To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Arizona event, 17 - 18
January 2019.
Estimate:
$600,000 - $800,000
- Ferrari Classiche certified
- Stunning Junior Conway paintwork and Tony Nancy interior
- The first-ever 330 GTC invited to the Pebble Beach Concours
d'Elegance
- Two-time Platinum Award winner
- Complete with tools, books, and restoration records
Filling a gap in Ferrari's line-up between the four-seat 330 GT 2+2
and the high-performance 275 GTB, the two-seat 330 GTC was revealed
at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1966. It was essentially a coupe
version of the 275 GTS. Pininfarina's elegant coachwork combined
elements of the latter at the rear, with the 500 Superfast
influencing at the front. It would be hard to argue with Car &
Driver's assessment that "the GTC is a tasteful blend of the
mean-and-low look of Ferrari competition GT cars, with the elegance
of super-luxury street Ferraris of the past. Detail work, finish,
panel fit - every aspect is superlative."
Under the 330 GTC's hood is the 4.0-liter, 300-bhp version of
Ferrari's famous twin-cam, 60-degree V-12, as used in the 330 GT
2+2. Broadly similar to that of the concurrently produced 275 GTB,
the short (2,400-mm wheelbase) chassis followed Ferrari's
established practice of tying together sturdy oval-section main
tubes in a steel space-frame, while the suspension was independent
all round by wishbones and coil springs. First introduced on a
road-going Ferrari (the 275 GTB) in 1964, the rear suspension
incorporated the five-speed gearbox in a transaxle, an arrangement
that created a better-balanced car and one that gave its driver
"the wonderful sense of knowing just exactly what's going on
between one's posterior and the pavement."
Ferrari devoted a generous amount of development work that
concentrated on interior noise reduction, which with its slim
pillars and large glass area, grants the occupants excellent
visibility and a sense of spaciousness. The 330 GTC was luxuriously
equipped in the finest Gran Turismo style, with leather seats,
electric windows, and heated rear glass as standard (radio and
Borrani wire wheels were optional). With a top speed in excess of
150 mph, superior ride comfort, and sure-footed handling, Ferrari
could justifiably claim the 330 GTC to be the finest of high-speed
touring machines available for two people and their luggage.
Originally delivered new to Luigi Chinetti Motors of Greenwich,
Connecticut, this 330 GTC was first sold to well-known Ferrari
customer John Messore of Miami, Florida. The car remained in
Florida until the mid-1980s before making its way to San Francisco,
California, where it would eventually be exhibited at shows. This
330 GTC became the first production Ferrari to be invited to the
prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 1998, a testament
to the high quality and authenticity of this car.
Junior Conway of Junior's House of Colors painted this striking Fly
Yellow Ferrari in 2005 and, as is typical of his renowned
perfectionism, the quality of paintwork is exceptional. The
bodywork is excellent and the chrome, rubber, and glass are all
highly presentable. Renowned automobile upholsterer Tony Nancy
expertly trimmed the interior and, to this day, it continues to
look amazing. Fitted with the classic AM/FM radio, leather bucket
seats, and wood-rimmed steering wheel, the interior embodies the
elegance of a 1960s Gran Turismo.
The beauty of this 330 GTC is more than just skin deep. The
exacting mechanical restoration is a testament to the work of
Norbert Hofer's Gran Touring Classics of Los Angeles, and upon
inspection, it is clear that the engine bay and undercarriage are
all prepared to the highest standards of authenticity and finish.
The engine bay features the correct crackle-finish texture, copper
tubing, hoses, and clamps. It is tidy, correct overall in
appearance, and shows little use. Even the stance is perfect as it
is fitted with the optional Borrani wire wheels and correct XWX
tires. At the time of its restoration, the car had covered
approximately 60,000 miles and was said to be in excellent
condition.
The authentic restoration has earned this 330 GTC a bevy of 1st
place prize awards at such venues as Santa Barbara, Beverly Hills,
Newport Beach, Torry Pines, and Concorso Italiano. It has also
received two Platinum Awards, one each in Monterey and the 2005
Cavallino Classic in Palm Beach. It has been properly maintained
and driven sparingly in recent years, maintaining a high level of
quality of appearance and drivability. A head-turning, exciting
color scheme matched with an impressive provenance and quality
restoration and care make this Ferrari exceptional among
others.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az19.
