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Ferrari configurator lets you play 458 Speciale customer

We all wish we had an extra $300,000 just lying around that we could spend on a supercar. And if we did, we don't doubt that the Ferrari 458 Speciale would be near the top of our list. It's hard, after all, to argue with 600 naturally aspirated horsepower churning away right behind your seat. Unfortunately few of us have that kind of scratch. That's where online configurators come in.
While these web-based customization tools don't exactly let you drive off the lot in a six-figure supercar, they can at least let you pretend that you're the kind of person who would (or more pertinently, could) do just that. And Ferrari's latest is among the cooler ones we've seen.
Like most online configuration tools, Maranello's lets you choose the colors of the bodywork and which wheels you want, but also lets you choose brake calipers, racing stripes and all manner of carbon-fiber aero components. Step inside and the choices are even more extensive, from the size and shape of seats to the color of the tachometer.

Ferrari plans theme park for North America

Ferrari is building more theme parks, and the next one could be built somewhere in North America, according to Bloomberg. The exotic automaker opened Ferrari World – its first theme park – in 2010 on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island, adjacent to the grand prix racing circuit and where Warner Bros will soon open another theme park. A second Ferrari theme park (pictured) is currently under construction in Spain as part of the PortAventura Resort that's one of the largest in Europe, and the company recently announced a third facility "to be located in one of the primary cities in mainland China" as well. The prospective North American location would be the fourth, though details on potential sites remain unknown. The Los Angeles and Orlando areas have developed into epicenters for theme parks in America and could attract a Ferrari location, or send it looking for alternatives like Six Flags and Busch Gardens parks have. Wherever Ferrari selects, you can expect the park to feature various racing-themed attractions, including roller coasters, vertical acceleration towers, virtual test tracks, and more. The licensing of additional Ferrari theme parks comes as the company strives to position itself as a luxury lifestyle brand as much as an automaker and racing team. The storied marque has lines of clothing and various merchandise, and a network of retail stores through which it sells its products. Underscoring its expansion, Ferrari shareholders approved the appointment of several new board members from luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Investors also approved the renewal of Amedeo Felisa's contract as chief executive, but he's not expected to stick around much longer as Sergio Marchionne assumes more control over the company, which recently spun off from the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group over which he also presides. Related Video: News Source: BloombergImage Credit: Ferrari Ferrari ferrari world theme park

Ferrari 250 California fit for Ferris may sell for millions

Planning on playing hooky for a day of adventure in, say, Chicago? You're going to need the right set of wheels. Something like the Ferrari you see here ought to do the trick. Coming up for auction at Amelia Island, this 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider is one of just 56 made – only 37 of which have those highly sought-after covered headlights. The short-wheelbase model followed the previous long-wheelbase version and featured a number of upgrades, including timeless coachwork by Scaglietti, a more nimble chassis, and four-wheel disc brakes. This particular example – bearing the VIN 2871 GT in classic red over black – starred alongside Sophia Loren in the film Ieri, Oggi, Domani. It was sold new in 1961 to Italian industrial designer Giangranco Frattini, who owned it for 17 years before selling it to one Terzo Dalia in 1978, who in turn sold it to its current owner in 1985. This represents the first time it's being offered for public sale. Gooding & Company anticipates it will fetch a good $16 million (give or take) when it crosses the auction block on March 11. That would, according to the records at Sports Car Market, put it right in the range of what California Spiders have been selling for in recent years – the record currently standing at $18.6 million paid for the Baillon barnfind example in Paris a year ago. If you have the means, to paraphrase our childhood hero, we highly recommend picking one up. Related Video: Gooding & Company Unveils Iconic 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider To Highlight Amelia Island Auction The Quintessential Ferrari 250 GT with Limited Ownership from New and Cinematic History SANTA MONICA, Calif. (February 12, 2016) – Gooding & Company, the auction house acclaimed for selling the world's most significant and valuable collector cars, is privileged to announce the addition of a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider (estimate $15,000,000-$17,000,000) to be sold at the Amelia Island Auction on March 11, 2016. This highly coveted Ferrari is the 22nd SWB California Spider built and one of only 37 covered-headlight examples produced. Remarkably, it has been in the loving care of the current owner for over 30 years. "We are thrilled to present this California Spider to our clients," states David Gooding, President and Founder of Gooding & Company.