2014_09_13-motor-uk

MOTOR CARS | 223

By the end of the 1950s, the market for sports cars with ‘family
accommodation’ had grown sufficiently for Ferrari to contemplate
the introduction of a four-seater model. Introduced in the summer
of 1960, the first such Ferrari - the 250GTE 2+2 - was based on
the highly successful 250GT. Pininfarina’s brief had been to produce
a 2+2 without sacrificing the 250’s elegant good looks or sporting
characteristics, and the master carrozzier succeeded brilliantly, moving
the engine, gearbox, and steering gear forward and the fuel tank back,
thus creating sufficient room for two occasional rear seats.

The 250GTE provided the basis for its replacement: the 330GT 2+2
introduced in January 1964. Pininfarina was once again entrusted
with the styling, adopting of a four-headlamp frontal treatment that
reflected the tastes of Ferrari’s most important export market, the USA.
The 330GT’s tubular chassis was 50mm longer in the wheelbase than
before, which made conditions less cramped for the rear passengers.
Suspension was independent at the front by wishbones and coil
springs, while at the back there was a live axle/semi-elliptic set-up.
Improvements to the discs-all-round braking system saw separate
hydraulic circuits adopted for front and rear.

The 330GT’s Colombo-type, 60-degree, V12 engine had first appeared
in the 330 America (effectively a big-bore 250GTE 2+2) in 1963.
Displacing 3,967cc, the single-overhead-camshaft, all-alloy unit was
good for 300-plus bhp, an output sufficient to propel the 330GT to a
maximum velocity of 152mph (245km/h) making it, when introduced,
the fastest road-going Ferrari. Equipped at first with a four-speeds-plus-
overdrive gearbox, the 330GT gained a five-speed transmission in mid-
1965 and later that year had its four-headlight front end replaced by a
two-lamp arrangement, becoming the ‘Series II’. Electric windows, alloy
wheels and hanging control pedal were other Series 2 improvements.

Left-hand drive chassis number ‘7613’ was delivered new via the

Milan Ferrari agent Crepaldi in December 1965. A ‘Series II’ model, it

has the arguably more elegant bodywork with single headlights, and

the new all-synchromesh five-speed gearbox. ‘7613’ was restored

in the mid-1990s and in May 2004 was offered for sale at Bonhams’

Monaco auction (Lot 222), the description stating that the then owner’s

assessment of it as ‘very good’ had been borne out by a test drive.

The car was subsequently owned by Michel Mazzone of Monaco

and while in his care underwent extensive restoration in 2010, there

being related bills on file from Maranello-based specialists Carrozzeria

Zanasi (body, paint and interior) and Toni Auto (motor, transmission,

suspension and brakes) together totalling €121,339. The car was

restored to its original colour scheme of Grigio Notte metallic with Pelle

Nera interior. Ferrari Classiche certification was obtained in April 2011.

The current vendor purchased the Ferrari in February 2012 from Simon

Furlonger. Prior to purchase, noted marque specialist Terry Hoyle was

appointed to list what would be required to bring the car up to an

exceptional standard. His recommendations were duly carried out,

the cost of the works being shared between buyer and seller. Since

then Terry Hoyle has continued to maintain the Ferrari, which will have

been serviced by him prior to sale and delivered directly to the venue.

Offered with current MoT/tax, V5C document and the all-important

Ferrari Classiche documentation, this beautiful 330GT must be one of

the very best currently available.

£180,000 - 220,000

€230,000 - 280,000