FERRARI 330 GTC 1966 Lot n° 21

2-seater coupe bodywork Front engine, 12 cylinders in V Displacement 3,967 cm3 Power 300 hp Top speed 242 km/h Mileage 23,000 km Chassis number 9013 (50th produced) At the beginning of the 1960s, the Ferrari range abandoned the scattered nature of its early days - not so long ago, since the brand was only a dozen years old - and was gradually organized and rationalized into four models, a sporty sedan, a 2+2, a luxurious large-displacement car (often intended for the American market) and a grand touring coupé (usually with a cabriolet version derived from it) to which are added, of course, models reserved exclusively for competition, manufactured individually. Since 1957, all road models have been exclusively designed by Pininfarina. It was in this context that the 330 GTC coupe was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1966. It combined the short (2.40 m) chassis of the 275 GTB sports sedan of the time - with its independent rear axle and transaxle gearbox - with the 4-litre engine of the contemporary 2+2 coupé, the 330 GT 2+2. Of course, like all Ferraris of the time, it is a 60° V-twin with a single overhead camshaft, mounted longitudinally at the front. In this case, the famous V12 engine designed by Gioacchino Colombo in the aftermath of the Second World War, which was to earn its spurs in competition, notably with the Ferrari 250 GT line. With a total cylinder capacity of 3,967 cm³ (77 x 71 mm), the version fitted to the 330 GTC develops 300 bhp at 6,600 rpm and is associated with a four-speed gearbox that allows it to reach 245 km/h. The steel bodywork, obviously designed by Pininfarina, is based on a tubular chassis. It features the classic front end of the luxurious and elitist 500 Superfast with a small oval grille framed by two half bumpers and the tapered rear end of the 275 GTS convertible. This suggests that its lines are due to Aldo Brovarone who had joined Pininfarina in 1953, after his stint at Cisitalia, and who would be best known for his work on the mid-engined 206/246 Dino in the mid-1960s. His design of the 330 GT is very sober, but particularly elegant, with a slight crease running from the front indicators over the front and rear wheel arches to the rear lights. The underbody is topped by a light, bright roof with slim pillars. The 330 GTC remained in production unchanged until 1968, when 604 cars were built (with chassis ranging from 8,200 to 11,600). It was logically replaced at the Paris Motor Show in October 1968 by the 365 GTC version, equipped with the 320 hp 4,390 cm³ V12 of the new 2+2 unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 1967, the 365 GT 2+2. The 365 GTC retained the bodywork of the 330 GTC with a few minor changes, such as the abandonment of the front fender vents and the introduction of two hood vents in front of the windshield. Nicely balanced, well cambered on its 14-inch wheels flush with the body, the 330/365 GTC will take a long time to be recognized by Ferrari collectors and will be for a long time one of the unloved models of Maranello, next to the 2+2 models, far behind the berlinettes and the sportier models. Its rarity (more than 800 units of the contemporary 275 GTB were produced), its more refined finish than that of the sedans, its relative comfort and its timeless classic beauty, finally recognized, have increased its value over the last few years among informed connoisseurs. A sure value that will get even better with time. This Ferrari 330 GTC, chassis no. 9013, is the 50th produced and was exhibited at the Paris Salon in October 1966. It was the first one imported in France and it was used to register the model with the "Service des Mines" (certificate in the file). It was acquired by its current owner on 19 June 1989. The bodywork and paintwork are in excellent condition, as is the black leather interior. The engine was completely rebuilt in 2002 and the car has only covered 23,000 kilometres since then. The transmission was rebuilt in November 2010 and the locking system was adjusted in January 2019. It is fitted with Michelin XWX Col - lection 205 VR 14 tyres with inner tubes, which are the original fitment. It is equipped with reversible power steering (reversible assembly), air conditioning (optional at origin). It has been regularly serviced at Noël Racing in Aix-en-Provence since 2002. This magnificent example of one of the most elegant Ferraris deserves special attention, due to its clear history and the quality of its presentation.