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250 GT LWB California Spyder Competizione
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  Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder Competizione      

  Article Image gallery (34) Chassis (3) 1603GT Specifications  
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Country of origin:Italy
Produced from:1958 - 1960
Numbers built:9 (Alloy bodies)
Successor:Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Competizione Spyder
Author:Wouter Melissen
Last updated:July 28, 2016
Download: All images
Chassis: 1603GT
This alloy bodied car is one of the very last 250 GT California Spiders built on the long chassis. As such it incorporates many features of the subsequent short wheel base cars. This included the latest and highly tuned Tipo 168 outside plug engine, good for around 275 bhp, and the Dunlop disc brakes. Very much the ultimate specification LWB California Spider, chassis 1603GT was delivered new to American George Reed through Luigi Chinetti Motors. Founder of RRR Racing, Reed was a regular competitor in national and international events from the late 1950s through to the early 1960s. He debuted his very hot California Spider at the prestigious Nassau Speed week late in 1959. The car was then fielded in the Sebring 12 Hours, where Reed shared driving duties with Alan Connell. As the car's disc brakes were not yet homologated, it could not run in the GT class but still finished fifth overall and third in class. Reed and Connell placed well ahead of two other California Spiders entered and would have easily won the GT class. Reed would continue to race chassis 1603GT with great verve until the end of the 1964 season.

Shortly after retiring the car from contemporary racing, Reed sold his California Spider to an enthusiast from Wisconsin. Before the end of the decade, it was acquired by another collector from the same state, who placed the car in storage. It was eventually retrieved in 1984 by collector Brian Brunkhorst, who entrusted it to Wayne Obry's Motion Products for a comprehensive but sensitive restoration. Finished in dark blue with a tan interior, it was first shown at the 25th Ferrari Club of America annual meeting in 1989, where it received a first in class award. Among the subsequent owners were noted collectors Michael Mak and Todd Morici. The latter raced the car at various events before repainting it in the livery used at Sebring back in 1960. At this time, it was also fully certified by the Ferrari Classiche department. The car was then sold the current owner in 2010, who had Bob Smith Coachworks perform a selective cosmetic restoration. After that, it received great acclaim at the 2011 Cavallino Classic. Chassis 1603GT has now been consigned to the Gooding Pebble Beach Auctions in August. With its alloy body, covered headlights, competition drivetrain and impeccable racing pedigree, this may very well be the most desirable of all California Spiders.


Chassis details
Manufactured in November 23, 1959
Engine number 1603GT
First owner George Reed
Last known location American Private Collection
Appearances
Most recent auction(s)

2016 Monterey Auctions Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder Competizione Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder Competizione Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder Competizione
Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder Competizione 2008 Cavallino Classic

  Article Image gallery (34) Chassis (3) 1603GT Specifications