Ferrari California Test Drive Ends in San Francisco Bay
A prospective buyer lost control of a Ferrari California during a test drive north of San Francisco, sending the £120,000 supercar into the water.
A test drive of a Ferrari California ended abruptly when the car left the road and landed in the water north of San Francisco. The incident took place in early May 2012, with the driver reportedly considering a purchase of the high-performance convertible at the time.
According to reports, the accident happened after the test driver accelerated too hard, lost control and veered off the road. The car ended up partially submerged, requiring a recovery operation to extract it from the water. No injuries were reported, but the Ferrari California suffered extensive damage.
Ferrari California: V8, Rear-Drive, and Prone to Over-Exuberance
The Ferrari California, launched in 2008, features a front-mounted 4.3-litre V8 engine producing 453bhp and rear-wheel drive. Its seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and aluminium chassis make it one of Ferrari’s more accessible grand tourers, but the power on offer can still catch out inexperienced drivers. The model’s combination of performance and usability was intended to broaden Ferrari’s appeal beyond its traditional customer base.
Test Drives and Insurance Implications
Dealers typically require proof of insurance or provide temporary cover for test drives, but accidents involving expensive models like the California can complicate claims. The responsibility for damages often depends on the terms agreed before the drive and the driver’s own insurance policy. In this case, the dealership faced a major loss, with the car’s value estimated at around $200,000 at the time.
- Ferrari California: 4.3-litre V8, 453bhp, rear-wheel drive, 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox
- Incident location: North of San Francisco, May 2012
- Driver: Prospective buyer, uninjured
- Outcome: Car partially submerged, significant damage
Supercar Mishaps: Not an Isolated Case
Supercar test drive crashes attract attention due to the value and rarity of the vehicles involved. While this Ferrari California incident is notable for its watery conclusion, it follows a pattern seen with other high-performance cars. Dealers remain cautious, often restricting test drives of their most valuable stock or requiring supervision by experienced staff.
For more on the California’s technical background, see Bosch’s involvement in its direct injection system at Bosch Direct Injection Powers Ferrari California’s New V8.
