ONE LOOK AND WE WERE SOLD

** Full photoshoot coming soon. These initial photographs were taken shortly after arrival to offer an early preview ahead of its full presentation. Early reservations are welcome to avoid missing out **


There's something about a Ferrari in Rosso Corsa with Crema leather that I don't think will ever get old. It's the colour combination you picture when somebody mentions Ferrari, and it's exactly why we bought this particular California. The first thing that caught our attention was the red against the cream, those enormous yellow brake callipers and the carbon-ceramic discs sitting behind the beautiful 20-inch diamond-polished wheels. It's an absolutely gorgeous car in person, and judging by the attention it gets, we're certainly not alone in thinking that.

But there's far more to this California than how it looks. We're talking about a naturally aspirated Ferrari V8 from what I personally think was a fantastic era of motoring. No turbochargers, no artificial soundtrack, just a 4.3-litre V8 that sounds absolutely phenomenal. It's not even the high revs that get me most; it's that deep, aggressive bark when you get on the throttle, before the engine really starts to sing as you approach 8,000 rpm. It's addictive, and every bit as enjoyable as you'd hope from a Ferrari.

Something else that genuinely surprised me was how light this California feels on the road. You'd expect a front-engined convertible with a folding metal roof to feel like quite a substantial car, but the way this turns into corners and responds to the driver is fantastic. It's nimble, engaging and has a lovely balance to it. The seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox suits the V8 beautifully, and our example also benefits from Ferrari's optional MagneRide suspension. I think people who dismiss the California as simply a comfortable grand tourer are missing out on a very enjoyable Ferrari.

The interior is another reason we've fallen for this particular car. I'll be honest, it feels from another era, but that's exactly what I love about it. Beautiful Crema leather, Daytona-style seats, red carpets and matching floor mats give it a proper traditional Ferrari atmosphere. The carbon-fibre steering wheel with LED shift lights is perhaps my favourite feature. Watching those LEDs illuminate as the revs climb adds another layer to the driving experience, and it's the sort of detail that makes you want to take the long way home. Leather extends across the dashboard, door cards and other interior surfaces, while Ferrari-embossed headrests and an upgraded audio system complete the cabin.

The specification is particularly well chosen, with Scuderia Ferrari wing shields, yellow callipers, adaptive headlights, dual-mode MagneRide suspension and those lovely diamond-polished wheels. It's a combination that really suits the car rather than trying to make it something it isn't.

Now showing 43,235 miles, our California also comes with a documented Ferrari main dealer and specialist service portfolio, including six Ferrari main dealer services between 2013 and 2019, followed by GVE London in 2022.

For me, the appeal is quite simple. You walk into the garage and there's a Rosso Corsa Ferrari waiting for you, with that beautiful cream interior and a naturally aspirated V8 that still gives you goosebumps. Then you drive it, and realise it's every bit as enjoyable as it is beautiful. I think that's a pretty wonderful thing to own.


LK11