Vehicle Description
Ferrari's handsome and understated four-seat 250 GTE has only
recently caught the attention and respect of collectors, despite it
quietly being one of the most important cars in Ferrari's history.
Not only was it one of Maranello's first commercially successful
products, but it also marked the turning point for the company from
boutique manufacturer to a full-fledged road car company. Prior to
the GTE, most of Ferrari's road cars were thinly disguised racing
cars, built primarily to fund the competition department. However,
the GTE proved to the world that there was sufficient demand for a
luxurious, refined Grand Touring car with room for four and that
Ferrari could deliver a spectacular product. Over 950 examples of
the 250 GTE were built between 1960 and 1963. Ferrari's line of 2+2
"gentleman's express" GT cars have long been a vital part to the
company's success, and the spirit of these 1960s models is carried
through today's front-engine four-seat supercars. Building on the
momentum of the GTE, Ferrari's road car range expanded and was
refined into the mid-1960s. The legendary 250 series had reached
the end of development, and a new series was due to replace it. One
of the first models to wear the new "330" badge (along with its
4-liter engine) was the 330 America. The 330 America was little
more than a modified GTE with the new four-liter V12 that served as
an interim model until an all-new replacement debuted. In January
of 1964, the new 330 GT 2+2 was unveiled at the Brussels show.
Aside from the larger 4-liter engine, the 330 GT was larger and
featured crisp modern styling penned by Tom Tjaarda for
Pininfarina. Like the GTE before it, the 330 GT 2+2 was
understated, sophisticated, and elegant. The powerful new engine
was mated to a four-speed gearbox with overdrive, and the chassis
featured disc brakes and Koni adjustable dampers at all four
corners. Later in production, the Series II was introduced with
some mechanical changes and simplified styling that seemed to lose
some of the charm of the original four-headlight Series I. The
Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 offered is a desirable, first series,
European-delivery example that is highly original and unrestored.
Chassis number 5555, this car was delivered new to official dealer
Gustavo Lombardi in Naples, Italy. The first known owner was Mr.
Corciello, also of Naples. It is believed the car was imported to
the United States in approximately 1969 by Bill Tilden of Atlanta,
Georgia, the car's second owner, and a classic car enthusiast. Mr.
Tilden used the Ferrari in the 1981 Walter Mitty Challenge at Road
Atlanta, and the 330 still wears a faded windshield sticker from
that day. "The Mitty" was founded in 1977 as a casual get-together
for sports car enthusiasts looking to exercise their cars on a
track, and it remains one of the most beloved vintage racing events
in the country. The Ferrari was eventually put in storage, and in
approximately 2004, it was treated to a thorough mechanical
freshening. Receipts show the fuel system was cleaned, the original
Weber 40 DCZ6 carburetors were rebuilt, and the exhaust replaced
with a factory correct ANSA system. In 2006, the 330 GT sold to its
third and latest owner who continued to care for it, performing a
brake system overhaul in more recent years. Today, S/N 5555
presents with a charming, careworn patina, having never been
restored or disassembled. The argento metallizzato paintwork shows
some cracks and fading, yet it remains appealing and quite
inviting. The body remains in excellent order with no serious
corrosion visible, with good panel gaps and crisp lines. Original
brightwork remains tidy and in good order- with some minor pitting
and hazing evident. The bumpers have been replated more recently
and are in excellent condition. The car rides on original Borrani
wire wheels, and the sale will include a spare set of rare, period
original Italian-made Firestone Cavallino tires. Inside the
spacious 2+2 cabin, the dash, headlining and some interior panels
remain original while the seats and carpets were replaced some time
ago. For the Mitty, the original center console was swapped out,
but it is included in the sale and remains in excellent condition.
Importantly, S/N 5555 retains its original, matching numbers
engine, which is mated to a four-speed manual gearbox with
overdrive as equipped by the factory. The engine appears
appropriately detailed considering this is a mostly unmolested and
highly original example. The factory exhaust manifold shields
remain in place, as does much of the correct yellow and brown fuel
and oil hose. A trio of proper Weber 40 DCZ 6 carburetors is in
good order, topped with the original air cleaner housing. Refined,
sophisticated and a marvelous high-speed cruiser, the 330 GT 2+2
was one of the best GT cars if the era, standing as one of the
finest of its kind against vehicles like the Aston Martin DB5/6 and
Maserati Mexico. This charming example has been well maintained,
with a warm patina. The desirable matching-numbers drivetrain and
inviting character make it a fabulous choice for Ferrari Club
driving events, rallies, and tours.