During the late 1950s and early 1960s, Ferrari developed its 250 GT platform into a range of road and competition cars that would come to define the marque’s most successful period. Alongside purpose-built racing models such as the Tour de France and 250 GTO, the California Spider emerged as a more versatile open model within the range.
Introduced in short-wheelbase form in 1960, the revised California Spider adopted a 2,400 mm chassis that improved handling while incorporating a series of technical updates, including four-wheel disc brakes, Koni telescopic dampers, and the latest evolution of the Colombo-designed 3.0-litre V-12. Just 56 examples of the short-wheelbase version were produced, of which 39 were specified with covered headlamps, a configuration now closely associated with the model. Produced in limited numbers and closely related to Ferrari’s competition cars, the short-wheelbase California Spider remains among the most sought-after models of the period. Regarded as one of the most beautiful and pedigreed Ferraris ever built, it combines aesthetic perfection with race-winning performance.
One of those cars, the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider chassis 2955 GT, is now set to be offered by RM Sotheby's with an estimate of $17,000,000 - $19,500,000 USD. Completed in September 1961, it is the 26th example built and was delivered new via Auto Becker in Düsseldorf before being retained for display at that year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
Following its appearance in Frankfurt, chassis 2955 GT was sold to its first owner, André Budi-Medawar, a Lebanese enthusiast who kept the car in Rome. During this early period, it was serviced both locally and at the Ferrari factory, before being exported to the United States in 1965 through Luigi Chinetti’s North American operation.
The Spider passed through a small number of American owners during the decade, including Bernard Stayman, who presented the car at the 1966 FCA National Concours in Indianapolis, where it was awarded Best Convertible. In 1969, it was acquired by actor Kenneth Mars, who retained the Ferrari for a remarkable period of more than 30 years.
The car returned to Europe in 2000, when it was acquired by a Frankfurt-based collector. During his ownership, it underwent restoration work in Italy by specialist firms including Carrozzeria Autosport and Bacchelli & Villa, before later being sold in 2019 to its current owner.
In 2018, the car was submitted to Ferrari Classiche for inspection and was subsequently issued a “Red Book”, confirming the presence of its original engine, gearbox, rear axle, and coachwork. Such certification has become a key reference point in the upper tier of the Ferrari market, particularly for models of this significance.
Shortly after its acquisition in 2019, the current owner commissioned a comprehensive restoration by Dino Cognolato in Vigonza, Italy. Completed in 2022, the work included a full mechanical overhaul and refinishing in its current colour combination of Blu Scuro over rosso leather, along with the addition of a factory-style silver hardtop that provides a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette.
Following completion, chassis 2955 GT was exhibited at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. With limited mileage since and accompanied by its Ferrari Classiche documentation, tools, manuals, and historical report, it is well suited to further presentation at major concours d’elegance and marque events, as well as road use.
The car is set to be offered as part of RM Sotheby's biennial Monaco Auction, held alongside the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique. Taking place at the Grimaldi Forum on April 24–25, 2026, the auction brings together an exceptional selection of sports, racing, and contemporary performance cars across two days. Admission to preview is open to the public. Prospective bidders must register in advance.
