Pete Lyons, writing in his book Ferrari, The Man And His Machines says that the Ferrari 250 GT SWB was the last true GT. As a GT it could be used for racing or for touring in the grand manner. In the latter configuration it had sufficient luggage space, proper heating, doors with easy access, comfortable seats and ample visibility. And, of course, that gorgeous Pininfarina styling. All of which helped make this 1961 Ferrari 250 GT Spyder California with short wheelbase (8-inches shorter than the LWB edition) and fared-in headlights a major attraction during yesterday's Pebble Beach Concours d' Elegance.

The car's appearance there was especially pertinent considering that Ferrari is about to announce an all-new California, the subject of much media coverage. Those short wheelbase cars benefited from more agile handling and less weight, while the engine was an updated version of the then-familiar Columbo V-12, whose song was the sweetest ever to flow from the exhaust pipes of any automobile, ever. (Sorry, muscle car fans.) The featured car is the proud possession of Marcel Massini.