Stunning Ferrari Cal Spider, Superamerica up for sale at Gooding in Scottsdale

Few Ferraris make the heart beat faster than a 1959 250 GT Long Wheel Base California Spider, or as its simply known to those who know — a Cal Spider.

Seductive, powerful and rare, these iconic Prancing Horses typically can only be glimpsed in books or on posters. Which is why David Gooding is especially proud that his eponymous auction house, Gooding and Company, just got word that they’ll be offering one for sale at the company’s Scottsdale event Jan. 16 and 17.

A treasure from the garage of late collector Jack Castor, this Cal Spider - one of only 49 LWB models produced - has been in the same hands since 1969, which gives it a particular cache for enthusiasts who prize authenticity and originality. From its Rosso Rubino paint to its black leather interior, the car presents itself not as a restored time machine but rather a well loved and regularly driven piece of history.

“They just don’t come up at auction period, but add the fact that this is one of the longest term ownership Cal Spiders in existence and you’ve got something really special,” says Gooding. “This and the other Ferrari we just received really are two of a kind.”

Ah, yes, the other Ferrari. That would be a 1962 400 Short Wheel Base Superamerica Coupe Aerodinamica. For short, just call it outrageous. A cross between a Ferrari road racer and something from a ‘60s artist’s rendition of a land-based rocket, this wholly unique Ferrari is guaranteed to cause a stir even if it were surrounded by $30-million GTOs.

“This 400 is typical of an era where the greatest coachbuilders were doing daring work and producing the highest form of automotive expression,” says Gooding. “Few cars before or since have had this jet-age look. And they were amazing on the inside, too, very lavish. As one of the world’s most expensive cars, only kings and heads of state could afford them.”