A large, luxurious grand tourer, destined especially to the wealthiest clients - this is how it can be described in just a few words the model revealed in 1966 at the Geneva Motor Show. With only 14 units built, the 365 California was a rare beauty on the market, with only 8 exported on the America.

Even if its designer Tom Tjaarda has been working for Pininfarina for quite a few years now, designing the 365 California was quite a challenge for him: "It was strange because I did it at home during the summertime,” he remembered. “They had an urgent need so I came back in September with sketches ... The difficult part was making it look like a Ferrari, but different."

The 365 California featured tail light assemblies that were unique to the model, being angular units to suit the shape of the tail corner, with triple circular lenses in a reflective surround. However, there were differences between the reflector colours and even the lens units on individual cars.

The car was built on a 2650mm wheelbase chassis and featured independent front suspension, rigid rear axle with leaf springs and telescopic shock absorbers, four wheel disc brakes, with separate front and rear hydraulic circuits, and the model was fitted with the power assisted steering.

It was powered by a single overhead camshaft per bank 4.4 liter V12 unit, with a total cubic capacity of 4390cc, and a bore and stroke of 81mm x 71mm. The engine delivered 320 hp at 6600 rpm and was coupled to a five-speed gearbox.

With a top speed of 240 km/h (149mph), it was the fastest convertible in the world at the time.

In 2007 a 365 California was brought to the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, CA. It was sold for $1,375,000.