250 GT California | FerrariChat
Buy

250 GT California

Discussion in 'Vintage (thru 365 GTC4)' started by JohnMH, Jun 16, 2004.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. JohnMH

    JohnMH Formula 3

    Jan 28, 2004
    1,818
    Bologna
    #1 JohnMH, Jun 16, 2004
    I am a rookie on this site but have had a thing for vintage Ferraris for some time. I just bought my first F-car (a 308 QV - Tom B knows who I am) and had the pleasure of spending two days in Maranello last week (never been there before - an amazing place).

    During my travels about town, I stumbled across a small shop. I would like to attach a picture but the download is too big (and I am not a computer genius).

    In the shop, were a myriad of cars, mostly 80's and newer, a dino, two 275GTB's, a mid 60s Formula 2 Dino single seater, and a red 250 GT California (I don't know if it was a LWB car or not). The headlights were covered.

    The car appeared to be complete and free of rust, but had been sitting in the shop for some time. When I asked what the story on it was, I was told (with a laugh) that it was a real 250 GT california, but the motor was substituted along time ago with an american V8. I did not have the forethought to take down the serial number or take pictures inside the shop (not wishing to wear out my welcome).

    Here is my question (without revealaing too much of my rather obvious idea), what is a complete 12 cylinder 250 motor with a transmission worth with or without a rebuild and where would one look for that?

    Am I nuts?

    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Horsefly

    Horsefly F1 Veteran

    May 14, 2002
    6,929
    #2 Horsefly, Jun 16, 2004
    You should have no fear of posting the EXACT location of that 250. All the guys on this site hate American V8 engine swaps so they would have no interest in that car. They always quote Enzo as saying that when you buy a Ferrari, you're buying the engine. The car is free. Right guys???? (please feel free to e-mail me the EXACT location of that car so as not to crowd the board any further......)
     
  3. amenasce

    amenasce Three Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 17, 2001
    34,434
    Full Name:
    Joe Mansion
    #3 amenasce, Jun 16, 2004
    A realCali spider even with a Chevrolet engine will probably still be worth a good lot. Probably more than 500 000 $ ..
     
  4. barchetta

    barchetta Formula Junior

    Nov 5, 2003
    893
    #4 barchetta, Jun 16, 2004
    If the car is for sale, how many Euros do they want for the car as is?
     
  5. kare

    kare F1 Rookie
    Consultant

    Nov 11, 2003
    3,845
    #5 kare, Jun 17, 2004
    I personally think that if there was a California Spyder with an American V-8 there would have been some fuss about it. I have a few cars listed with incorrect engines, but always Ferrari powered.

    Best wishes, Kare
     
  6. Old Guy

    Old Guy Formula Junior
    Honorary

    Dec 1, 2003
    438
    No longer here
    #6 Old Guy, Jun 17, 2004
    I'm pretty familiar with most of the California Spyders from some ressearch I once did, and don't know of one which would (1) be sufficiently known to be in a shop in Canada with a number of other Ferraris, (2) have an American V8, and (3) is totally unknown to most historians. My thought is that you saw a replica, and got an answer from someone who wanted to be funny instead of truthful.
     
  7. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 6, 2002
    79,380
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Bubba
    #7 BigTex, Jun 17, 2004
    he said it was in Maranello, as he was traveling......
     
  8. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 6, 2002
    79,380
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Bubba
    #8 BigTex, Jun 17, 2004
    Photo Resizer is shareware....I used it, back when i could post pics...
     
  9. JohnMH

    JohnMH Formula 3

    Jan 28, 2004
    1,818
    Bologna
    #9 JohnMH, Jun 17, 2004
    I am trying tp post a pic of the outside of the shop (No, no address is included). The "martini" liveried car (I don't know what it is) - is hiding the 250 GT which is hiding behind it. I have the phone number and address (they gave me a card) but need to find someone who speaks Italian - I can order mineral water with or without gas, that's about it.
     
  10. JohnMH

    JohnMH Formula 3

    Jan 28, 2004
    1,818
    Bologna
    #10 JohnMH, Jun 17, 2004
    Sorry, I can't post the pic - the file size is 387 kb, the max limit is about 197 or something. Anyone know how else I can attach it? The shop was quite something to see.

    Cheers to all.

    PS. anyone guess what a 60's 12 cylinder motor and transmission is worth?
     
  11. zjpj

    zjpj F1 Veteran

    Nov 4, 2003
    6,124
    USA
    #11 zjpj, Jun 17, 2004
    If you pm me, I'll send you my email and you could email it to me and I could post it for you. You have to be subscribed to post pics.
     
  12. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 6, 2002
    79,380
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Bubba
    #12 BigTex, Jun 17, 2004
    no he can post it if it's resized. 5mb limit on pics if unsubcribed.

    some of us just type now! ;)
     
  13. zjpj

    zjpj F1 Veteran

    Nov 4, 2003
    6,124
    USA
    #13 zjpj, Jun 18, 2004
    Hi all,
    He has emailed me the pic, which I am posting for him. Anyone recognize the place?
    Z
     
  14. Napolis

    Napolis Three Time F1 World Champ
    Honorary Owner

    Oct 23, 2002
    32,118
    Full Name:
    Jim Glickenhaus
    #14 Napolis, Jun 18, 2004
    Bueller...
     
  15. bobafett

    bobafett F1 Veteran

    Sep 28, 2002
    9,193
    #15 bobafett, Jun 18, 2004
    ...Frye....

    I'll take the 275...

    --Dan
     
  16. Napolis

    Napolis Three Time F1 World Champ
    Honorary Owner

    Oct 23, 2002
    32,118
    Full Name:
    Jim Glickenhaus
    #16 Napolis, Jun 18, 2004
    Dan
    Do you know this shop? Is it a Beuller car?
     
  17. bobafett

    bobafett F1 Veteran

    Sep 28, 2002
    9,193
    #17 bobafett, Jun 18, 2004
    Jim,

    I thought the reference was to Ferris Bueller's day off... "Bueller...Bueller"

    No clue who Bueller as a mechanic / owner is.

    --Dan
     
  18. Napolis

    Napolis Three Time F1 World Champ
    Honorary Owner

    Oct 23, 2002
    32,118
    Full Name:
    Jim Glickenhaus
    #18 Napolis, Jun 18, 2004
    Car in that movie was a replica chevy powered.
     
  19. ArtS

    ArtS F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 11, 2003
    13,367
    Central NJ
    #19 ArtS, Jun 18, 2004
    Jim,

    I also thought it was a Ferris Beuller reference.

    I thought the movie car was Ford 289 powered replica (not that it makes a lot of difference regarding vintage Ferraris).

    Is any portion of the thread subject car visible in the picture?

    Regards,

    Art S.
     
  20. thecarreaper

    thecarreaper F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 30, 2003
    18,066
    Savannah
    #20 thecarreaper, Jun 18, 2004
    the car in the movie was powerd by a ford engine. Andy Green Racing here in savannah has a stunning one for sale at his shop. ill try to get pics for giggles, but it will be next week as i have to work all weekend.
     
  21. Napolis

    Napolis Three Time F1 World Champ
    Honorary Owner

    Oct 23, 2002
    32,118
    Full Name:
    Jim Glickenhaus
    #21 Napolis, Jun 18, 2004
    I'm sure you're right (Ford) but I thought they could be built with a chevy as well and I assume that's what this car is.
     
  22. thecarreaper

    thecarreaper F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 30, 2003
    18,066
    Savannah
    #22 thecarreaper, Jun 18, 2004
    with all the time that has passed , ford / chevy would not matter to me. if it is a real ferrari sans engine and trans it would be worth saving!!!

    the THE KIT CARS may very well have been offered with both engines, say ford in most states and a chevy in california due to emissions laws. " IF" i remember correctly even " new " " kit cars" had to meet certain california only codes. i was born in Torrance, but i dont remember much , other than vacation with family! for what the nice replicas go for i can own / maintain a 308 series car, so my opinion is hollow anyway! i do know when i stopped by the shop here in savannah and saw the car among all the real exotic, i had to stop and LOOK at the oil pan to see what was in it. it was a ford " cobra " pan. i guess a 289 ? 302??? all i am trying to say is lines of the car are beautiful. we never see cars like this here , and the folks that have them here are likely to allow a " mere" 308 owner near thier prized fcars.


    unlike you MR G.!!!! :)
     
  23. El Wayne

    El Wayne F1 World Champ
    Staff Member Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Aug 1, 2002
    18,069
    San Marino, CA
    Full Name:
    L. Wayne Ausbrooks
    #23 El Wayne, Jun 19, 2004
    I would be very surprised if this turns out to be an actual Cal Spyder. Highly doubtful.



    The original "Bueller" car was built in El Cajon, CA by Mark Goyette of Modena Design and Development and was powered by a 289cid Ford V-8. The cars are currently being offered by Precision Deign and Engineering, Inc. of Apache Junction, AZ and are available with either Ford or Chevy small-block powerplants. To anyone who's very familiar with the real deal, it's difficult to mistake one of these for an actual Cal Spyder: http://www.calspyder.com/
     
  24. michael platzer

    michael platzer F1 Veteran

    Nov 12, 2003
    5,220
    Austria
    Full Name:
    Michael Platzer
    #24 michael platzer, Jun 21, 2004
    of course i know the shop !

    its TONI AUTO at MARANELLO.

    i´ve visited the shop several times and they are very open and friendly.
    you can see very interesting cars there some times.
     
  25. JohnMH

    JohnMH Formula 3

    Jan 28, 2004
    1,818
    Bologna
    #25 JohnMH, Jun 21, 2004
    I'm impressed. Yup, it's Tony Auto. The people there were quite friendly but busy. Due to the language barrier and the fact that I did not want them to be uncomfortable, I did not snap pictures inside the shop or write down any serial numbers. I was unable to ascertain whether the car was for sale, and if so, for what price.

    I could have spent a long time in there, impatient significant other notwithstanding.
     

Share This Page