ‘Star’ design alloy wheels, which are diamond cut and wear an attractive level of polish. There are one or two tiny marks to the rims, but otherwise they appear to be in fine fettle.California (66).jpg732.44 KB
The Mechanics
4,297cc naturally aspirated V8
F1 paddle-shift transmission
Launch control and ABS
Adjustable traction control with ‘Mannetino’ switch
That 90-degree, 4.3-litre V8 is a truly wonderful engine, offering heaps of power and torque from low in the rev range, resulting in the California being a charismatic machine that can effortlessly cruise over distance. The engine bay is very clean and tidy, and we saw no evidence of leaks or mechanical issues.
With double wishbone front suspension, a multilink rear set-up and huge performance brakes all round, the California is also very capable of delivering a dynamic and exciting driving experience too.
Producing a huge 460hp and 485Nm, all delivered to the rear wheels, it offers a 0-100Km/h time of just four seconds, while it’s capable of pushing on to 310Km/h.California (160).jpg888.95 KB
Summary
Little else in the car world is as evocative as that Ferrari badge. Offering you the chance to enjoy that fabulous V8 power and drama, but in a practical and usable package, this California really is a wonderful sporting grand tourer.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.
