Vehicle Description
The introduction of the handsome and understated four-seat 250 GTE
marked a significant milestone in Ferrari history. Not only was it
one of Maranello's first commercially successful vehicless, but it
also marked Ferrari's transition from boutique manufacturer to
full-fledged road car builder. Prior to the GTE, most of Ferrari's
road cars were thinly disguised racing cars, built primarily to
fund the competition department. The GTE proved there was
sufficient demand for a luxurious, refined Grand Touring Ferrari
with room for four. Over 950 examples of the 250 GTE were built
between 1960 and 1963, setting the stage for a line of 2+2 Gran
Turismo that continued virtually unbroken through today. Building
on the momentum of the GTE, Ferrari's road car range expanded and
was refined into the mid-1960s. The 250-series was gradually phased
out, replaced by the larger capacity 275 and 330 series. In January
of 1964, the GTE's official replacement was unveiled at the
Brussels show. The all-new 4-liter 330 GT 2+2 featured elegant and
modern styling penned by the American-born designer Tom Tjaarda,
working for Pininfarina. 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, to some fans, sacrificed a bit
of the Series One's distinctive flair. S/N 5755 is a
well-preserved, numbers-matching Series I 330 offered publically
for the first time in fifty years. The most recent owner discovered
this car around1970, parked outside a local Saint Louis Garage. The
family that owned both the Ferrari and the garage were successful
late-model stock car competitors who bought the Ferrari to use as
their everyday driver. Unfortunately for them, their mother wasn't
fond of the 330 GT and thought it was too fast for a street car,
and forced the boys to sell it! The bumpers had been removed and
set in the trunk, but otherwise the car was complete and looked to
be in good order. A deal was made, and the new owner drove it home.
He used the car regularly for years, and in the late 1970s
performed a cosmetic restoration, refinishing it in its current
shade of red from the original blue. After five decades in the same
owner's care, 5755 remains in very good condition, with an
appealing patina to the paint and interior. The Pininfarina body is
respectably straight and crisp, with well-defined feature lines and
attractive original brightwork. Details like the Borrani wire
wheels and yellow-bulb Cibie fog lamps enhance its purposeful,
road-ready appeal. The cabin is trimmed in black leather, which is
mostly original and wonderfully broken-in. The rear parcel shelf
and rear seatbacks have been recovered, though the work blends in
nicely with the original leather. Carpets and the original pleated
headliner are in good order and a period-correct Blaupunkt radio
sits in the center console. The interior is refreshingly honest and
would certainly be a wonderful place to spend hours behind the
wheel. Importantly, 5755 retains its original, numbers-matching V12
engine, paired with a correct 4-speed manual gearbox. The engine
bay is orderly and reflects this car's unmolested character, with
proper details like yellow fuel line and black wrinkle-finish cam
covers. It runs and drives well, though some additional sorting is
recommended due to an extended period of storage. Like nearly every
front-engine, V12, Enzo-era Ferrari, the 330 2+2 has enjoyed
renewed interest from serious collectors. While this car could form
the basis of a straightforward renovation, it is entirely suited to
be enjoyed essentially as-is, where the honest patina and broken-in
charm will undoubtedly encourage enthusiastic use on your favorite
country lanes. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7094-1966-ferrari-330-gt-22-coupe/
