FERRARI has been through a period to rival the Italian renaissance over the past decade, to the point where it now squeezes new model grades such as the California T Handling Speciale (HS) into the range only for it to immediately accrue a 12-month waiting list.

When the California arrived as Ferrari’s entry roadster in 2008 it was timed imperfectly with the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). But quicker than its folding hard-top roof could be lowered the brand continued peppering the market with new product and buyers didn’t fold their wallets away.

In fact when Ferrari launched the updated California T last year, with a 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 replacing 4.3-litre naturally aspirated V8, buyers – including Australians – only told them they wanted to pay more for a sportier version.

Enter the HS option with firmer suspension, a louder exhaust, quicker gearchanges, sportier stability control and a question to answer: can this Ferrari find a natural place in the marque’s line-up?

Note: Some images are of international model.

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