Ferrari 330 GTS (1967)

Ferrari discontinued production of the 250 GT Lusso in 1964, leaving the firm without an intermediate model to occupy the gap between Ferrari's flagship Berlinetta's (the 275 GTB) and their grand four-seater Coupe's, the 330 GT. Launched during March 1966 at the Geneva Salon, the 330 GTC was an immediate success with customers and road testers alike, successfully filling the gap in Ferraris range. The 4-litre 330's were available in two alternative body styles - Coupe (GTC) or Spyder (GTS).

The 330 GTC frame was designated Tipo 592. These chassis' were outwardly very similar to those already used on Ferrari's 275 GTB being a traditional tubular steel chassis. Hydraulic disc brakes were fitted all-round along with fully independent suspension. Borrani's beautiful ten-hole cast alloy wheels were standard although spoked wheels from the same manufacturer were optionally available.

Engine-wise the GTC used Ferrari's twin cam four-litre Tipo 209/66 60° V12. Power was quoted by the factory as being 300bhp at 7000rpm with three twin-choke Weber 40 carburettors. The engine was matched by a five-speed transaxle. Performance was impressive with a car reaching 0-60 in under 6.5 seconds whilst top speed was in excess of 150mph.

The GTS was introduced during October 1966 when chassis 8899 GT was given its public debut at the Paris Salon. The 330 GTS could be described as a "series II 275 GTS" with a revised grille and bumperettes, as opposed to a one-piece full width front bumper. Of course, in addition to the visual changes the 330 benefitted from increased power and torque as well as character changing smooth driveline with the use of torque tube over an open prop shaft thus making in our opinion the 330 GTS a far superior car.

Only 99 330 GTS's were produced before Ferrari discontinued production in late '68 to make way for the new 4.4-litre 365 GTS. Electric windows were fitted as standard along with a full leather interior and comfortably padded rather than figure hugging bucket seats. Air conditioning was an optional extra.

Please note, this vehicle is no longer for sale.

This 330 GTS was completed at the Maranello factory in April 1967, equipped with instruments in miles, finished in Giallo Fly (Fly Yellow) paint with a black interior, and fitted with Campagnolo alloy wheels.

A month later, the GTS was delivered to Luigi Chinetti Motors in Greenwich, Connecticut, and the car was soon sold to its first owner, Benjamin Bailar, a resident of New York. Mr. Bailar submitted the car to Chinetti Motors for service in September 1970, and shortly thereafter sold it back to the distributor.

During the early 1970s, the Ferrari was acquired by Donald Fong, a noted mechanic and dealer based in Atlanta, and he sold the car in 1974 to fellow Atlanta resident David Jamison, who installed Borrani wire wheels. The spider then passed to another Atlanta-area enthusiast before being offered for sale in the Ferrari Market Letter by collector Alan Woodall in late 1981.

In 1984, the 330 was purchased by a doctor who would continue to own the car until 2019, or for 35 continuous years. He begun working at Road America and the Milwaukee Mile in the late 1960s, and served as head physician at the two legendary circuits from 1986 to 2000.

After locating this 330 GTS at Thoroughbred Motorcars in Alexandria, Virginia, the owner drove the car to his home in Bayside, Wisconsin. He immediately refinished the aging Giallo Fly exterior with a fresh coat of black paint. The interior was subsequently reupholstered with Connolly leather and Wilton wool carpeting in beige, and the top was accordingly re-trimmed.

The GTS then served as a weekend driver and drive of choice to all the events attended as a working doctor at Road America and the Milwaukee Mile. The handsome spider became a regular presence in the paddock at both tracks, even serving as the pace car at some smaller SOCA events. In more recent years, the Ferrari assumed residence in central California following the owner's relocation to the West Coast.

Dutifully maintained throughout its 35-year single ownership, this beloved GTS was occasionally exhibited at local events but only rarely displayed formally, with one notable exception as a non-judged entry at the 2011 Concorso Italiano.

In 2019, this example changed hands once more and the most recent custodian decided on a comprehensive bare metal restoration in Italy, with marque specialists Bonini, Cremonini and coachtrimmers Luppi, to the period hue of Verde Scuro over Cioccolato. This concours level bare shell restoration culminated in 2023 and is extensively documented with photographs and invoices totalling £370,000.

As such, today this example presents on the button, ready to be used and enjoyed by its next custodian. This wonderful 330 GTS presents as an eminently usable 60s Ferrari, built as part of production of less than half that of the preceding 275 GTS.