1/3 Scale Model - 250 GT SWB 'California Spider' (1962)

Immensely passionate about Ferrari and their engines, artisan Terzo Dalia has been handcrafting incredibly detailed and faithful representations of Ferrari’s finest componentry in very small numbers. Recognised by collectors worldwide and even Luca de Montezemolo, Dalia constructs 1/3 scale replicas – much more than mere models.

Utilising many of the same practices and materials as Ferrari would in period, the recreation of the Colombo V12 powerplant uses over 240 parts, each one hand-formed and sand-cast aluminium and stainless steel. Held together with no fewer than 470 screws, neither the engine nor trellis bodywork use any adhesives. The fully-synchronised engine rotates in exact firing order with the 12 separate pistons linked as they would be in full scale, by connecting rods to the crankshaft. Additionally linked by a series of internal gears, the outside pulleys link to the rotating fan belt. The chassis too is a faithful recreation of the original Ferrari layout.

Each engine takes over a year to produce and assemble and comes in at an astounding 16-kilogram weight. Unsurprisingly, each of the 50 examples built sold out immediately at their 2002 launch. Around the famed engine sits an immensely accurate reproduction of the 250 Berlinetta short wheel-base bodywork, the trellis additionally constructed using the same techniques, without adhesives – each part is welded to the next and allowing full visibility of the engine, gearbox and differential within.

Finished in dark blue, this 250 California and trellis can either be mounted on the wall, take centre stage on a large table or on its accompanying display stand and is accompanied by its original transport crate. Offered from a significant collection of notable Ferrari memorabilia, this is a rare opportunity to purchase one of the most sought-after pieces by renowned craftsman Terzo Dalia.