2009 Ferrari California

“ Recent £7k full service and MoT done. Annual Ferrari authorised service history. ”
These are considered to be a radical departure from Ferrari tradition when launched, two decades later the California is an eminently collectable modern Ferrari.

Background
"The Ferrari California might just be the firm's most radical model. It's the first Ferrari road car to have a front-mounted V8 engine, the first to have a dual-clutch gearbox and, although not the first to have a removable hard-top, is the first to follow the current trend of having a fully retractable one that electrically folds into its boot." - Autocar.

Formerly used for a limited series of exclusive coach-built soft-tops created on the 250 GT chassis in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the evocative 'California' name was revived by Ferrari in 2008 for its new 2+2 hardtop convertible.

Essentially the spiritual successor to the firm’s legendary Daytona model, the California was conceived to appeal to the same demographic as its illustrious predecessor: namely, people who would rather cruise along highway 101 between Monterey and Carmel or waft through the corniches of the Côte d’Azur than clip apexes and burn rubber on the Nordschleife.

Featuring just two key sections, rather than the more commonplace three, the retractable roof was a particularly neat and compact example of the type.

With the top in place, the California achieved the remarkable drag coefficient figure of 0.32, making it the most aerodynamic Ferrari to date. Inside, the customarily well-appointed Ferrari cabin featured an electronic handbrake and roof/gearbox controls on the curved centre console.

One of Ferrari's aims with the California was to extend its appeal to a wider customer base, so the car was deliberately made less hard-edged and more user-friendly than many of its more track-focused siblings.

Autocar again: “The first surprise is how well the California rides. We tried both the passive dampers and the optional Magneride units, and both (even with the latter set to Sport) coped impressively well with our road network, and especially so for a convertible. Such is the California's comfort that you could easily use one to travel significant distances.”

Britain's esteemed motoring magazine concluded its review by rating the California ahead of the Bentley Continental GTC, Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder and Aston Martin DBS for its blend of everyday usability and outright enjoyment.

High praise indeed.

In its original incarnation the California's 4.3-litre V8 engine produced 453bhp, though from 2012 this was increased to 482bhp. Transmitted via a dual clutch to the seven-speed semi-automatic gearbox, those 453 horses made for a 0-62mph time of

just 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 193mph. Performance was restrained by carbon ceramic disc brakes all round.

All of which means that, even though it’s really designed for boulevards and corniches, the California could probably put in a pretty impressive performance on the Nordschleife, if you asked it politely.

Overview
This splendid 2009 California is at our Oxfordshire HQ courtesy of a trade specialist who has now entrusted us with a number of the fine vehicles that have come his way.

He has had the car in storage for a couple of years, prior to which its last private owner had enjoyed the car since October 2020.

As part of the gentle recommissioning required to get the car optimised for its return to the road, in April 2026 the vendor commissioned marque specialists Emblem Sportscars of Poole to carry out a full service and address all and any issues that needed attention.

Nearly £7,000 later, the car is in the thoroughly commendable dynamic, mechanical and aesthetic condition you see today.

We have driven the car and can attest to the fact that the combination of ferocious power and a truly visceral soundtrack come together to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up every time you twitch your right ankle.

It takes off like a wild boar that’s accidentally stumbled upon a hog roast, and it builds momentum with all the unrelenting urge of the Flying Scotsman.

All the while, the sublime 4.3-litre V8 is exploding in an endlessly entertaining cacophony of noise with a tonal range than runs from Tom Waits, through Pavarotti, to Robert Plant.

We guarantee you’ll never grow tired of hearing it.

Estimate: £45,000 - £50,000

View The Current Bid Price HERE