These 250 California SWB: S/N? | FerrariChat
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These 250 California SWB: S/N?

Discussion in 'Vintage (thru 365 GTC4)' started by ferrarip4, Aug 25, 2008.

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  1. ferrarip4

    ferrarip4 Formula 3

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    #1 ferrarip4, Aug 25, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    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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  2. etienne

    etienne F1 Veteran

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    #2 etienne, Aug 25, 2008
    sorry...no idea. But wonderful pics, especially the yellow ;-))
     
  3. Aardy

    Aardy F1 Veteran
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    #3 Aardy, Aug 25, 2008
    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.
     
  4. ferrarip4

    ferrarip4 Formula 3

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    #4 ferrarip4, Aug 25, 2008
    You are right for the yellow one, it was a typo. Sorry...
     
  5. Boudewijn

    Boudewijn F1 Rookie
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    #5 Boudewijn, Aug 25, 2008
    The photos I have of 2903GT show an indicator light on the side.
     
  6. Aardy

    Aardy F1 Veteran
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    #6 Aardy, Aug 25, 2008
    Yes, of course. And a black inside mirror...

    But except these details, looks very close to 2903GT...
     
  7. ferrarip4

    ferrarip4 Formula 3

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    #7 ferrarip4, Aug 25, 2008
    Hi.

    Can you post your photos of 1903GT?

    Thanks!
     
  8. jjmcd

    jjmcd Formula Junior

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    #8 jjmcd, Aug 25, 2008
    Last edited: Aug 25, 2008
  9. ferrarip4

    ferrarip4 Formula 3

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    #9 ferrarip4, Aug 25, 2008
    1st video is amazing!
     
  10. Mark Shannon

    Mark Shannon Formula 3
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    #10 Mark Shannon, Aug 26, 2008
    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
     
  11. ferrarip4

    ferrarip4 Formula 3

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    #11 ferrarip4, Aug 26, 2008
    Last edited: Aug 26, 2008
    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.
     
  12. Boudewijn

    Boudewijn F1 Rookie
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    #12 Boudewijn, Aug 26, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  13. ferrarip4

    ferrarip4 Formula 3

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    #13 ferrarip4, Aug 26, 2008
    Last edited: Aug 26, 2008
    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?
     
  14. Aardy

    Aardy F1 Veteran
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    #14 Aardy, Aug 26, 2008
    Another possibility is s/n 3119GT...
     
  15. ferrarip4

    ferrarip4 Formula 3

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    #15 ferrarip4, Aug 26, 2008
    or even 3163 repainted and retrimmed... I believe at one point 3163 was red...
     
  16. Trossi

    Trossi Rookie

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    #16 Trossi, Aug 26, 2008
    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.
     
  17. ferrarip4

    ferrarip4 Formula 3

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    #17 ferrarip4, Aug 26, 2008
    Not that I know of as well, but still beautiful!
     
  18. Daytonafan

    Daytonafan F1 Rookie

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    #18 Daytonafan, Aug 26, 2008
    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.
     
  19. BVC500

    BVC500 Karting

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    #19 BVC500, Aug 28, 2008

    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.
     
  20. velocetwo

    velocetwo F1 World Champ

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    #20 velocetwo, Aug 28, 2008


    Do you really think so? Sounds like the driver never let the revs get over 4K.
     
  21. ferrarip4

    ferrarip4 Formula 3

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    #21 ferrarip4, Aug 28, 2008
    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 ;-)
     
  22. T308

    T308 Formula 3

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    #22 T308, Aug 28, 2008
    Fixed that for you. ;-)
     
  23. velocetwo

    velocetwo F1 World Champ

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    #23 velocetwo, Aug 28, 2008
    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?
     
  24. jjmcd

    jjmcd Formula Junior

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    #24 jjmcd, Aug 28, 2008
    Last edited: Aug 28, 2008
  25. ferrarip4

    ferrarip4 Formula 3

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    #25 ferrarip4, Aug 28, 2008
    Last edited: Aug 28, 2008
    It was a mercedes 280 6.9l. The soundtrack is a Ferrari 275 GTB-4 (I beleive), you are right.
     
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