1965 FERRARI 330 GTO RECREATION:
--Rosso Corsa, Blue seats, 4.5 liter V12 engine with 5-Speed
gearbox, Superb in all respects and extremely fast!
The concept and build commenced in 1990 for a project that would incorporate proper elements for an homage to not just a 250 GTO, but its illustrious brother, the even more exclusive 330 GTO having been produced in a quantity of three in total. The project was a combined effort of renowned Midwest Ferrari specialists, Vintage Restoration Services, Motion Products and Mark Gerisch of M & L Auto Specialists for competitive Group 5 HSR Historic Racing as well as private track days.
Mark Gerisch, now Director of the Academy of the Art of Metal Shaping, who is known for Ferrari 250 GTO’s, 250 Californias, as well as top level Shelby Cobras and the Ford GT GTX-1 as well as having rebodied many rare originals for well known collectors. A genuine U.S. Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 was the identity for this project. Mr. Gerisch fabricated a complete supporting tubular chassis incorporating a full roll cage, per original GTO specification - all photo documented. Mr. Gerisch then fabricated a complete body shell from aluminum panels, having unrestricted access to an early 1962 Series One 250 GTO as a template. Coincidentally the original GTO was owned by the gentleman who commissioned this 330 GTO for his personal use and to sit beside his original within his collection, thinking the recreation to be a bit more expendable than the original.
The V12 engine was built from the original 4.0 liter donor engine by Rick Bundfeldt of Vintage Restorations and produces over 400bhp. All assembly and mechanicals were overseen by Ferrari expert, Wayne Obrey and the complete drivetrain build has been documented in a large catalogue of records and receipts. Highlights of the build include a stroked 4.5 liter V12, Fully balanced and blueprinted with a 13:3 compression ratio, Fully polished crankshaft, Titanium connecting rods, Custom specification high compression pistons, specially built GTO specification cylinder heads with Titanium valves that were ported and flowed to match a set of modified NOS Daytona specification Weber carburetors. Custom Intake manifold and velocity stacks and custom built headers were all fabricated by hand and modified for optimum performance from the V12. Several Dyno sessions were employed to achieve nearly 405hp.
A T5 Racing transmission with a non-synchro, face plated gearset was utilized and mated to a custom aluminum driveshaft and a 4.45 gear ratio Dana differential, thereby giving the driver easy access to gearset and transmission changes, tailored to track parameters or if desired, street use. This engine, combined with the lightweight body and chassis is incredibly nimble and extremely fast!
The GTO build incorporated countless period details, while
maintaining usage of contemporary performance elements for an
ultimate combination of looks and performance. From the
original spec style riveted fuel tank that cleverly incorporates a
substantial Fuel Cell, to the Dual circuit braking system with
modern specification calipers and rotors and a set of lightweight
Magnesium racing wheels that well facilitate massive tire size
options.
The car campaigned in nearly ten years of Group 5 Historic
Sportscar Racing with support from its builders, while being
post-race serviced and maintained as needed, where needed which is
also documented in a massive folio of extensive history. At
this time, the engine is fresh with little time on it.
This example represents a penultimate build quality with no regard to cost by the very best in the business and to the tune of almost $1 Million between the donor car and build specifications. It presents a unique opportunity for a collector to enjoy a passionately built GTO that is ideal for numerous Historic competition events, or with light modifications, highly spirited street use.
The 330 is in fantastic condition throughout and is ready for immediate enjoyment.
