2009 Ferrari California Hardtop Convertible
Coachwork by Pininfarina
Registration no. Not UK registered
Chassis no. ZFFLJ65B000167506

'The Ferrari California might just be the firm's most radical model. It's the first Ferrari road car to have a front-mounted V8 engine, the first to have a dual-clutch gearbox and, although not the first to have a removable hard-top, is the first to follow the current trend of having a fully retractable one that electrically folds into its boot.' - Autocar.

Previously used for a limited series of exclusive coachbuilt soft-tops created on the 250 GT chassis in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the evocative 'California' name was revived by Ferrari in 2008 for its new 2+2 hardtop convertible. As well as the 'firsts' listed above, the new California's multi-link rear suspension and direct fuel injection had never been seen before on a Ferrari road car, while its hunched rear wheel arches, single bonnet scoop and slatted wing vents were styling cues borrowed from the original. Featuring just two key sections, rather than the more commonplace three, the retractable roof was a particularly neat and compact example of the type, though the car had to be stationary before it could be operated. With the top in place, the California achieved the remarkable drag coefficient figure of 0.32, making it the most aerodynamic Ferrari to date. Inside, the customarily well appointed Ferrari cabin featured an electronic handbrake and roof/gearbox controls on the curved centre console.

In its original incarnation the California's 4.3-litre V8 engine produced 453bhp, though from 2012 this was increased to 482bhp. A 'Handling Speciale Package' of suspension upgrades became available at the same time. Transmitted via a dual clutch to the seven-speed semi-automatic gearbox, those 453 horses made for a 0-62mph time of just 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 193mph. But these days even Ferrari cannot focus on performance alone, and so the California incorporated HELE (High Efficiency Low Emissions) technology including 'stop start', enabling it to achieve a CO2 emissions figure of 270g/km. Performance was restrained by ceramic disc brakes all round.

One of Ferrari's aims with the California was to extend its appeal to a wider customer base, so the car was deliberately made less hard-edged and more user-friendly than many of its more track-focused siblings. Autocar: 'The first surprise is how well the California rides. We tried both the passive dampers and the optional Magneride units, and both (even with the latter set to Sport) coped impressively well with our road network, and especially so for a convertible. Such is the California's comfort that you could easily use one to travel significant distances.'

Britain's esteemed motoring magazine concluded its review by rating the California ahead of the Bentley Continental GTC, Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder and Aston Martin DBS for its blend of everyday usability and outright enjoyment. Praise indeed.

The fabulous and exclusive Ferrari supercar in bianco avus offered here was built in April 2009 to left-hand drive European specification and supplied new via Hasler AG, authorised Ferrari dealers of Basel, Switzerland. First registered by them for warranty purposes on 10th June 2009, the 'Hardtop Convertible' incorporates several desirable factory options to include enamel logos on flanks; electrically operated Daytona seats; leather-trimmed transmission tunnel; yellow instruments; cruise control; iPod connection; tyre pressure monitoring; and 20"-diameter alloy wheels.

Although started and run regularly whilst in storage, this 'California' displays a genuine total of only 221 kilometres on the odometer and is presented in effectively 'as new' condition. Sold strictly as viewed and without documents, the car will require a Certificate of Conformity issued by Ferrari themselves or obtained from an official Ferrari agent before it can be registered.

Should this unregistered vehicle remain within the EU, local import taxes of 20% will be applied to the hammer price.