Ferrari 330 GTS (1966)

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, and of those, just two were completed in right hand drive. 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.

This 330 GTS was the second example to be completed and the first in Right Hand Drive. Destined for the 1966 Earls Court Motorshow, this example was optioned new in Bianco Polo Park over a Connolly VM3015 ‘Blu’. Carpets fitted in light grey and the soft top in black; five chromed wire wheels were further optioned.

Its first owner, Viscount Petersham received as a gift from his wife in November of 1966 to his London address and the car would receive its first registration mark, DBY 5D.

The car passed through several owners including Graham Cook, proprietor of Bramley Cars who sold the car to Lord Cecil and shortly thereafter, the car was sold to noted collector Sir Anthony Bamford in 1975.

The car would remain in the care of Bamford until 1982 when it was registered in the name of a company, Victorbond Ltd at an address in Henley-upon-Thames. Graham Cook purchased the car once more and at this time, it was seen having been refinished in light blue over its blue interior on its latest registration mark, JNR 716D.

In March 1984, the car would by purchased by another member of British nobility. It would be his first Ferrari and one remembered fondly as one of the most beautiful cars he would own.The car would see ongoing maintenance by Graypaul Ferrari and Prowess Racing Ltd of Hampshire.

In 1989 the car sold to its next custodian, the fourth Viscount Cowdray of Sussex. A serial Ferrari owner, the Rt. Hon. Michael Pearson, the Viscount Cowdray had owned a 365 GTB/4 when new having seen the car for the first time at the Earls Court Motorshow just three years after this 330 GTS had made its debut. The GTS passed through the hands of Lionel Sanson before purchase in 1996 by Irish businessman and philanthropist Lochlann Quinn who would retain the car for 20 years. During Quinn's ownership, the car was restored to its original configuration and to this day it presents as it was seen at Earls Court in 1966.

In 2015, DK Engineering handled the sale of the car to its current custodian who has since cared for the car as a part of significant collection. This example has been used extremely sparingly in the past ten years and will benefit from a major service as a part of its sale.

• 1966 Earls Court Motorshow Car
• 1 of 99 examples
• 1 of 2 RHD examples
• Original colours of Bianco Polo Park over Blu
• Owned by numerous known collectors
• Known ownership from new
• Sold by DK Engineering to its current owner in 2015
• Major service as a part of the sale