Posted by Jamie Hibbard at 4:00PM on Tuesday 13 May, 2008 8 Comments
A few comments about the new Ferrari seem to have missed a crucial point: there's been a Ferrari California before, and it's had a huge influence on the new one.
Like a lot of people in their thirties, the first time I became aware of Ferrari making anything called a California was when I watched the 1986 John Hughes film, Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
Ferris' best mate's dad owned a 1960's Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder, and from the moment they stole it to cruise around in on their bunked-off day from school, I wanted one.
Really, really wanted one.
I was only 10 years old, but the way it looked and the noise it made said something to me that I'd never heard before.
It was just the coolest car ever I'd ever seen.
Ferrari first debuted a California Spyder prototype at the end of 1957, aimed squarely at a gap in the American market that called for a sportier open-topped car.
Which is exactly where Ferrari seems to be aiming this new California, although they've no doubt got emerging markets such as the Middle East in mind this time around, too.
Looking at the old and new cars side-by-side, you can see how the original design informed the 2008 model, with cues like the bonnet scoop and hip lines really hitting home.
And as with the original, the new car will only get better with age.
If my best mate's dad had one of these and hadn't locked the garage, I'd bunk the day off to drive it too.
As Ferris said to his mates, 'If you had access to a car like this, would you take it back right away?'
No, I certainly wouldn't.
8 Comments for "Back to California"
All comments are checked by a moderator. Constructive, intelligent and humourous comments are all welcome, but not all will be posted.
You need cash to buy a motor - our guide to finance will help
Buying a personalised plate? Check out our buyer's guide
Yes, I will be proud to drive around in that car all day long. But the new one, hmm; it just a makes you look like a pratt with a stupid smile on your face.
I still have nightmares about the fate of the California in that movie!!
And we must keep in mind that the Ferrari in Ferris Bueller was actually a mustang with a fibreglass shell bolted on - so I think I would prefer the new one thanks!
The old California is filled with passion over performance. I think the new car will turn out to be the other way round!
The car used in Ferris Bueller's Day Off was actually a kit car based on an MG chassis. Ferrari sued for damages over the affair.
Like many, that movie triggered something deep in me... and I wanted to be Ferris, I wanted the freedom and the fun that he had but most of all, I wanted to drive that car.
The sound of that car, the design, the sheer brilliance of it held me entranced... until the terrible scene of the car heading backwards through the window and landing down the cliff on its back... I was so upset, I felt ripped off, like they had killed off my favourite character...
It's the same when I compare this classic to the new car. I feel ripped off! Perhaps if they had kept the same body shape and just adjusted it slightly to comply with new regulations etc?
This beautiful car represents the ideal California: sunshine year round, beautiful surfer girls, cultural capital of the world, etc...
The new car represents the dark side of California: budget deficits, anti-petrolhead legislations and earthquakes...
No need for nightmares. The California Spyder in the movie was a replica called the Modena powered by a 350 cubic inch Chevrolet.
If I remember correctly, bits of the bodywork, including the cowl, windscreen and doors came from a Fiat 124 Spider.