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 has been enjoyed and maintained by a
series of passionate owners. 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 fully disassembled for
restoration. Early in the car's life, it was paintedargento
metallizzato whichshows 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.