1964 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 – Auction Car of the Week

They had us at 4.0-litre V12, we’re not going to lie. And then you look at that beautifully styled Pininfarina body and the part of your brain that responds to a gorgeous sunset or a particularly magnificent vista lights up like a Christmas tree, accompanied by a sharp intake of breath and an appreciative nod of the head. Yep, the Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 is the complete GT package: exquisite looks with the heart of a race car.

Successor to the equally wonderful 250 the 330 debuted in 1964 at the Brussels Motor Show and although similar to the 250 in terms of both design and purpose, this new model was slightly longer and featured various exterior updates including a set of rather divisive quad headlights. While the engine remained the same V12 ‘Columbo’ unit (named for its designer Gioacchino Colombo) as the previous model, displacement was increased to 3697cc but the power output remained similar at approximately 300bhp.

Originally only offered as a 2+2 and with a four-speed manual with overdrive, a five-speed gearbox was introduced a year later and the GTC Berlinetta coupé and convertible GTS spider were added to the line up in 1966. Known as Series II cars, the updated version of the 330 GT 2+2 ditched the quad headlights, reverting to a dual-light setup and came with swanky alloys and optional power steering and A/C. With a sub-seven second 0-60 time and a top speed of over 150mph the 330 certainly meant business and the sound of that 4.0-litre V12 at full chat is pure ecstasy. Oh, and in case you’re wondering (which we’re sure you are) the 330 nomenclature is derived from the volume of each cylinder: 330 X 12 = 3960cc. There is no replacement for displacement, as they say.

The car we have available, and star of this week’s Auction Car of the Week, is a 1964 Series I GT 2+2, and what a peach it is too. This is an original UK right-hand drive, unrestored example. Never stripped, never restored it’s a genuine low-mileage 330, but that’s not to say it hasn’t been cherished and maintained. It has been meticulously preserved and repaired when required over the course of its charmed life and presents exceptionally well today.

The original Blue Sera Metallic paintwork still looks good, 58 years after it rolled out of the paint booth in Maranello. Don’t get us wrong, it’s not a concours example but that’s part of what makes it such a charming proposition. It’s an honest and original car that has been driven, cherished and enjoyed and one that can continue in that vein. A recent bill of almost £5K for some localised body repairs is testament to the love and attention the car has enjoyed and continues to receive. It has been repaired and maintained without eroding that wonderful individuality and history.

Opening the perfectly formed doors reveals a wonderfully preserved interior with just the right amount of well-earned patina that the 330 wears with pride. The matching Nuvola Blue leather upholstery is free from any real wear, contrasting beautifully against the wooden dash and steering wheel and the whole cabin is typical ’60s Italian refinement, inviting you in with the promise of epic road trips accompanied by sonorous V12 loveliness.

Mechanically sound and with an advisory-free MOT certificate the car has recently been serviced and benefits from a full front suspension rebuild using genuine Ferrari parts as well as a brake upgrade courtesy of Coopercraft, providing improved stopping power and braking efficiency. The original brake parts will be supplied with the car, however, should you be concerned about originality.

The 1960s was an exciting time for Ferrari in which it produced some of its most revered models and the 330 GT 2+2 is no exception. It remains a truly handsome and powerful GT car but without the extortionate price tag of the likes of the 250 or 275 GTs. That’s not to say it isn’t special, though. With only around 330 ever made, 40 of which were RHD, this 330 GT 2+2 is about as special as they come and one that you shouldn’t be too scared to drive and enjoy.