The name California will make most people daydream of sceneries of the West Coast, surf and Napa Valley's fine wine. For car enthusiasts, such a name could only refer to the legendary Ferrari 250 California, one of the most recognizable open top GT's from the 1950ies.
In 2008 Ferrari decided to pay hommage to one of its most beautiful cars ever by introducing the new California, the first ever entry-level Prancing Horse with a front-mounted 460hp 4.3 liter V8 engine. A seductive cabriolet with a folding rigid hard-top, the California was destined to those customers who were wishing for a more usable and less-compromised Grand Tourer for daily use. Following the 2+ interior layout, it offered more interior space thanks to two rear seats that could provide enough room for two small people or additional luggage.
Featuring the innovative F1 Trac system presented on the 599 Fiorano, the California represented the best possible compromise between the typical Ferrari's supercar attitude and a GT's much more elegant and refined behaviour.