Ferrari achieved tremendous success with its 250 GT models in the early 1950s, excelling in sports car competition with the long-wheelbase ‘Tour de France’ berlinetta and 250 TR. The next step in this evolution was driven from overseas, spearheaded by California-based importer John von Neumann, who proposed a true dual-purpose open Ferrari, one that could be driven to the circuit, raced, and then driven home. With the support of official Ferrari importer Luigi Chinetti, the idea quickly gained momentum, and the 250 GT California Spyder emerged, clothed in elegant open coachwork designed and built by Sergio Scaglietti on the proven 250 GT chassis. The concept was immediately vindicated in period competition, with the model taking a class victory at Sebring in 1959 and finishing an outstanding 5th overall at the 24 Hours of Le Mans later that year.

Following production of the initial long-wheelbase cars, Ferrari unveiled the ultimate development at the 1960 Geneva Salon: the 250 GT SWB California Spyder, built on the marque’s new 2,400 mm short-wheelbase platform. Featuring a wider track, Koni telescopic dampers, four-wheel disc brakes, and the latest evolution of the highly developed ‘short-block’ Colombo V12, the SWB version delivered an even more focused and thrilling driving experience. Produced in a modest run of just 56 examples, it became the most advanced and highest-performing open Ferrari of its era, while also attracting an enviable roster of high-profile owners. Today, the SWB California Spyder, particularly the coveted covered-headlamp variant is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful Ferraris ever built, combining timeless styling with race-winning performance.

Chassis 3059 GT was the 31st of the 56 SWB California Spyders produced and was completed in November 1961. It was originally finished in Rosso Cina over a Beige Connolly leather interior and specified with covered headlights, factory removeable hardtop, and no bumper brackets, features that place it among the most desirable specifications of the model. Factory records document a tightly sequenced assembly and a dyno-tested output of 220 horsepower.

Ordered new through Luigi Chinetti Motors of New York, the California was sold in 1962 by Charles Rezzaghi Motors of San Francisco to Nicholas Reynolds of the Kingston Trio. It remained in California through the 1960s, passing to Robert Solomon, under whose ownership it wore the black California plates “YUW 882” long associated with the car. After a brief period in the 1970s, including sale through Ferrari of San Diego, the car returned to Solomon before being sold in 1982 to noted collector Harley Cluxton III.

In 1983 the Ferrari was acquired by Sir Anthony Bamford and restored in England by Graypaul Motors, emerging in black with a cream interior. By the early 1990s the car had returned to the United States, passing through Ferrari of Los Gatos and achieving a landmark US$1,000,000 sale in 1993. Later that year it was sold to Robert Kerekes, under whose ownership it enjoyed a highly successful concours career, including Best in Show at the Ferrari Club of America International Concours in Monterey.

Sold to Canadian collector R. Lance Hill in 1999, the car received a Factory Heritage Certificate in 2002 before being acquired in 2007 by a UK based collector. An extensive restoration was subsequently carried out by RS Panels and GTO Engineering, encompassing complete body and mechanical refurbishment. Completed in 2009, the car was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2010, where it won the People’s Choice Award, and later selected for the Villa d’Este Concours d’Elegance in 2012.

More recently, the car underwent a complete bare-metal respray in Nero, while the interior was retrimmed in Rosso leather, with both works carried out by Ferrari’s factory body shop, Zanasi, in Italy. It has covered minimal mileage since being refinished and presents today in exceptional condition. Chassis 3059 GT retains its rare factory hardtop and is accompanied by a comprehensive history folio as well as Ferrari red book Classiche Certification. It represents a truly outstanding example of Ferrari’s magnificent 250 GT SWB California Spyder, distinguished by celebrated early ownership, continuous documentation, major concours accolades, and restoration by the marque’s foremost specialists. Contact us now for more information or to arrange a viewing.

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