Description
This car is Lot 151 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at The Goodwood Auction on Saturday September 13th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Friday September 12 from 09:00 until 17:00, Saturday September 13 from 09:00 at The Goodwood Revival.
Lot 151
1968 Ferrari 330 GTC Berlinetta
Registration no. not UK registered
Chassis no. 10833
Iconic V12-engined Gran Turismo with sublime Pininfarina styling
Delivered new to Italy, remaining in the USA for many years
Left-hand drive
Original engine
Formerly part of the Petitjean Collection
"At the top - at the absolute top - in the automotive enthusiasts' hierarchy of the cars of the world, there is only one. Ferrari. Is there really any question?" Fifty-plus years after Car & Driver magazine voiced that rhetorical enquiry the answer, of course, remains the same. And the car that prompted that eulogy? The Ferrari 330 GTC.
Intended to fill a gap in Ferrari's line-up between the four-seat 330 GT 2+2 and the racer-on-the-road 275 GTB, the two-seat 330 GTC debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1966 and was essentially a closed version of the 275 GTS. Pininfarina's understated coachwork combined elements of the latter at the rear with touches of the 500 Superfast at the front. Few would disagree with Car & Driver's opinion that the result was most agreeable. "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."
Beneath the 330 GTC's bonnet resided the 4. 0-litre, 300bhp version of Ferrari's familiar, two-cam, 60-degree V12, as used in the 330 GT 2+2. Broadly similar to that of the concurrently produced 275 GTB, the short (2, 400mm wheelbase) chassis followed Ferrari's established practice of tying together sturdy oval-section main tubes in a steel spaceframe, while the suspension was independent all round by wishbones and coil springs. First introduced on a road-going Ferrari (the 275 GTB) in 1964, the rear suspension incorporated the five-speed gearbox in a transaxle, an arrangement that created a better-balanced car and one that gave its driver, 'the wonderful sense of knowing just exactly what's going on between one's posterior and the pavé.' The adoption of smart new alloy wheels, replacing the traditional wire-spoked Borranis, marked the start of a trend in Ferrari road cars.
Much development work had concentrated on the reduction of noise levels in the cabin, which with its slim pillars and generous glass area, afforded the occupants excellent visibility and a sense of spaciousness. Needless to say, the 330 GTC was luxuriously equipped in the best Gran Turismo manner: leather seats, electric windows and heated rear screen were standard; radio, air conditioning and Borrani wire wheels the options. With a top speed in excess of 150mph, excellent ride comfort and sure-footed handling, Ferrari could justifiably claim the 330 GTC to be the finest of high-speed conveyances for two people and their luggage. Total production of the 330 GTC amounted to some 600 cars between 1966 and 1968.
This left-hand drive Ferrari 330 GTC, chassis number 10833, was delivered to an official Ferrari dealer in Rome on 14th February 1968 and sold new to De Lieto Costruzioni Generali, a Roman real estate contractor. Originally finished in Argento Metallizzato with Rosso Connolly hide interior trim. In March 1971 the Ferrari was sold by De Lieto to second owner Francesco Giaquinto of Naples, Italy, and only two months later was sold on to the third owner, Sergio De Matteis in Rome.
In the mid-1970s the car was exported to the USA where it was repainted red. In April 1979, 10833 was advertised for sale by Michael Severovich of Texas, described as 'red with black interior, new acrylic lacquer, redone interior, rebuilt engine with 3, 500 miles on it'. The accompanying Massini Report lists the Ferrari's subsequent changes of ownership, exterior colour, and rebuild history in the USA, including a repaint in black and new Borrani wire wheels circa 1982.
Now metallic grey in colour, the car was sold in 1987 to collector Edmond Perry in Belgium, manufacturer of APAL buggies (Application Polyester Armé Liège). Later in 1987 Perry sold the Ferrari to Marcel Petitjean of First Automobiles of Vendenheim, France. In March 1990 the car was repainted in yellow by Günther Ruder GmbH of Eigersweier, Germany.
In February 2022 10833 was offered from the Petitjean Collection at a Paris auction, having been on static display for many years, and sold to the next owner. At that time it was noted that the steering wheel and transmission had been replaced and that the car retained its original engine. Under its current ownership, the car has been beautifully repainted in Dark Red Metallic and has undergone mild mechanical recommissioning to ensure it is running and drivable. It now offers an excellent platform for further light restoration or a full recommissioning. Chassis 10833 has not yet been UK registered and taxes have not been paid.
Delivering a supreme level of comfort together with Ferrari and Pininfarina's unsurpassed style, this highly desirable, limited production Gran Turismo is sure to delight the fortunate next owner.
Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
