Fantasy Junction

Description

1967 Ferrari 330 GTC
s/n 9163, engine no. 9163
Silver with Red Leather Interior

The Ferrari 330 GTC debuted to high acclaim at the 1966 Geneva Auto Show. With the mid 60s experiencing a turning point in body design, the 330 GTC was lauded for its combination of sensuous, lithe body lines and nimble driving characteristics, both of which were well ahead of contemporary sports cars of the period. The engine was part of the ongoing development of the venerable Colombo V12, now displacing 4.0 liters, and generating 300hp. A torque tube connected the engine to the rear-mounted transaxle, optimizing weight distribution, while Girling disc-brakes all round, independent front and rear suspension, and a 5-speed gearbox further validated the pedigree of this machine. The result was an exceptionally fine performance car which was surprisingly reliable even in daily traffic.

The elegant but understated body design, influenced heavily by the 400 Superamerica, boasted comfort amenities such as air conditioning and electric windows, Becker or Blaupunkt radios, and wire wheels. Only 598 330 GTCs were constructed between 1966 and 1968, concurrent with the exciting but aging 275 GTB. Like the svelte 250 GT Lusso, the 330 GTC was designed with very thin A and B pillars, giving the cabin an open feel, coupled with remarkable outward visibility from all angles, and spacious seating for taller drivers. Widely regarded to be one of the best driving and most usable classic Ferraris, the 330 GTC continues to be highly sought after by top collectors. Many large collections of important Ferraris include the GTC, not surprisingly finding the 330 to be the one most frequently in use for vintage driving events or casual tours.

This Ferrari 330 GTC was assigned assembly sequence number 85, body number C0093, and was outfitted with air conditioning, which still blows cold today, and power windows, finished in silver with red leather interior. Destined for import to the US via Luigi Chinetti Motors, Greenwich, CT, records indicate that Chinetti reimbursed himself for the purchase of the car, insurance, freight, and duty totaling $9,255.90 on March 7, 1967. Records further indicate that parts were ordered for chassis #9163 from Modena Sports Car Service, New York, NY in June 1968. By that time, it appears the car was owned by a wine distributor in San Francisco, CA, who is believed to have been the first owner, retaining the car until 1969. The car remained in Northern California throughout the 70s and 80s, attending the 1994 Concorso Italiano and subsequently being offered for sale at Ferrari of Los Gatos in 1997. At that time, the car was reported to have 63,000 miles, offered again in 1998 with original California black license plates. At that time, the car was reported to have accumulated 67,000 miles.

In 1998, Roger Groves, Monarch Beach, CA purchased the car. Shortly after his purchase, Groves placed ads in publications seeking parts for the car, subsequently refreshing it to a high enough level resulting in a Platinum award at the 2001 Concorso Italiano, Groves also participated in the Copperstate Classic that same year. In 2003 Ferrari of Orange County offered the car for sale, presenting it as a “Platinum car with full records and tools.” In 2005, the car found its way back to Northern California, CA, purchased by the fifth owner of record for the car. During his ownership, the car was featured in a 2008 Forza magazine article. The owner at that time refined the car over his period of ownership before selling it to the current and consigning owner in 2009.

Under current ownership 9163 has participated in the 2009 and 2011 Hillsborough Concours, 2009, 2011, 2015 Concorso Italiano, in 2012 was featured on the Concorso Italiano Catalog cover, and most recently, participated in the 2019 Concorso Italiano and the 2019 and 2021 Ferrari Club Delta Dash. Between 2013 and 2014 the 4 liter V12 engine and running gear were rebuilt by expert Raffi Najarian at The Pit Stop, Brisbane, CA. During the rebuild, the engine was removed, and completely disassembled. New cylinder sleeves were installed along with new pistons, bearings, and rings, new valves, valve guides, and springs, new fuel pump, and timing chain. The camshafts and crankshaft were reground, the water pump and oil pump rebuilt, the distributor overhauled, and all three of the Weber 40 DCZ/6 carburetors rebuilt. The engine was reassembled, timing reset, and tested for operation. While the engine was out of the car, the engine compartment was freshened, and various engine components were painted and polished consistent with original standards when new. Concurrent with the engine work, the front suspension was removed and rebuilt with new suspension bushings and shock absorbers. The brakes were rebuilt, including the brake booster, and a new clutch was installed. Fitted with air conditioning from the factory, the AC unit was serviced and recharged, the radiator was cleaned and treated, and the steering box was rebuilt. Service of this magnitude was a costly undertaking, but the mechanical results have proven to be worth the effort with recent compression/leakdown numbers indicating excellent figures across all twelve cylinders as well as an air conditioning system that supplies refreshing cool air to fortunate cabin occupants.

Today, showing 97,000 miles, this Ferrari GTC presents as a quality sports car with welcoming finishes that encourage driving. Having benefited from recent mechanical freshening combined with refreshed cosmetics, the overall visual impression combines the originality and proper care this long-term California GTC has enjoyed without the need for a complete restoration. The paint is glossy throughout, finished with correct scale metallic flake with consistent coverage. Overall the exterior finish is certainly appropriate for local shows and enjoyable tours. The chrome is in very good condition, as are the various chrome window trims and glass. Much of the weatherstripping has been replaced and the doors, hood, and trunk all open, and shut confidently, with good to very good overall panel gaps. The cast alloy wheels are in excellent condition as are the chrome knock offs. All four wheels are fitted with correctly sized Michelin XWX tires, with ample tread remaining. The lights, lenses, and emblems are in very good to excellent condition with excellent finish, many of which appear original to the car including the Pininfarina bar script, which exhibits light aging to the edges. The overall exterior presentation is both handsome and appropriate for spirited driving particularly for those seeking a car that can be driven in tours and events.

The interior is a very well-balanced combination of original finishes and reupholstered components. The dashboard, center console, headliner and surrounding inner roof panels are in very good condition. The instruments are in excellent condition with solid numbers and dark dial faces, matching overall with the quality of the interior including the condition of the wood which is quite nice and appears to be original to the car. The steering wheel is in excellent condition as well. Because the front seats are in such good condition it is believed that the leather has been redone under previous ownership. The quality of the seats is quite nice with excellent seat pleating done to original specifications, good foam, and proper piping construction. The door panels are in excellent condition as is the carpet which appears to have been more recently replaced. The car retains an AM/FM Becker Europa radio, which is in very nice visual condition. Both driver and passenger door sills are in excellent condition. The trunk compartment has been tastefully carpeted with very nicely trimmed floor and side panels. Under the floor, the spare tire well houses a full-sized spare wheel with a matching XWX spare tire.

Under the hood, the engine and engine compartment are complete, accurately represented, and very good to excellent condition overall. The engine and engine components have been restored with correct finishes, including the correct air cleaner and accessories, correct type hoses, and proper hardware. The engine area is tidy and clean and shows a high level of finish, which appears to have been properly and regularly detailed since the engine rebuild in 2014. Here too, the recent refinements and rebuild come together harmoniously with reverence to the factory quality delivered when new. The underside of the car is clean and dry, further supporting the long-term California ownership. Correct components, proper exhaust, correct suspension, and brakes further support the history and recent services performed. The floor structure and frame members show no visual evidence of structural compromise. The inner front wheel openings show some unevenness along the inside metal wheel lips, likely due to poor tire fit under previous ownership. The exhaust, suspension, and other components show finishes representative of recent replacement or refinishing, while the frame and underside surfaces exhibit patina consistent with the age of the car.

Mechanically the car has had a lot of good work performed. It starts promptly, warming up on choke, then slowly coming down to a smooth idle. The exhaust note is perfectly balanced delivering superb sounds both at idle and while at speed. Throttle operation is crisp and responsive. The clutch and brakes operate as expected with the gearbox delivering smooth shifts and easy engagement in each gear, with good synchros warm or cold. Even the often-fussy 2nd gear synchro (a common issue with these cars) is very smooth even when cold. Driving is composed and balanced, and while the steering box was rebuilt, it could benefit from some adjustment. The car pulls smoothly to high rpm without smoke or hesitation, showing excellent oil pressure and correct running temperatures. Performance overall is very much in keeping with figures and reflections reported by period reviews, further validated by the ongoing appreciation from decades of GTC owners.

This GTC comes with a set of five very nice 14x7L Borrani wire wheels, an original owner’s handbook and two original Ferrari GTC publication booklets, an original tool roll containing most of the hand tools, a modern hammer, scissor jack, a fire extinguisher, and light bulb/fuse case.

The Ferrari 330 GTC has always offered the best balance between elegant, understated styling and state-of-the-art performance, while delivering refined GT manners. The light clutch and nimble steering, coupled with the wide torque band provided by the 4-liter V-12 consistently offers memorable driving experiences for enthusiasts who wish to not only show their cars, but also drive them. Having never required restoration, this California delivery GTC has benefited from regular care and service since new. This engaging 330 GTC will continue to offer a genuine Ferrari experience for any enthusiast who wishes to explore enjoyable roadways, exhibit at concours fields, or participate in vintage motoring events.

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