2011 FERRARI CALIFORNIA

** 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 **, Theres something about a Ferrari in Rosso Corsa with Crema leather that I dont think will ever get old. Its the colour combination you picture when somebody mentions Ferrari, and its 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. Its an absolutely gorgeous car in person, and judging by the attention it gets, were certainly not alone in thinking that. But theres far more to this California than how it looks. Were 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. Its not even the high revs that get me most; its that deep, aggressive bark when you get on the throttle, before the engine really starts to sing as you approach 8,000 rpm. Its addictive, and every bit as enjoyable as youd hope from a Ferrari. Something else that genuinely surprised me was how light this California feels on the road. Youd 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. Its 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 Ferraris 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 weve fallen for this particular car. Ill be honest, it feels from another era, but thats 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 its 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. Its a combination that really suits the car rather than trying to make it something it isnt. 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 theres 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 its every bit as enjoyable as it is beautiful. I think thats a pretty wonderful thing to own. LK11

Features:

TPTMS - Tyre Pressure and Temperature Monitoring System, USB Connection, Steering Wheel - Leather, Retractable Side Airbag on Door Panel for Head Protection, Retractable Roll Bar, Remote Control for Opening Doors and Tailgate, Rear Lights with LEDs, Rain Sensor-Activated Windshield Wipers, Race Manettino - Integrated Command for Control of Vehicle Set Up on Steering Wheel Manettino, Puncture inflation kit, Protection Cover for Car/Steering Wheel and Seats, Lumbar Support Adjustment, Lockable Glove Compartment, Bi-Xenon Headlights with DRL Function, Carpet- Nuovo Cuoio 912C, Carpet- Nero 152, Carpet- Grigio Scuro 751B, Carpet- Castoro 172, Carpet- Bordeaux 481, Carpet- Blu 168, CST - Control for Stability and Traction, CD-Radio, CCM - Carbon-Ceramic Brake System, Bluetooth, Carpet- Nuovo Rosso 592A, Battery Maintainer, Battery Conditioner, Armrest, Anti-Theft Satellite System (1 Year Subscription From New), Airbag - Side, Airbag - Retractable Front Passenger, Airbag - Retractable Driver, Airbag - Head, 19in Alloy Wheels - Painted, Emergency Kit to Repair Tyre Punctures, Lighting Sensor, Launch Control, Key with Transponder, Integrated Anti-Theft Alarm, Infotelematic System with Maps Navigation with Touch Screen 6.5in, Heated Front Seats, Headlight Cleaning System, Full Electric Seats, F1-Trac - Traction Control System, Engine Start Button on Steering Wheel, 19in 5Spoke diamond turned Alloy Wheels, Electrochromic Rear View Mirror, Electric Windows - Front, Electric Steering Wheel Adjustment, Electric Speed Sensitive Power Assisted Steering, Electric Heated Side Mirrors with Automatic Closure, Electric Hand Brake, Dual Zone Air Conditioning System, Daytime Running Lights, Carpet- Otranto 8216, Carbon Steering Wheel with upper crown & LEDs, Giallo Modena Brake Callipers, Carbon Fibre Driver Zone and Steering Wheel with LEDs, Carbon fibre for Driving zone & Steering Wheel with upper crown & LEDs, Magneride dual mode, Magneride Dual Mode Shock Absorber System, 20in Alloy Wheels - Diamond Sport Rim, 20in Alloy Wheels - Diamond Finished Sport Rim, 20in 5Spoke diamond turned Alloy Wheels, Adaptive Front Lighting System, Daytona Style Seats