Ferrari California
cost New £150k Value Now £75k
There was grumbling when the California was launched in 2008. Initially sketched out as a Maserati and aimed at buyers new to the prancing horse family, the £150k car was expected to be a bit soft. But despite its entry-level marketing, the first Ferrari to have a front-mounted V8, a twin-clutch gearbox and a metal folding roof boasts some very startling performance figures – 0-60mph in 3.8sec, 0-100 in 9sec and a top speed of 193mph. Even the standard ceramic brakes are heroic, bringing the California to a dead stop from 100mph in just 4.4 heart-attack seconds.
Ferrari’s F1-trac system gives virtually no wheel spin and once you properly set up the brilliant launch control you’re instantly off the line without any lost traction or smoking Pirellis. The seven-speed twin-clutch ‘box is so wonderful that out of the 8000 Californias built up to 2012 a mere three were fitted with the optional six-speed manual. The 4287cc 453bhp alloy V8 is crisp and sweet spinning and emits lip-smacking pops and bangs between upshifts through the four vertical drainpipe exhausts.
Friendly, poised and excitable, the California is easy to drive, smooth riding and comfortable enough for 1000-mile road trips. The Magnaride option is worth having as well as the supportive Daytona front seats (the rear accommodation is purely decorative). Power was raised in 2012 to 482bhp and then in 2014 came the California T with a 3.9-litre V8, twin-scroll turbochargers and tweaked suspension. It shaved half a second off the early car’s 0-60 sprint and is good for 196mph.
But it’s those early examples that are looking real bargains. The UK used market is groaning with Californias of all ages (I counted 118) and prices are as low as £75k. The Ferrari Centre in Kent has a 2010 in Grigio with all the right options and only 19,000 miles for £85k while Forza 288 in Dorset has a 2010 in blue and 18,000 miles for £84k. Given the number of Californias for sale I expect prices to fall further and we may soon see proper lowmileage 2009 cars hit £70k. The first run of Californias are definitely coming classics and likely to become increasingly sought after as prices settle at even more affordable levels. Watch the market and time your buying right because once they hit £70k we may see prices tickle upwards again as more enthusiasts see and desire their hidden potential.