Ferrari is quintessentially Italian, but the automaker certainly has California to thank for much of its success. The sunny west coast’s predictable weather and its terrific driving roads have long fostered the strongest automotive culture in America, if not in the world. At the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Ferrari recognized the Golden State’s impact on its lineup with a model decidedly designed for California driving. The California revived a name not used since the 1960s, and it pushed the automaker’s lineup in a new direction.

Underhood sat a 4.3-liter V-8 cribbed from the F430, rated here at 454 horsepower and 358 pound-feet of torque, and making use of direct injection and wet-sump lubrication. A six-speed manual was standard fare, but most buyers opted for the rapid-fire shifts provided by the seven-speed dual-clutch, which featured paddles affixed to the steering wheel.

Even though it is almost always sunny in California, it does occasionally rain. As such, Ferrari fitted its first ever folding metal hardtop to the California. Since the car was envisioned as a daily driver for many of its users, a pair of plus-two seats could be specified, though admittedly their utility is limited to children or handbags.

Sold new by Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale, this 2012 Ferrari California has covered barely 3,579 miles from new. It is finished in Blu Tour de France with a matching folding metal hardtop. Brembo carbon ceramic brakes with yellow calipers peer out from behind the wide-open spokes of the 20-inch wheels, which are shod with Pirelli P-Zero tires. The sumptuous Crema leather interior features the optional Daytona-style leather seats with contrasting dark blue accents and embroidered prancing horse headrests. Blue carpets and seat belts, plus optional carbon fiber trim fitted to the steering wheel, give the interior a remarkably cohesive feel.

Ferrari did not leave out convenience with the California, which at its release was arguably its most luxurious car to date. Equipment includes a touchscreen navigation system as well as an effective dual-zone automatic climate control system. The original list price of nearly $250,000 brought with it a well-equipped car.