Ferrari California T revives the Italian cruising tradition

The Ferrari California has been oft maligned since its release in 2008, mainly by fools who never drove one, and/or viciously competitive adrenaline junkies with no understanding of the joys of comfortable and expedited Italianate cruising.

Ferraris, as anyone with any real knowledge of the brand’s history will attest, were not always or only corner-carving track demons. Certainly, company founder Enzo Ferrari got his start as a racing tuner, and there have been many Ferraris that have carried forth this ballsy, high-strung legacy. But some of the greatest Fezzas in history have been big, luxurious, powerful, front-engined grand tourers, meant, as their abbreviated name implies, for long drives in high style.

The California was created as a sort of entry-level GT, with a potent and sonorous V-8, a power retractable hardtop, and room for four passengers (so long as two of them were infants and/or imaginary.) As such, it was an extremely entertaining companion for freeways, mountain twisties, and weekend romps. It was also quite lovely, save a cap that fit as awkwardly as that Arby’s hat of Pharrell’s and a rear that looked to have completed a few million too many power squats.