We'll admit that the Ferrari California is not Ken Okuyama's best work. And, we think that, more than anything, the retractable hardtop is to blame. Packaging the folded hardtop, its folding mechanism, and permitting some trunk space led to a rear end just too large to work, proportionally. When Ferrari went about refreshing the car into the California T, though, they kept the folding hardtop and involved Centro Stile Ferrari as well as Pininfarina. We'd have just given up the folding hardtop!

Fortunately for those driving a California, the underpinnings are pure Ferrari. You can be certain that wind tunnel testing pays off on the Autobahn, or between LA and Vegas. And, the engine itself is somewhat of a beast. At displacement of only 4.3 liters, the California's V8 makes 453hp - less than the F430 V8 on which it is based, but with a broader torque band, thanks to different intake exhaust tuning and gasoline direct injection.

Year: 2010
Model: Ferrari California
Engine: 4.3L V8
Transmission: 7-speed automated dual-clutch manual
Mileage: 17,867 mi
Price: $94,900
Location: Dallas, TX

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2010 Ferrari California

HIGHLIGHTS:
-AFS System
-Red Brake Calipers
-Cruise Control
-Central Tunnel in Leather
-Armrest on Tunnel in Leather
-Daytona Style Seat
-Daytona Style Rear Seats
-A Pillars in Leather
-Electric Seats
-iPod Connection
-'Scuderia Ferrari' Shields
-Magneride Dual Mode Suspension
-Inn/Out Electric Mirror + Home
-Parking Camera
-Front and Rear Parking Sensors
CARFAX GUARANTEED

Compared to the Maserati Gran Turismo Convertible in our recent post, we think this California has a lot going for it. For one, the interior really makes up for the bulbous rear. We prefer our red on the interior of Ferraris, and optioned with the dark silver, this example looks quite appealing.

So, for around $100k, you get a nearly 10-year-old Ferrari Roadster with a tamed F430 engine, a folding hardtop roof, and rear seats for your dachshunds. Seems like a lot of money and a lot of risk for a car that most enthusiasts will give you a hard time for driving. But, we see the appeal in spite of the flaws. If you're in the market for a California, this one could do the trick.

-Graham