One of the most significant Ferrari road cars ever built is set to cross the block at Mecum’s Indy 2026 auction. The 1963 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder, chassis 4137GT, represents the final example of one of Ferrari’s most celebrated open-top grand tourers.
Built at a time when Ferrari blended racing engineering with road-going elegance, the California Spyder remains among the most coveted collector cars today. This particular example carries additional weight, as it is the last of just 55 short-wheelbase California Spyders produced between 1960 and 1963.
With documented ownership history, Ferrari Classiche certification, and original mechanical components, the car returns to the auction stage following a $17.875 million sale in 2024. Its appearance at Indy 2026 underscores continued demand for blue-chip Ferraris at the top of the collector market.
The Final SWB California Spyder
Ferrari introduced the California Spyder in 1957 as a performance-focused open-top grand tourer, aimed primarily at American buyers seeking racing-derived performance with road-car usability. Early long-wheelbase (LWB) examples were built through 1960, before Ferrari transitioned to the short-wheelbase (SWB) configuration.
This improved handling and responsiveness. Only 55 SWB California Spyders were produced between 1960 and 1963, making them among the rarest Ferrari road cars of the era. Chassis 4137GT stands apart as the final SWB California Spyder built.
Completed on February 9, 1963, the car features covered headlights and represents the culmination of Ferrari’s development. The car was imported to the United States through Luigi Chinetti Motors in New York and delivered new to Charles Rezzaghi Motors in San Francisco, reflecting the model’s strong ties to the American market.
The car retains its original 3.0-liter Colombo V-12 engine and 4-speed manual gearbox. These are both critical factors for collectors seeking originality. Documentation includes a Marcel Massini report, Ferrari Classiche certification, and known ownership history from new. These aspects typically elevate value within the high-end Ferrari collector community.
With just 67,462 miles on the odometer, the example scheduled for Mecum Indy 2026 remains one of the most historically significant California Spyders to have come to market in recent years.
Racing-Derived Performance Meets Grand Touring Elegance
The SWB California Spyder’s 2,953 cc Colombo V-12 produced approximately 276–280 horsepower. Its shorter 2,400 mm wheelbase improved agility, while disc brakes and revised suspension enhanced road manners compared to earlier versions.
Performance figures reflected the car’s dual-purpose design. The lightweight chassis and powerful V-12 delivered a top speed approaching 158 mph and 0-60 mph in roughly 6.3 seconds. Impressive numbers for an open-top GT in the early 1960s.
Hand-built bodywork by Scaglietti further elevated the model’s appeal. Each example was crafted with a combination of steel and aluminum panels over a tubular chassis, giving the California Spyder both structural rigidity and elegant proportions.
These design elements, combined with racing-inspired engineering, helped establish the model as one of Ferrari’s most desirable open cars. California Spyders also saw competition use, including victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring and appearances at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, reinforcing the model’s performance credentials.
Blue-Chip Ferrari Returns to the Auction Stage
Chassis 4137GT last appeared publicly at Mecum’s Kissimmee 2024 auction, where it sold for $17.875 million, including buyer’s premium. That result placed the car among the most valuable Ferraris sold at public auction in recent years. The example was restored by noted Ferrari specialist Patrick Ottis in Berkeley, California, and retains its original chassis, body, and drivetrain.
Ferrari 250 series models remain cornerstone investments in the collector market. The California Spyder, in particular, benefits from limited production, strong historical appeal, and enduring desirability among collectors. The final production status of chassis 4137GT adds another layer of significance.
Its return to Mecum Indy 2026 signals continued strength in the top tier of the classic car market, where rare Ferraris often attract global attention and competitive bidding. With documented provenance, originality, and historical importance, this final SWB California Spyder is among the most notable offerings scheduled for the event.