Ferrari California 30 (2013)

The word California first appeared alongside the famous Ferrari name back in 1957 when the 250GT California was launched. The more modern Ferrari California 2+2 design was launched in 2008 and has become a hugely successful and popular model. The 2 + 2 design opens up the possibility of a child seat or small people to be seated in the back. At the time of its launch, it was the first road-going Ferrari to have a front-mounted V8 engine and the first to have a dual-clutch gearbox. In addition, the car also has a fully retractable, electric folding roof that tucks away neatly into the boot area. The wing-mounted vents, single wide bonnet vent, and vertical slats give subtle hints as to the car’s roots. The roof of the California is only a two-piece design, so it is more compact and easier to hide away than the older three-piece designs. In terms of performance, the car can reach 60mph in just 3.8 seconds and sub-9sec to 100mph, partly due to the short gear ratios but also its fantastic ability to launch. Ceramic brakes are fitted as standard and the dual-clutch gearbox has been described by experts as a resounding success. Another important point to note is the very high level of comfort and excellent ride quality offered, which means that the California can be used to travel long distances with ease.

The California 30 is the last of Ferrari’s naturally-aspirated, front-engined V8 powertrain and is indeed something special from the Italian marque. Through the development of new alloys, many of which coming from the aerospace industry a weight saving of 30kg has been achieved with no loss of rigidity by careful analysis of the entire structure, quite the feat. Peak power is now up 30bhp to 490 bhp, while peak torque also increased by 14lb ft to 372lb-ft. These improvements have come from a new design of piston crown, improved mechanical efficiency thanks to a reed valve in the crankcase to evacuate oil and blow-by gasses, reduced backpressure from a redesigned 4-into-1 exhaust manifold, and a reprogrammed ECU. Over and above the standard California, the 30 has received some subtle chassis tweaks via reprogramming of the control software for the adaptive dampers. The welcome inclusion of the Handling Pack Speciale goes a step further, with quicker steering, stiffer spring rates with a bespoke software program for the dampers that doesn’t compromise on comfort. All contributing factors that make an engaging driver's car. The addition of the Handling Pack to a standard car is a not insignificant £4,300.

First delivered to H.R Owen’s South Kensington Dealership in July 2013 this example has been sparingly used by each of its 3 owners and has such covered just 7,500 miles to date. Optioned new in the warmer historical grey hue of Canna Di Fucile Metallic, the interior receives the fantastic complementary Cuoio Leather with rarely seen Charcoal Diamond Stitching and elegant piped edges.

The maintenance log showcases 7 Ferrari Main Dealer service stamps incorporated in the manufacturer's 7-year service plan, the next visit is scheduled for June 2021. Furthermore, this example benefits from the confidence-inspiring Ferrari Power Warranty, valid until June 2022.

The complete options list is detailed below;

Canna Di Fucile Metallic

Cuoio Leather

Handling Package

Parking Camera

Scuderia Wing Badges

Carbon Fibre Driver Zone With LEDS

Carbon Fibre Dashboard Inserts

20" Forged Diamond Finished Alloys

Exterior Sport Grilles

Adaptive Headlight System

Yellow Brake Calipers

Extended Leather Tunnel

Full Electric Heated Seats

Contrast Stitching In Charcoal

Cavallino Logo Stitched Into

Headrests

Diamond Style Seats

Front & Rear Parking Sensors

Aluminium Footrests

Rev Counter In Yellow

Leather Headliner

Tyre Pressure Monitor

Carpets In Nero

Navtrak

The car comes complete with the stamped service book, all manuals, spare key, and toolkit. The attractive specification, thorough Ferrari Main Dealer history and 18 months of Ferrari Power Warranty remaining make this California an enticing proposition and as such is available to view by virtual video walk around, or at our showrooms based just outside London.