The first California was designed in consultation with the Los Angeles Police Department Traffic Division to modify the Moto Guzzi Ambassador, the winner of the tender for the supply of vehicles for the L.A.P.D.

Given the excellent base and perfect adaptability to the use for which it was intended, Moto Guzzi, at the instigation of the local US importer, participated and won the tender for the supply of vehicles announced by the Los Angeles Police Department.

It originally had a left-foot gearshift, a bulletproof Lexan windshield and a sprung sidestand, along with the requisite siren, radio, extra police lights, and a standing quarter mile time of under 16 seconds.

[citation needed] In 2002, Moto Guzzi made an 80th anniversary special edition California model designed by Italian furniture maker Poltrona Frau.

[citation needed] The frame and associated pieces have been tweaked slightly to accommodate the larger 21-inch front wheel and anticipated load, also real carbon fiber is used for all bodywork.