California dreamin'

NOBODY, it seems, is immune from the recession gripping the world, but one car maker still bucking the trend is Ferrari.

In the first six months of this year they made a trading profit of £132million, delivered 3,506 cars and are on course to beat their 2007 record of 6,465. They have a waiting list of two years or more on all their models and are about to launch the stunning new California, which is already sold out for the next three years in the UK. And that’s with a price tag of £143,320, which doesn’t include an extra £5,000 if you fancy your Ferrari in one of the Italian firms historic colours.

The California is the first Ferrari convertible with a retractable hardtop, but because it’s a Ferrari it looks sensational with the roof up or down. And the all-aluminium 4.3 liter V8 is the first Ferrari road car to be mid-front engined. The result is red-hot performance, 0-62mph in under four seconds and a top speed just shy of 200mph. There is also a super slick and lightning quick seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. One clutch is used for even gears and the other for odd numbers. Combine this with F1 paddles on the steering wheel and you’ll be convinced you’re changing gear quicker than Schumacher. The button that really catches the eye is the launch control, again inspired by F1, that fires you like a rocket from a standing start to maximum power.

It also has a retractable hardtop — perfect for the British weather — which disappears in just 14 seconds and you don’t lose half the boot when it’s down, it is still a healthy 240 litres and 340 in the up position. So if anyone fancies buying us one do not be shy - any colour will be fine!