The California and its successor, the Portofino, are Ferrari's folding-hardtop convertibles and the most common way into Ferrari ownership. That gives you a large pool of buyers, but they compare carefully, so generation, mileage and records decide the offer.
This page covers the California, California T, Portofino and Portofino M. For other Ferraris and the full comparison of ways to sell, see the main Ferrari guide.
At a glance
- Who buys
- Often first-time Ferrari owners, so there are plenty of buyers but they are price-sensitive.
- Biggest lever
- Generation, mileage and service history.
- Common question
- Whether the folding hardtop works perfectly, and when the last major service was done.
- Best route
- Specialist buyer, Ferrari dealer or private sale. All three work well here.
Which Portofino or California do you have?
California
2009–2014A 4.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 with a folding hardtop and small rear seats. The 2012 update added power and cut weight. Valued on mileage, history and condition.
California T
2015–2017Switched to a 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 and updated the interior. Usually worth more than an earlier California.
Portofino
2018–2020Replaced the California T with a lighter structure, more power and a new interior. Late cars may still have a little Genuine Maintenance coverage left.
Portofino M
2021–2023Added more power and an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It was replaced by the Roma Spider, and most cars still have maintenance coverage.
What Portofino or California buyers check first
- GenerationA Portofino M is worth much more than an early California. Make sure every offer is for your exact model and year.
- Roof operationBuyers test the folding hardtop. Fix any warning lights or slow operation before you ask for offers.
- Service historyAnnual Ferrari services with invoices. Californias and California Ts are past their maintenance coverage, so records matter even more.
- MileageThese cars are driven more than most Ferraris, so mileage has a strong effect on price.
- OptionsMagnetic suspension and the Handling Speciale package (California), carbon trim, upgraded audio, passenger display and special colors.
Where to sell a Portofino or California
Portofino and Portofino M
A Ferrari dealer buying for its Approved program, or a specialist exotic buyer. Cars with maintenance coverage and low miles get the best offers.
California and California T
A specialist buyer or a private sale. The buyer pool is large, so a well-documented car sells quickly at a fair price.
Trading toward a Roma Spider or another Ferrari
A dealer trade-in may come with a sales tax credit in your state. Compare offers after tax.
Every route, compared side by side, is in the Ferrari guide. Still paying off a loan or lease? See selling a Ferrari with a loan or lease.
Documents that add value
- Every service invoice, with dates and mileage
- Maintenance coverage dates (Portofino and Portofino M)
- Original options list or window sticker
- Car cover, battery tender, tool kit and both keys
Common questions
What's the difference between the California and the Portofino?
The Portofino replaced the California T in 2018. It's lighter and more powerful and has a new interior. The Portofino M added more power and an eight-speed gearbox.
Does my Portofino still have maintenance coverage?
The 7-year Genuine Maintenance program runs from the date the car was first sold. Most Portofino Ms are still covered, while early Portofinos are at or near the end. A Ferrari dealer can confirm from your VIN.
Is a California a good first Ferrari to sell privately?
Yes. It's one of the most popular entry points to Ferrari ownership, so private buyers are plentiful. Verify payment with the buyer's bank before you release the car.
Which is worth more, a California T or a Portofino?
Usually the Portofino, because it's newer and more capable. Mileage, options and history can still change the order for individual cars.