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Six Types of Ferrari Spyder Californias to Appear at Pebble Beach
Written by: SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com   
07/14/2008 - 01:03 PM
Pebble Beach, CA
 
The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT Spyder California with short wheelbase and fared-in headlights that will appear at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. (Photo: pebblebeachconcours.net) ยป More Photos

Pebble Beach, Calif. In 1958, Ferrari began production of a race-inspired convertible named after its best-selling market the Ferrari 250 GT Spyder California. Only 105 Cal Spyders were manufactured overall. In addition to the prototype, there were six variantslong and short wheelbase models with differing headline treatments and competition versions.

Six of these now iconic roadsters will be displayed among the worlds elite vehicles at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours dElegance on August 17.

According to Ed Gilbertson, Chief Judge at the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance and a Ferrari expert, The Spyder California was a factory-built road car that you could drive to the track and race. Were bringing together examples from around the world from people who dont often show their cars to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime display of Ferrari legends.

After the prototypes completion in 1957, coachbuilder Carrozzeria Scaglietti began handcrafting the open-air Spyder California based on the long-wheelbase 250 GT platform, with models featuring both open and closed headlights. In 1960 Ferrari moved to a shorter wheelbase, again with open and closed headlight variations. Twelve of the 105 Spyder Californias were built specifically for competition, utilizing all-aluminum bodywork, a larger gas tank and a more powerful engine, and racing triumphs added to the Spyder Californias lore.

Ferraris with competition pedigrees are always the most revered, said Gilbertson, and the Spyder California earned top finishes at some of the biggest races. Well have one of the most desirable Ferraris of all on display at the Concours the closed headlight, alloy-bodied,
short wheelbase Spyder California that raced at Le Mans and Sebring.

The Concours will also showcase the only Ferrari 400 Superamerica built by the factory with Spyder California coachwork. Its Pebble Beach appearance in the GT Class marks the first showing of it anywhere in the world.

This Superamerica is the only one of its kind, and looks just like a pregnant Spyder California due to its bigger chassis and engine, said Gilbertson. Although its not truly a Spyder California, its certainly a close cousin and looks just like the exceptional beauty that it replicates.

The 2008 Pebble Beach Concours will be a rare opportunity for spectators, especially Ferrari aficionados, to see six types of Spyder Californias together and, just steps away, be able to compare it to the only 400 Superamerica of its kind; something that is unlikely to happen again for a very, very long time.

First conducted in 1950, the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance (pebblebeachconcours.com) has grown to become one of the worlds premier celebrations of the automobile. Only the most beautiful and rare cars are invited to appear on the famed 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links, and connoisseurs of art and style flock to see these masterpieces. Charitable donations raised by the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance now total over $10 million. Related events include the Pebble Beach Tour dElegance presented by Rolex, Pebble Beach RetroAuto, and the Pebble Beach Auction presented by Gooding & Company.

For more news and events visit www.vintagemotorsport.com
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