Every once in a while, a car comes along that reshapes the way we look at performance and design. The Ferrari California Spider Prototype is that car, and now, it’s back in the spotlight. Gooding Christie’s is bringing this automotive icon, along with a host of equally captivating Italian legends, to its 21st annual Pebble Beach showcase.
Ferrari California Spider Prototype Steals the Show
This is the Ferrari that started a revolution. The 1957 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Prototipo, chassis 0769 GT, is the genesis of the legendary California Spider series. Its V12 Colombo engine, Scaglietti-designed body, and covered headlights make it instantly recognizable. And its history? Rich beyond compare, from Luigi Chinetti’s showroom to the garage of George Arents. Restored by Rare Drive Inc., it now shines in its original livery, complete with concours awards from Pebble Beach, Maranello, and Villa d’Este.
Power Meets Provenance
Under the hood, the California Spider Prototype features a tipo 128C 3.0L V12 engine, an early evolution of Ferrari’s iconic Colombo design. Paired with elegant Scaglietti styling, this car wasn’t just a prototype, it was a statement of intent. Built for the road but blessed with racing spirit, this Ferrari has the speed, elegance, and aura of something truly irreplaceable.
More Icons from Maranello
Joining the California Spider is the rare 1961 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Series I Cabriolet. One of just six short-wheelbase cabriolets by Pininfarina, it combines Italian elegance with high-speed muscle. With a history linking it to the Monaco Grand Prix and decades in the esteemed Greg Garrison collection, this car is as blue-chip as they come.
Also on offer is the 1950 Ferrari 166 MM/195 S Berlinetta Le Mans, chassis 0060 M. This coupe competed in iconic American races and was once owned by Briggs Cunningham. It marks an era when Ferrari was planting its flag on U.S. soil.
Italian Powerhouses in Rare Form
Lamborghini makes its presence known with the 1968 Miura P400. Restored by the factory’s own restoration center, and overseen by Valentino Balboni, this example is finished in a rare blue-over-mustard combination that turns heads as easily as it takes curves.
Equally exciting is the 1966 Lamborghini 400 GT Interim. This ultra-rare two-seater is among the earliest Lamborghinis to feature factory-built mechanicals throughout. With concours wins and a certificate signed by Ferruccio himself, it’s a true holy grail for collectors.
A Festival of Maranello’s Finest
Other Ferrari gems in this stellar lineup include a 1967 275 GTB/4, 1963 250 GT Lusso, 1954 250 Europa GT, and a show-stopping 1974 Dino 246 GTS. Each carries its own slice of Ferrari history, whether through factory provenance, rare factory specs, or painstaking concours restorations.
The 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS, finished in Grigio Azzurro over blue leather, and restored by DK Engineering, adds yet another layer of elegance and exclusivity.
Summary
Gooding Christie’s has assembled what can only be described as an Italian automotive masterclass for this year’s Pebble Beach showcase. From the groundbreaking Ferrari California Spider Prototype to the factory-finished Lamborghini Miura and historic Ferraris of every era, this lineup celebrates design, power, and provenance. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, these machines represent far more than just cars, they are pieces of rolling art with stories as powerful as their engines.
Disclaimer: Vehicle estimates, availability, and historical documentation are subject to official Gooding Christie’s listings and conditions.
Source: Gooding Christie
