During the mid- to late 1950s, Ferrari was in a state of transition; increased racing costs meant that Ferrari needed to sell more roadgoing models to pay for its extensive racing program.

Although such roadgoing models were certainly offered in the past, they were essentially built to order.

Variations to suit the wishes of individual customers were common, keeping costs high and volumes low, rendering them unprofitable.

Meanwhile, the 250 GT cabriolet, introduced at the Geneva International Auto Salon in 1957, was conceived as Ferrari’s semi-luxury touring car and was, thus, given better interior appointments and more soundproofing than the 250 California Spider.

Its chassis and drivetrain may have been strikingly similar to Ferrari’s racing cars, but the high standard of fit and finish, as well as the car’s complete instrumentation, luxurious leather interior, and other passenger amenities, set it apart.

The cabriolet was based upon the 250 GT coupe, which was also presented as...