Fantasy Junction

Description

1967 Ferrari 330 GT Series II
s/n 8591, engine no. 8591
Silver with Black Leather Interior

With barely two decades of production as a car builder, Ferrari was on the cusp of dramatically expanding their offerings in new markets; the most promising of which was North America. With the introduction of the Ferrari 330 GT 2+2, the new four-passenger design featured expansive glass, thin pillar construction, and two more inches of wheelbase (104.2”) than its 250 GTE predecessor. All this greatly contributed a more elegant and refined grand touring car, offering ample room for a family of four while still maintaining premier performance capabilities.

The long hood housed a robust 300 bhp SOHC Tipo 209 4.0 Liter Colombo V12 engine with three Weber carburetors, five-speed manual transmission (four-speed in the Series I), independent coil-spring front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs and shock absorbers, and four-wheel servo-assisted Dunlop disc brakes. The Tom Tjaarda design was clean and elegant with tailored rear fenders and a deceptively spacious trunk, perfect for more than weekend getaways. The rear seating capacity should have resulted in a taller roofline, but here again, Tjaarda cleverly arched the C pillars downward and back, past the trailing wheel opening edge, elongating the already sweeping profile. This not only visually reduced the height of the roof, the entire car appeared lower and lighter. The end result was a very handsome Gran Turismo with taut visual tailoring – an agile sportsman in a finely cut suit. Equipped with Koni adjustable shock absorbers and gradually refined tire technology, the improved handling was a welcome advance over the previous 250 GTE.

Earlier Series I cars were designed with quad headlights, in part to cater to the growing North American market. By 1965, the Series II had done away with this feature offering a new design, one that created a clean frontal presence, while still maintaining a commanding stance. During the three-year production run of Series II 330 GTs, just 455 cars were built before the model was currently replaced by the 365 GT 2+2 which began in 1967. Today Series II 330 GTs remain sought after for their purity of concept, elegant 2+2 grand touring features, and added technical advances including the superior 5-speed gearbox, more responsive hanging foot pedals, and air conditioning.
Today this attractive matching numbers Series II 330 GT exhibits a very composed, cohesive, and excellent appearance throughout. Having been originally imported in 1966 by Luigi Chinetti Motors, this originally delivered silver over black 330 GT sold to the first owner in California. The car was sold to the second owner in 1971 where it remained for more than four decades with the same owner and subsequent California owners, benefitting from dry climate storage and nominal use. In 1984 the car was repainted in the correct silver color and showed at the 1984, 1992, and 1994 Ferrari Concours in Monterey. In 2004, Ferrari expert Patrick Ottis serviced the car and in 2006 it was shown at Concorso Italiano in Monterey, CA.

For anyone who has specifically sought a 330 GT, the more often seen examples tend to be less refined in their fit and finish. Not so with this beautiful example. The excellent silver paint shows consistent gloss throughout, having been applied with the right scale and metal flake density, a subtle but important distinction that truly brings out the elegant Pininfarina body lines. Body panel fit is quite good overall, with the hood and trunk opening and shutting as expected, with a solid feel and particularly nice fit along the rear trunk edge. The doors, often typically seen sagging over time, are smooth and crisp on closure. The exterior chrome is very good overall with excellent reflections in the bumpers, and very good fit to the chrome trimmed taillights and exterior details. The script and emblems are also very nicely finished. The Borrani wire wheels, shod with recently installed contemporary Michelin MXV4 tires, display excellent polish to the alloy rims and beautifully plated triple ear knockoffs. The original series Carello headlights are in place with all lighting and lenses very nicely preserved including vivid red and amber lens colors. Glass and surrounding trim are in very good condition with only minor use marks evident on the windshield.

Inside the car, the black leather interior has been properly maintained with a very nice presentation combining original features and correct materials replaced in selected areas. The front seats have been redone with correct material and proper padding. The seats are comfortable and supple offering good support and smooth adjustments allowing for taller drivers. The rear seat is in excellent condition, very likely original to the car based on the finish and quality. The dashboard and instruments are beautifully preserved exhibiting excellent color, down to the smaller gauges, with crisp lettering and fine numeric indication on the larger gauges. The wood rimmed steering wheel is handsomely hued with a warm feel to the rim accented by polished aluminum hub and spokes and finished off with a bright yellow Ferrari logo and black prancing horse. The satin wood dashboard conveys a lightly hued appearance, one that could very well be original to the car along with the dash pad. The smartly contrasting red carpeting has been replaced with a correct type material and color, still in excellent condition and adding a sporting touch to the interior. The headliner, door panels, center console, and surrounding rear side panels are in excellent condition, once again appearing to be original to the car. The Blaupunkt radio, air conditioning vents, and various toggle switches also present with excellent and likely original finishes throughout. Overall the various trim, interior components, and details have been tended to with thoughtful considerations while preserving much of the originality, blending well-preserved finishes with properly replaced and correct materials. The trunk compartment remains in good overall condition and contains a Borrani spare wire wheel held in place with the correct single spinner tie down.

Under the hood, the original matching numbers 330 series V12 engine delivers an accurate visual impression including correct textured finishes on the cam covers, correct air cleaner and fasteners, proper hoses, lightly faded yellow-wire lines, and generally correct hardware, all reflective of a properly maintained car. While the engine compartment has not been recently prepared to show level, it’s clear that sometime ago it once surely was, as the engine exhibits a very tidy presentation including the various plumbing, optional air conditioning (offered originally with the Series II), and a correct diamond quilted hood insulation pad with proper cross bars.

Entering the car, one is surprisingly reminded of the ample space allowed particularly for taller drivers. Controls are easily reached, and visibility is excellent. The car starts easily and warms up to idle smoothly, delivering a snappy V12 sound through the correct ANSA exhaust. Once seated inside, it is easy to see how the 330 GT 2+2 has become a favorite Ferrari among enthusiasts who drive their cars in events. With the comfortable 2+2 seating, friends and family members can occupy the spacious rear seating while leisurely touring the countryside. The combination of excellent visibility, comfortable seating position, ample interior room and trunk space, make it ideal for such events.

Driving this 330, the performance is both smooth and responsive with crisp carburetion and notable power on tap. The gearbox is easily engaged with good synchros, while the clutch takes up smoothly. At cruising speeds, the factory type exhaust is quiet, and the engine revs are very comfortable given the 5-speed gearbox. Braking is quite good, easing down from highway speeds with excellent pedal pressure and responsive suspension. The underside of the car is clean and well-tended, showing no visual evidence of damage or compromise to the structure. The car comes with a set of original Neiman keys.

This matching numbers Ferrari 330 GT Series II 2+2 is a beautiful example with refined cosmetics, ready for immediate enjoyment. Offering an excellent combination of power, room for four, and elegance, the stunning Pininfarina coachwork makes the 330 GT among the finest in 1960s Gran Tourismo Ferraris available for a modest price. One of 455 produced, this rare and beautiful Series II Ferrari 330 GT is an outstanding blend of sophistication and performance, ready for the next fortunate owner to savor the experience of owning one of the best GT Ferraris of the 1960s.

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