Click for more hi-res images from the Ferrari California launch event in Santa Monica, California

"We're not building a cheap Ferrari". That was the oft-repeated party line from Maranello as the Prancing Horse marque was plainly working on the new California. Well no kidding, not at these prices.

The first example of the Ferrari California was sold during its American unveiling in Santa Monica this week, garnering a top bid of $520,000. The event was attended by a handful of Hollywood celebrities, and even the Governator dropped by. Half a million can buy you a lot of car, and the California is expected to retail for about a third of that amount, but of course that's not the point: proceeds from the sale will go to the After-School All-Stars charitable foundation. Press release after the jump and images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Ferrari California US unveiling

Continue reading Hollywood, meet California: First example of new Ferrari fetches $520k in charity auction

Hollywood, meet California: First example of new Ferrari fetches $520k in charity auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We've seen the photos and read the press release, but still haven't managed to catch a glimpse of the Ferrari California in person. Even though everyone knows what the car looks like, Ferrari has been pretty strict about who gets to actually see the car in person. We're hoping that will all change with the car's official debut today in Maranello and at a satellite event in Beverly Hills, CA. If you didn't happen to receive an invitation to the events in Maranello or Beverly Hills, you can watch the unveiling live at FerrariCalifornia.com. The presentation will include a video filmed by Michael Mann, which is currently being previewed on the site. Live streaming starts at 4:00PM EST, so be sure to find a way out of work so you can watch the video.

Gallery: 2009 Ferrari California

Watch the Ferrari California official world premiere at 4:00PM EST originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.