1967 Ferrari 330 GTC - UK/RHD

• This is among the finest GT cars of its generation; one that effortlessly marries performance and practicality with looks to die for
• Just 600 330 GTCs were built in total, with only 22 examples coming to the UK in right-hand drive
• 3967cc ‘Tipo 209/66’ chain-driven V12 engine with single overhead cams per bank gives 300bhp and genuine 150 mph capability
• Subject of a 20-year full restoration to an exceptional level, this matching numbers car presents and performs to a top-class level
• GTC 10547 is once again available for sale and represents an excellent opportunity to own one of the most appreciated 1960s V12 Ferraris

The 330 GTC Coupé was presented at the 1966 Geneva Salon, slotting in neatly between the 275 GTB and the 330 GT 2+2 within the line-up. Designed by Pininfarina’s Ido Bravarone, its elegant bodywork was reminiscent of the 500 Superfast at the front and the 275 GTS at the rear. Interestingly, the 330 GTC was unusual for a Ferrari of this time, in that it had a model badge on the boot lid, very few cars had any model identity, and those that did were normally ‘Speciales’. The 330 GTC was also notable for having slimmer, more graceful roof pillars, making for an airy cabin with excellent visibility, a design feature carried over to the later 365 GTC.

Beneath the skin, the 330 GTC utilises the renowned ‘Tipo 209/66’ V12 engine, producing a very useful 300bhp and 288lb ft of torque at 5000rpm. With a displacement of 3967cc, blocks, heads and crankcase were cast in alloy but with iron liners in the block and a seven-main-bearing crank honed from solid steel billet - this was a hugely exacting and labour-intensive method of construction. Chain-driven – naturally – with single overhead cams per bank, carburation was by three twin-choke Weber 40DFIs straddling the 60-degree vee, and the compression ratio was 8.8:1.

As with most Ferraris of the period, the 330 GTC’s design blended contemporary technology with time-honoured practices. Mounted, like the engine, on rubber bushes to reduce vibration, the five-speed transmission sat in-unit with the spiral-bevel final drive at the rear, with engine and transaxle joined by a torque tube. Suspension was by double wishbones, co-axial springs and KONI dampers all-round (with an anti-roll bar at either end), there were large disc brakes front and rear, and the steering was by worm-and-roller. The steel body was welded and bolted to the ladder/perimeter frame combo with a tendril-like multi-tubular structure giving supplementary support.

Performance was brisk, a top speed of 152 mph and 0-60mph time of 6.5sec, with independent tests recording standing quarter-mile times in the mid-14sec range. And the press loved it, with ‘Car & Driver’ reporting: ‘'The GTC is a tasteful blend of the mean-and-low look of Ferrari competition GT cars, with the elegance of super-luxury street Ferraris of the past. Detail work, finish, panel fit, every aspect is superlative."

Former works Ferrari driver Paul Frère, meanwhile, eulogised in Motor:"In handling, the 330 GTC is exactly like all the Ferraris I have driven before. It's as close to being neutral as one could want but the most impressive feature of the handling is the solidness with which it changes direction, particularly in S-bends, where it tracks with about the same precision as a modern race car." Coming from a former Le Mans winner, that was high praise. The Belgian ace went on to record two high-speed runs, with 146 mph being the quicker of the two, but noted that on both occasions there was still more to come when he was obliged to back off due to the inconsiderate appearance of other road users.

The 330 GTC remained in production until the end of 1968, with 600 examples built, and of these only 22 were built in RHD configuration for the UK-market.

The car presented here is 1 of those 22, chassis #GTC10547 is available for sale after a 20-year restoration, returned it to its former glory, perhaps better than it’s ever been. Its restoration has been overseen by our vendor, a skilled engineer and Italian car connoisseur of some 50-years standing. He has owned numerous prize-winning classic Ferraris over the years, some he has owned since the ‘60s and ‘70s. Only using artisan craftspeople to do any work on his cars, this 330 GTC is testament to his and their attention to detail. From the door cappings to the shut lines, the Borrani wheels, to the idle of the Colombo V12, everything must be just right!

Prior to buying the car, some 20 years ago, it had been known to our vendor for several years, residing at the time in Sheffield with an Italian gentleman who had started to restore it. With all its parts, importantly, still together, the car was bought, and a labour of love began. Established early on as a matching-numbers car, thousands of hours, and much expense, have gone into making this 330 GTC fit for any collection.

The Ferrari was repainted by renowned specialists 'Retford Autofinishers' in its original Blu Chiaro Metallica, whilst ‘GTB Restorations’ of Suffolk were entrusted with other work, all the chrome work was done by ‘Derby Plating’, considered one of the best-in-the-business (the most perfect-fitting window surrounds we have ever seen), whilst the trimming was done by a gentleman ‘you have to know, to know’, used by our vendor on several of his cars.

The wheels were sent back to Borrani through Longstone Tyres, and ‘R&D Developments’ of Manchester were entrusted with a top-end engine refresh, new valves, guides, and seals (all 24), new timing chain, water pump seals, and a new clutch and pressure plate, with the carburettor ultrasonically cleaned and overhauled. New glass (the rear windscreen is original) was sourced from Maranello, along with an all-new exhaust system, suspension components, the list goes on.

We welcome any inspection of this important car; rare, capable, right-hand drive and now exactingly restored.