Fantasy Junction

Description

1966 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Series II (Auction in progress, ending Monday 10/10/22)
s/n 9161 engine no. 9161
Azzuro with Black Leather and Blue Carpets

Having benefited from the earlier development of the first iteration 330 GT in 1964, the Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Series II represents one of the most balanced combinations of performance and refined GT design. With improvements on the earlier quad-headlight iteration, the Series II offered the elegant Pininfarina body featuring the more refined dual headlight configuration. Smartly configured with space for small rear passengers, the Columbo 4.0 liter V12 powered 330 GT 2+2 offered an impressive 296-horsepower, featuring triple Weber carbs, and a new five-speed manual transaxle. Although Ferrari was beginning to make sizable inroads into North American markets, sales for the Series II, while significant for the time, remained at a mere 460 units from 1965-1967.

Motoring press praised the handling and features of the Series II including accolades for the Girling ventilated disc brakes at all four corners, independent front and rear suspension, and the delightful 5-speed rear mounted transaxle. This balance of power and performance was further coupled with elegant leather seating, comfortable driving position, power assist features, and the added prestige of the growing Italian performance leader, Ferrari. Praise was well-deserved as the Series II 330 2+2 delivered exceptionally good road holding, fantastic acceleration, and reliable road use, even when summoned for ritualistic daily driving. Rare today, as many examples have often donated their desirable drivetrain to replicas or other cars of more prominent value, the 330 GT 2+2 has become favored by top-tier collectors who enjoy using their cars in events and premier concours shows, with the added benefit of extra room for rear passengers and space for more than a weekend’s worth of luggage.

This beautifully preserved matching-numbers 330 GT 2+2 presents with a copiously-documented history supported by numerous service records dating back to 1970, records including delivery from new, a period photo showing the car awaiting transport at the shipping dock, shipment paperwork from Italy, several binders of service records, and a Marcel Massini report. According to the Massini report and copies of original delivery documentation, chassis number 9161 was completed September 1966 and sold new through Luigi Chinetti Motors, NY. Originally finished in Azzurro Metallizzato over Nero Franzi interior, the car was delivered with power windows, power steering, air conditioning, and, due to the height of the first owner, extended driver’s seat rails were also factory installed.

The first owner J. W. Brougher, was President of Cameron Iron Works, Houston, TX, still a leading oil service supply company in business today. While visiting Italy in 1966, Brougher visited the Ferrari factory and fell in love with a beautiful Azzurro Blue Ferrari as it moved through the factory construction line in preparation for delivery. He immediately placed his order adding convenience options including power steering, air conditioning, power windows, and extended seat rails to accommodate his long legs. Brougher took delivery in Modena, Italy, test drove the car, and arranged for air freight delivery aboard KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flying from Rome to New York. Upon arrival at JFK airport, Brougher picked up the car and drove to Houston, Texas, enjoying the nearly 2,000-mile journey without incident. In February 1967, following a letter sent to Ferrari, the engine was removed in Houston and air freighted back to Modena to undergo a warranty service. A return correspondence from Ferrari dated March 22, 1967, states “tuned engine, replaced clutch, and returning engine”. Both letters are among the original documents still accompanying the car today. Brougher would continue his ownership for 28 years, eventually selling 9161 in 1994 to the second owner. At the time of sale, the odometer indicated 33,545 original miles. Service invoices accompanying the car contain mileage statements consistent with accumulated original miles during first ownership from early 1970-1994.

The second owner, Christopher A. Kanterjiev, Palo Alto, CA purchased 9161 in May 1994. Records on file show preparation from a Houston-based specialty shop so that Kanterjiev could drive the Ferrari from Houston to his home in Palo Alto. Just as the first owner had found in his drive, the second owner arrived, once again, without incident. In 1995, while driving, the car was sideswiped by a Volvo passing the opposite direction, causing damage to the driver’s front fender. After the incident, the car was repaired to a very high level by Automotive Enterprises, Belmont, CA. Kanterjliev would retain the car until 2008 including his participation in the 2005 Alpine 500 Rallye at Lake Tahoe. In 2008 the car was sold to the third owner, Scott Fisher, Tualatin, OR. At that time the odometer indicated 41,050 miles which were further documented in service records by Kanterjliev, also on file with the car. Fisher owned the car for five years, showing it at Concorso Italiano in 2010, but limited his driving use to just 1,600 miles before selling 9161 to the current consigning owner who purchased the car through a Houston, TX dealership. The current owner has maintained the car to a very high standard which has elevated the condition to a very high level. Under current ownership the car was extensively serviced by experts including June 2013 when the cam covers were removed and refinished with correct black crinkle finish including new gaskets, replaced hoses as needed, new spark plugs, new ignition wires, new rotor, new battery, new hood pad, rebuilt fuel pressure regulator and fuel pump, and repaired the driver’s seat leather and shift boot. Additional service that same year included a rebuilt radiator to correct core size, AC component repair, oil and filter change, new ignition switch, and new rubber overrider bumpers installed. In August 2019 a set of Borrani wire wheels were installed. Recent mechanical work performed by Patrick Ottis & Company includes rebuilding the radiator, sonic cleaning and adjusting the Weber carburetors, replacing all four sets of points in the distributors and tuning/adjusting the distributors on in-house machinery specifically designed for these ignition systems.

Today this exceptional Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 offers captivating visual presentation and excellent finishes. Retaining the original engine and the correct Series II 5-speed gearbox, this 330 GT 2+2 should be considered one of the most thoroughly documented 2+2 available in private hands. The metallic blue finish, repainted in 1995, shows excellent gloss and deep luster throughout the body surfaces. The metallic paint has been applied with the correct density of metal flake which is critical to the accuracy, color, and tone of these period metallic finishes. Although the paint finish was applied many years ago, the finish has aged very well and there are no significant paint blemishes to detract from the car’s captivating presence. The panel gaps are excellent with tight closures from the doors and trunk, with slight variance to the part line on the driver’s side of the hood. The chrome bumpers, headlight trim, various garnish molding, side mirror, and door handles are all in excellent condition. The beautifully finished aluminum grille, chrome grille surround, and prancing horse emblem are also in excellent condition. The glass and lighting display no evidence of delamination, crazing, or distracting marks. The correct size “Route Borrani” wire wheels, purchased new in 2019, are properly polished and virtually unmarked around the perimeter and rim edges, presenting with gleaming spokes, polished luster to the aluminum finish, correct brand decals, and stunning chrome-plated triple ear knock offs. All four wheels are outfitted with period correct Michelin XWX tires (2019), which deliver a factory correct stance to this beautiful 330 GT 2+2. The trunk houses a Campagnolo aluminum spare wheel and Michelin spare tire. Tucked under the rear bumper, a pair of correctly angled quad tip ANSA exhaust accurately represent the factory specifications while delightfully finishing the distinctively tailored rear profile unique to the 330 GT 2+2.

The interior offers the perfect blend of elegance and sporting excellence enhanced by the added rear seating. The finishes and materials exhibit superb original quality confirming the documented original 44,526 miles indicated today. Other than the driver’s seat bolster and padding having been carefully replaced, and a new shifter boot, the original black leather seating surfaces have gently relaxed over time, showing just the right amount of sheen to the leather, softened from years of careful use. The fit and finish on the inner door panels, center console, and top of the dashboard are very nicely preserved, contributing to a very cohesive interior, accented by warm wood tones on the dashboard and dark blue carpet which adds a nice spark of color to the black interior. The original steering wheel features the iconic yellow Ferrari emblem flanked by the spoked aluminum and wood rim steering wheel which has been warmed and hued by years of enjoyable driving. The gorgeous high contrast instruments are beautifully finished with excellent color and luster, completing the ideal and iconic picture of Italian Sportscar motoring. Throughout the interior, delightful emblems, trim, and detailing exemplify the excellence of this original example.

Under the hood, the original numbers matching engine and very nicely detailed engine compartment display correctly finished components and hardware unique to V12 front-engine Ferraris of the 1960s. The triple Weber carbureted engine is capped with the correct air cleaner and air intake, factory correct spin-nuts, correctly contoured hoses, proper fasteners, and correctly applied hardware. The engine area has been very nicely detailed including the tufted diamond silver hood insulation pad, wire wound yellow hoses, correctly plumbed lines, and original manufacturers plates and labels. The factory stamped engine is correctly stamped with the original single strike numbers which match the original chassis plate on the car.

The car starts easily and warms up to idle delivering a crisp V12 sound. Having benefited from work recently performed by Ferrari V12 expert Patrick Ottis, mechanical operations are in good order. Seated inside the roomy interior, it is easy to see how the GT 2+2 has endeared itself to many enthusiasts who enjoy driving their cars on vintage events. The combination of excellent visibility, comfortable seating position, ample interior room, and trunk space, make it ideal for these engaging worldwide events. The engine efficiently pulls through the benefit of the 5-speed gearbox which offers easy engagement, good synchros, and a comfortable clutch which takes up smoothly under acceleration. Girling disc braking is very good overall, coming down from higher speeds with strong pedal pressure. The responsive independent suspension. The underside of the car, though not detailed for show, is clean and dry, displaying finishes consistent with original cars of this era, correct components, factory style exhaust and correct mufflers, correct suspension, and correct Girling disc brakes.

This 330 GT 2+2 comes with the original four Campagnolo wheels, a spare set of four Borrani triple ear knock offs, a set of tools and tool roll, spare fan belts, tire jack, knock off mallet, and numerous binders containing the extensive history and documentation supporting the owners and service history of this rare Ferrari.

The Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 has always offered a unique balance of GT elegance, spacious interior, and V12 performance. These combined traits continue to engage collectors from all over the world seeking the very best and most original, numbers matching examples remaining. The fantastic 5-speed manual gearbox, nimble steering, and fully independent suspension, coupled with the wide V-12 torque band, deliver the ultimate driving experience for enthusiasts who wish to not only show their rare and important cars, but also drive them just as the very few and dedicated documented owners of this car have done since new.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608