2011 Ferrari California 4.3 F1 DCT

Introduced at the Paris Salon in 2008, the Ferrari California had been conceived as a ‘Grand Tourer’ rather than an out-and-out sports car and was intended to appeal to those who might otherwise opt for a Bentley, an Aston Martin or an SL-Class Mercedes-Benz. It was quite a radical move for the marque pioneering Maranello’s first front-mounted V8 engine, two-piece folding metal roof, dual clutch seven-speed transmission, direct fuel injection and multi-link rear suspension. Styled by Pininfarina and subject to over 1,000 hours of wind tunnel testing, the new car utilised aluminium for both its chassis and bodywork construction. Related to that in the F430, its 4297cc 'quad cam', 32-valve V8 developed some 453bhp and 358lbft of torque and was allied to the aforementioned dual clutch seven-speed transmission as standard. Despite being one of the least expensive models in the range, the California boasted carbon-ceramic disc brakes and the traction control system from the marque's flagship 599 and, a ‘grand tourer’ it might have been, but 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds and 193mph were firmly in ‘junior supercar’ territory. Less demanding to drive than its siblings and therefore more approachable during everyday, 'real world' motoring, the notional 2+2-seater more than fulfilled its brief of attracting a whole new generation of customers to the Ferrari fold.

Entered here by its second long-term owner, this impressively specified Ferrari California has only covered 19,600 miles from new supported by a comprehensive main dealer service history. Supplied new by H.R. Owen, the specification included a traditional Rosso Corsa paint finish and a stunning Daytona-inspired, full leather interior. The majority of the cabin is finished in ‘Cuoio Naturale’ using the finest quality natural full-grain cowhide and the Daytona seating is a combination of Naturale with Crema centre panels cross banded with Naturale. The door panels are lined in quilted Crema leather and the whole cabin is enhanced with Beige Chiaro stitching. The dashboard, headlining, A-pillars and steering wheel all make use of the light tan Naturale leather making for a very opulent and stylish interior.

The comprehensive specification includes electric seats, steering wheel, LEDS, 20-inch Diamond Cut sports wheels, parking camera, Magnaride dual-mode suspension, an iPod connection, yellow calipers and a similarly coloured rev counter. The service record shows twenty two H.R.Owen entries relating to annual servicing and general mechanical attention culminating in a £3,087.33 invoice for a service and light maintenance in May 2020.

One of the most stylish convertibles in the world, the California is also relatively practical, not demanding the levels of daily worship requested by some of its more complex siblings, and consequently the ownership market is somewhat larger. They have now reached a level that many feel is the clever investment, and we cannot disagree when you look at the stunning example on offer here. 

The Registration Number illustrated, (8 NOV), does not form part of the sale and the car will revert to its original registration, LJ11 EPA.