Description
Ferrari firmly established itself as a ‘volume’ manufacturer with the 250 series, following nearly a decade of producing mere handfuls of cars at a time. Of course even then the numbers built were nothing compared to Detroit, but the concept was still a big move for the builder of exotic Italian sports cars. The introduction of the Pininfarina designed 250GTE in 1959 added a genuine 2+2 grand tourer to the range, a car suitable for the mature businessman. It delivered both the performance and creature comforts required to cover thousands of kilometres of autostrada in speed and subtle, elegant style.
The 250GTE was succeeded by the interim 330 America, which featured an enlarged 4.0-litre engine and then by the 330GT 2+2 Series I in 1964.
The 330GT was updated in 1965 when the Series II models arrived. Its five-speed gearbox, alloy wheels and more resolved dual headlight frontal appearance set it firmly apart. Production ran until 1967, with 455 built.
Delivered new in European specification to Switzerland in 1967, it remained the property of a Mr Golliard until 1978. The car changed hands, remaining in Switzerland to a Mr Jean-Pierre Rossier before it was sold in 1995 to the UK. The car moved to Italy in 2009 before being sold to the current custodian.
This particular 330 GT was extensively restored in 2014 by a well-known Ferrari specialist in Germany; it now presents itself in excellent condition throughout.
To ensure the car behaved well on the road, mechanical upgrades included insuring the brake lines were specially reinforced and the especially inconspicuous moulded non-contact electric ignition system ensures reliable starting of the vehicle; there is a high level of attention to detail; the engine gasket kit was custom made by a well-known German engine-parts-manufacturer Elringklinger to induce the best compression. The matching numbers engine now performs brilliantly.
The interior upholstery was also at this time, redone with the intention to keep the historical character of the car. The German upholsterer handcrafted diamond-stitching work under the hood and boot lid. Combined with the retro design Becker Mexico radio (navigation system included) this creates a unique and convenient drive with the style of good old times.
Italian design, European history, German restoration with photo-documentation, low quantity (Series II), this is the formula for a unique joyful driving experience as well as increase in value.
Offered with an exceptional history, original manuals and German road registration papers, this is one of just 455 series two cars ever to be made. Against the backdrop of current price points for this and other Italian marques, these pure V12 Ferrari’s represent a very attractive way to sample the legendary cavallino rampante.
