First Ferrari California sold

The first Ferrari California has been sold even though the car won't be officially unveiled until the Paris Motor Show on October 2.

Ahead of the car's launch, Ferrari held star-studded customer events in Maranello, Italy and California, USA.

The US event featured a charity auction, where the first California was sold for about 282,000 ($520,000) that's around double the expected retail price.

The money raised will go to the After Schools All Stars charity, which helps under-privileged school children. It was formally accepted at the event by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California.