1964 Ferrari

Produced between 1964 and 1967, the 330 GT was offered in two distinct versions, known as the Series I and Series II. It was built alongside the considerably more sporting 275 GTB and the exclusive 500 Superfast, occupying a different position within the range as a more relaxed and accommodating grand tourer.

Beneath the bodywork, the 330 GT utilised Ferrari’s Tipo 571 chassis, a development of the frame employed in the outgoing 250 GTE. Revisions included a 50mm increase in wheelbase and the adoption of adjustable Koni shock absorbers, contributing to improved ride quality and handling. Power came from the Tipo 209 Colombo V12, part of an engine family that had been at the heart of Ferrari’s road and competition cars since 1947. With a capacity of 3,967cc, the engine produced an impressive 300bhp at 6,600rpm. Performance was correspondingly strong, with a 0–60mph time of just 6.3 seconds and a maximum speed of approximately 150mph.

The Series I cars are particularly distinguished by their elegant Pininfarina-designed bodywork, most notably the distinctive front-end treatment with twin headlights housed within chrome surrounds. It is a design that many consider among the most accomplished of Ferrari’s four-seat V12 models. Borrani wire wheels were fitted as standard, complementing the car’s understated proportions and traditional grand touring character.

The interior was appointed to a suitably luxurious standard. Leather front seats were separated by a substantial centre console incorporating the transmission tunnel, while the dashboard featured teak veneer and was complemented by a classic three-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel. Leather upholstery was fitted throughout, with the rear compartment providing individual bucket seats and a surprising amount of accommodation for passengers, together with the additional convenience of an ashtray.

The Series I 330 GT was first presented at Ferrari’s annual press conference in January 1964, before making its public debut at the Brussels Salon later that month. Production continued until the spring of 1965, by which time approximately 500 examples had been completed. Of these, just 43 were built in right-hand drive for the UK market. A number of those cars have subsequently been lost or dismantled for use as donor vehicles in replica projects, making surviving UK examples particularly scarce. Although the precise number remaining is unknown, it is understood to represent only a small proportion of the original production. Today, the Series I 330 GT remains an appealing and relatively accessible opportunity to own a traditional, front-engined Ferrari V12 from the 1960s.

The example offered here, chassis number 5759, is a left-hand-drive car originally supplied new to California. Completed in 1964, it was delivered to its first owner, Mr Dudley Bell of Piedmont, California, finished in its original factory colour of Avorio (ivory).

In 1967, Mr Bell sold the Ferrari to an unidentified family in Hillsborough, California, who retained the car for the following seven years. It was subsequently acquired by a mechanic named Tano Gambrielli, who undertook a comprehensive engine rebuild over a period of two years before selling the car on.

In March 1976, the newly restored 330 GT was purchased by Mr Mike Cotsworth for $5,000. During his relatively brief ownership, the car was repainted silver and entered into a number of Concours events, as well as the Virginia City Hillclimb in early 1977. In December of that year, ownership passed to John Yeamens, who retained the car for the next 12 years. During this period, a further engine rebuild was carried out to ensure the Ferrari remained in excellent mechanical condition.

The car’s sixth owner was Mrs Camille Taylor, who acquired it in 1989. By this time, its value had increased to approximately $130,000, and it was presented with newly rebuilt Borrani wire wheels, fresh paintwork, a new interior and the benefit of the aforementioned engine rebuild.

In late 1996, the Ferrari was purchased by John Elliot of North Hollywood, by which time it was finished in Argento with a Rosso leather interior. Mr Elliot oversaw a considerable programme of maintenance and improvement during his ownership, further enhancing the car’s condition. This work is documented through invoices contained within the accompanying history file, together with an invaluable mileage log that has remained with the car.

The current owner acquired chassis 5759 from DK Engineering in June 2012, at which point it was still finished in Argento with Rosso leather. Following its acquisition, the car was entrusted to DK Engineering for a repaint, undertaken under their supervision, returning it to its original factory colour of Avorio.

Over the past 14 years, the Ferrari has covered relatively little mileage. It has benefited from a comprehensive engine rebuild by DK Engineering, since which it has covered just 2,500 miles. Throughout the current ownership, servicing and maintenance have been entrusted to respected specialists including DK Engineering and GTO Engineering, with further work carried out by Sporting and Historic late last year.

Accompanying the car is a substantial history file, together with its tools, operating instructions manual and spare parts catalogue.

A particularly elegant example of Ferrari’s first-generation 330 GT 2+2, chassis 5759 combines its original factory colour, a well-documented ownership history and extensive specialist maintenance, including an engine rebuild by DK Engineering.

Available now for viewing and demonstration at Pendine’s showroom at Bicester Motion.