'Tailor-Made' California T at Goodwood

Ever yearned for a Cali inspired by polo and horse racing? Your wish is Ferrari's command!

Just remember the last Ferrari story on PH was a drive of the magnificent 488 GTB and it could, if you wanted, be purchased without a single option at all. We tell you that because this 'Tailor Made' California T may well put you off Ferrari and all options ever.

"Roof down dear, show them the Mycro Prestige"

Essentially it's a 560hp advert for Ferrari's exclusive personalisation programme, where buyers can create unique vehicles "that will be a clear expression of their own unique personalities and tastes." Hmm. Each Tailor Made customer has their own Personal Designer (!) to guide them through the process from dream to collection.

Ferrari is very proud of the "enormous freedom" customers have in selecting materials for their Tailor Made car, with "everything from traditional and luxury materials, of the likes of cashmere, to trendy ones like denim". But this Cali T provides something new again, with 'Mycro Prestige' used to trim the interior. And don't worry, colours other than 'Blu Sterling' are available. It weighs a third as much as traditional leather, is highly resistant and "offers an exceptional level of grip" (because this is Ferrari upholstery, not just any upholstery). It's also flameproof, water resistant yet breathable too. Marvellous...

The exterior is Bianco Italia with a double-asymmetric stripe in Blu Hellen, the latter colour repeated in the 20-inch wheels. Apparently this is all "inspired by the passion and colours of Polo and Horse racing."

"That's better. Isn't it fabulous?"

Of course the point of this Tailor Made programme is to evoke the glory days of the 50s and 60s, where coachbuilders would create truly unique bodies for Ferrari customers. So the aim is laudable, even if the execution perhaps leaves something to be desired in this instance. Especially when the classic colours still work so well even on contemporaryFerraris. Oh well, what do we know?

This car will be at the Festival of Speed this weekend, but you won't be able to see it. Oh no. It's to be displayed in a 'right crowd, no crowding' VIP hospitality enclosure for Ferrari clients, because clearly the hoi polloi can't appreciate how "very special" this California T is.