Italy vs Italy — 1960 vs 1958
| 250 California Spider SWB | 250 California Spider LWB/SWB | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 240 hp |
| Torque | 202 lb-ft | 192 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,953 cc | 2,953 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.5 sec | 6.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 155 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.8 sec | 14.8 sec |
| Weight | 2,337 lbs | 2,315 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm | 2,600 mm |
| Length | 4,200 mm | 4,200 mm |
| Units Produced | 56 | 106 |
| Original MSRP | $14,000 | $13,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $20,000,000 | $18,500,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1960 Ferrari 250 California Spider SWB brings more power to the table, and the 1958 Ferrari 250 California Spider LWB/SWB answers with quicker acceleration, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Ferrari 250 California Spider. The 1960 and 1958 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1960 Ferrari 250 California Spider SWB holds a clear advantage in raw power with 280 hp compared to 240 hp, a 40-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ferrari 250 California Spider uses a V12 SOHC displacing 2,953 cc, while the Ferrari 250 California Spider relies on a V12 SOHC 24V with 2,953 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1958 Ferrari 250 California Spider LWB/SWB edges ahead at 6.5 seconds versus 6.5 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.