Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider 1961
Production & VIN: 2935GT; 37 produced
Sold for: USD 18.5 million
Auction house: Artcurial
Sale date: February 6, 2015
Seller: Anonymous owner
Buyer: Anonymous buyer
In 1959 Ferrari gave the 250 GT Berlinetta sharper handling, reducing its wheelbase from 2,600 mm to 2,400 mm. In 1960 Scaglietti revealed the 250 GT California Spyder SWB at Geneva, its body pulled more tautly over this updated chassis. Like the 250 GT Berlinetta SWB on which it was based, the revised Spyder also received disc brakes and a 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) version of the three-litre V12. It was fitted with 185VR15 Pirelli Cinturato tyres (CA67). About 55 were built.
A fiberglass-bodied replica of a 1961 250 GT Spyder California, based on an MG, was featured in the 1986 film Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
A 1961 SWB example that had been owned by James Coburn was sold for £5.5 million to radio DJ, Chris Evans.
A barn find 1961 SWB formerly owned by French actor Alain Delon while he was making the film "Les Felins" with Jane Fonda sold for US$15.9 million in February 2015.
On March 11, 2016 at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation, a 1961 SWB sold for US$17.16 million at auction.