Fantasy Junction

Description

1963 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder Recreation


Chassis No. – 250GTE4487

Engine No. – 3635

Exterior Color – Red

Interior Color – Black Leather

Engine – 3.0L V12

Transmission – 4-speed manual transaxle

Current Kilometers – 47,934 kilometers



Highlights for this car

- Coachbuilt by expert fabricator Mark Gerisch in aluminum from laser scan of an original
- Powered by 250 engine with 10.6:1 compression with 25 years of prior history in SWB Ferrari
- Commissioned by current owner in 1995 spanning 30 years of ownership
- Dedicated and regular service/maintenance by Patrick Ottis
- Stunning cosmetic condition with exceptional mechanical operation

General Overview



For decades, astute collectors have sought Ferraris that can be driven enjoyably with friends and family members either for personal outings, touring events, or local shows. While the vast majority of these cars were more readily driven in the years after production, time, exclusivity, and rising values have resulted in many of the most desirable open coachwork Ferraris becoming sequestered in museum displays. Rarity and caution have become such partners in preservation that opportunities to meet the driving goals for these beautiful cars have brought about a refreshing alternative – a finely constructed recreation using original Ferrari components, features, and design details in honor of the original.


While not all recreated Ferraris are built with the same levels of detail, authenticity, or fidelity to the original, many have been constructed with keen engineering enhancements, exceptional design considerations, and exquisite coachwork often on a par with the original. Craftsmanship, attention to detail, and exceptional build quality can be found in a handful of these cars, rarely however are all three contained in a singular example. Such is the case with this very special example – one of the best available today.



History of this Ferrari

The history of this spyder begins with Ferrari factory construction in 1963. Having left the factory as a 1963 250 GTE finished in silver with black interior, the car continued through the early years with an otherwise unremarkable history but for one rather unusually spectacular intersection with one of the most important competition Ferraris, a 250 GT SWB. In 1967, 250 GT SWB (#2735 – driven by Rob Walker and Sterling Moss) needed an engine. Engine #3635, a robust series II big valve head variant, was installed in the SWB which continued to power the car for nearly three decades. In 1994, SWB #2735 was restored and the original engine reunited with the car. Concurrent with the SWB restoration, engine #3635, having been removed from the SWB, was installed in chassis #4487 (this subject car) at the same time it was designed, re-engineered , and recreated into a California Spyder. Construction of this spyder was commissioned by the current owner in 1995 and completed in 1996 under the capable hands of master metal craftsman Mark Gerisch, The Academy for the Art of Metal Shaping, Inc. Prior to his work with the Academy, Gerisch was the shop foreman for Wayne Orby’s Motion Products eventually become the “go-to” fabricator for the best Ferrari recreations money could buy particularly as he was exceptionally skilled at building his cars with important refined ergonomics while retaining the correct proportions and design parameters for his cars. As part of his prolific career building one-off cars for Jay Leno, Bruce McCaw, ZZ Top, and others including SEMA show cars, Gerisch now shares his passion for fabrication teaching the next generation the art of metal shaping.

Documented with date imprinted photos of this car while under construction (1995), the main upper substructure was mated to a set of lower tubular frame rails strengthened with cross-sectional supports and secondary floor structure. Having access to some of the best Ferraris in the world, Gerisch was fortunate to have an original Cal Spyder in his shop that was used to gain exact measurements for constructing this car. The original body was carefully measured, and the newly formed body fabricated over a wooden hammer buck and contoured to match closely to the original spyder design. Handwritten documentation from 1995 include payments totaling over $250,000 with the final payment for construction recorded in December 1995. After completion, the commissioning and current owner, a resident of Northern California, continued ownership spanning 30 years. During his 30 years of ownership, this spyder was regularly serviced by Ferrari specialist Patrick Ottis. Service records with Ottis total an additional $120k, all of which are copiously documented from the first Ottis invoice on September 12, 1997, with 5,573 kms to the most recent service invoice dated October 10, 2024, with 47,264 kms. Having traveled nearly 25,000 miles while under current ownership this Ferrari has always been stored indoors, annually serviced including fluid changes and mechanical improvements, and regularly detailed. In 2024 a compression tested was performed with consistent results, 2 new Bosch ignition coils were installed, tachometer and speedometer cables cleaned and serviced, new cam cover gasket installed, new oil seal ring, new pinion seal, timing adjusted, carburetors synchronized, differential and gear oil changed, u-joint lubricated, and an oil and filter change performed. In 2022 four new Pirelli Cinturato 185 VR15 tires were mounted and balanced.


Current Condition



Today, this wonderfully presented California Spyder recreation still retains every aspect of the original premium quality construction and refinements achieved in the original build. The exterior finish is excellent throughout with glossy paint, smooth coverage, and vivid color. The hood, trunk, and door gaps are excellent as well, opening and closing smoothly without issue including crisp latching for the doors. The chrome plating, lenses, glass, and trim are all properly finished and detailed to a very high standard. Lettering, emblems, and other details are jewel-like and accurate. The laced Borrani wire wheels are in excellent condition, featuring polished aluminum rims, accented by chrome plated knockoffs with correct embossing. The distinctive egg crate grille retains a correct, softly dulled finish against the polished grille surround. Correct headlight covers trimmed with chrome rings define the distinctive Ferrari fascia of this period. The stance, elegantly dipped belt line, and sporting presence delivers a tailored and refined appearance, contrasted by the stunning and unmistakably vivid red Ferrari color. Every aspect of this spyder is visually captivating and inviting, consistent with the spirit of the original spyder.



The interior is finished with supple black leather, correctly trimmed and detailed including the dashboard, pocketed door panels, red carpeting, and delicate trim. In addition to period correct Veglia gauges, the dash is fronted by a warmly hued wood-rim Nardi steering wheel with etched aluminum spokes and yellow and black prancing horse emblem. The interior also features handsome and authentic details including five correct smaller Veglia gauges, a correct rear view mirror, an array of toggle switches, and an etched ashtray bearing the combined Ferrari and Pininfarina crested flags. The car is also outfitted with a top which is very nice and fits beautifully to the body and windshield header.

Under the hood, the historically impressive Weber carbureted V12 engine has been comprehensively restored and correctly detailed using proper finishes, accurate accessories, and original period hardware. While some time has passed since the build was completed, ongoing care by Patrick Ottis has been given to each engine component, feature, and detail results in not only a well-prepared car but one that has been proactively serviced and regularly detailed. The historic provenance of the engine with nearly 30 years powering a factory SWB Ferrari speaks volumes to those who admire authentic Ferraris including correctly finished textured black cam covers, correct air cleaner, correct yellow fuel lines, and recently replaced Bosch ignition. Topping the 3.0L V12, a set of black finished Weber 40 DCL 6 carburetors are sequentially numbered 2022, 2023, and 2024 representative of factory original configuration.

The spacious trunk compartment has been nicely finished with black carpeting and houses a full sized Borrani wire wheel spare perched on the upper rear bulkhead with access to the fuel filler. The undercarriage reveals a remarkably well prepared chassis with correct dual exhaust finished with quad ANSA exit tips, correct aluminum engine and gearbox castings, and four wheel disc brakes. The visual inspection of the undercarriage and major chassis tubes reveals no evidence of structural compromise while featuring correctly prepared finishes, supporting the history and confirming the expert care for this spyder since construction was completed.


This beautiful spyder starts easily and settles into a welcoming idle. The gently muffled V12 sounds invite anyone seeking the finest in sports car motoring to step inside for an unforgettable experience. Everything about the car is harmonious and comfortable, from the smooth shifter to the easily engaged clutch and comfortable seating position. The drivability and ease of use is a testament to the excellence the owner has achieved over the near 30 years of ownership covering 25k miles. The car accelerates smoothly, pulls progressively, and cruises at leisurely speeds with ease. It’s easy to see how even the most fervent purist will delight in the quality and driving manners aptly favored by enthusiasts seeking a car they can drive spiritedly without concerns over the preservation of a delicate museum artifact. In all, this spyder is a delightful road car suitable for club events, road trips, and a welcomed participant in any modern vintage car tour.


Included with this Spyder

This Ferrari is accompanied by a car cover, jack and tire changing tools, a scissor jack, a set of working gloves, an emergency kit, and other roadside assistance items with black and red soft carry case.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608