These 250 California SWB: S/N?

Hello All.

I have 2 pics here (copyright Corbis).

I believe the yellow one is a SWB 1962 model year and S/N*3165GT? For the the red one, I have no clue... Can anyone help?

I have always struggle in trying to visually distinguish between the LWB and SWB versions of the 250 California. I believe the best way is to count the number of "fins" on the side vents (the LWB has 3 and the SWB has 2). Is this a good method and are there any more clues?

I appreciate your help!
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sorry...no idea. But wonderful pics, especially the yellow ;-))

 

The yellow one is 3163GT (not 3165GT which is a 250 GT 2+2). Now silver fortunately...

The red one looks like 2903GT but not 100% sure.

 

You are right for the yellow one, it was a typo. Sorry...

 

The photos I have of 2903GT show an indicator light on the side.

 

Yes, of course. And a black inside mirror...

But except these details, looks very close to 2903GT...

 

Hi.

Can you post your photos of 1903GT?

Thanks!

 

I've always thought that the SWB Cal. Spyders look more like a 250 SWB (particularly if the non-covered headlight ones without bumpers) and the LWB Cal. Spyders look more like a 250 TDF.

Here are some Cal. Spyders at speed (be sure to turn up the volume, as the sound is the best part).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMcKehV_aEc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTbP2ZwA50U&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdKU9PPqnMo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fArlGk9jp5Y&NR=1

 

1st video is amazing!

 

The air scoop on the SWB's is inset into the bonnet / hood. On the LWB's it is not.

Mark Shannon

www.markshannon.net

 

Dear Mark.

Thank you for the tip.

I believe the bonnet/hood does not extend as much to the front of the car in the LWB compared to the SWB....

Nice web site you have (I guess you are based in England).

C.

 

This is a photo of 2903GT.
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Not sure if it's the same car as my photography. I don't see why one would modify (remove) the turn signal indicator...

Because of the location of the turn signal indicator (small size and very high next to the headlight), I think the car in my photograph could be a later model California (late 1961- early 62)...

Any suggestions?

 

Another possibility is s/n 3119GT...

 

or even 3163 repainted and retrimmed... I believe at one point 3163 was red...

 

As far as I know there has never been a California SWB Spider which was originally yellow. Even though the car looks gorgeous in Giallo.

 

Not that I know of as well, but still beautiful!

 

IIRC a number of years ago there was an article in Classic & Sportscar about a yellow California SWB in England although I can't remember if it was the original colour.

 

What was wrong with the yellow? I saw that car at Amelia Island. It was owned by Bud and Thelma Lyon and restored by Paul Russell, I believe.

 

Do you really think so? Sounds like the driver never let the revs get over 4K.

 

You don't need to hear the engine redlining to appreciate the beauty of the California in motion.

If you want to feel a vintage Ferrari at its limit, watch "rendez-vous" from cinematographer Claude Lelouch ;-)

 

Fixed that for you. ;-)

 

Point made, I guess I just like the whole package, the big sound and great looks. My fist thought was oghh it could be my grandmother driving her Corvair to the market, is this what vintage ferrari ownership is now about?

 

Here is the Paris video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWLPIT-geTs

 

It was a mercedes 280 6.9l. The soundtrack is a Ferrari 275 GTB-4 (I beleive), you are right.