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Regarded by the more discerning Ferrari collectors as striking perhaps the best balance between elegant luxury and race-bred componentry, the 330 GTC and its GTS sibling have a particularly enviable reputation. Ever since Ferrari discontinued production of the gorgeous 250 Berlinetta Lusso back in 1964, the firm had been without an intermediate model, one that occupied the gap between Ferrari's flagship Berlinetta's (the 275 GTB) and their grand four-seater Coupe's (the 330 GT). Admirably filling this niche, the GTC continues to carve itself an increasingly enthusiastic following. These cars fall into two categories, the 4-litre 330's and 4.4-litre 365's. both of which were available in two alternative body styles - Coupe (GTC) or Spyder (GTS). A handful of bespoke examples were also constructed and these cars are also covered.

Riding a traditional tubular steel chassis, the 330 GTC frame was designated Tipo 592. These chassis’s were outwardly very similar to those already used on Ferrari's 275 GTB and made use of the various improvements added during the 275's two years in production. The wheelbase remained at 2400mm, providing plenty of cabin space for just two occupants. Hydraulic disc brakes were fitted all-round along with fully independent suspension. Borrani's beautiful ten-hole cast alloy wheels were standard although spoked wheels from the same manufacturer were optionally available. Engine-wise the GTC used Ferrari's twin cam four-litre Tipo 209/66 60° V12, this having also been found in the Series II 330 GT. Providing the new model with masses of refined gusto, displacement was 3967cc thanks to a bore and stroke of 77 x 71mm. Producing 300bhp at 7000rpm with compression set at 8.8:1 and three twin choke Weber 40 DCZ 6 or DFI 2 carburettors, there was also a five-speed gearbox. Performance was impressive for such a well-mannered automobile, 0-60 requiring under 6.5 seconds whilst top speed was in excess of 150mph. By 1966, the almost exclusive relationship between Ferrari and Pininfarina, the latter as producer of road car bodywork and interiors, had been established for approaching ten years.

The 330 GTC's bodywork was immediately identifiable as the work of the world famous Turinese carrozzeria who directly reproduced a cocktail of features already seen on earlier designs. For example, the delicate nose featured set back headlights with a shallow egg crate grille, the front end clearly having been derived from the glorious 500 Superfast. Likewise, the lovely 275 GTS donated a number of details to the 330 GTC, the front wing mounted triple engine ventilation lourves, the lightly creased rear wings and the entire tail having been the most notable.

However, the elegant cabin was totally new and thanks to its slim pillars offset by a large glass area, gave excellent visibility. Despite its mix of old and new features, the 330 GTC was quite simply among the best-looking GT's of its era. With a laid back style, it was never as confrontational as some of Ferrari's jaw-dropping berlinetta's - this was a car for the customer who neither desired nor required an attention-grabbing machine. Pininfarina fabricated the bodywork primarily from steel although the opening panels were in aluminium. Like the exterior, the cabin had no hint of over-opulence, just the restrained luxury and top quality appointments buyers would have come to expect. Electric windows were fiited as standard along with a full leather interior and comfortably padded rather than figure hugging bucket seats. Quintessential period details included a teak veneered facia, flip-up Pininfarina ashtray and wood rimmed, triple aluminium spoked steering wheel with embossed Cavallino Rampante. Black vinyl covered the dash top and the whole cabin was a very pleasant place to be, especially with the optional air conditioning fitted. Launched during March 1966 at the Geneva Salon, the 330 GTC was an immediate success with customers and road testers alike.

A number of minor revisions were made during production, primarily to trim and engine internals. The most significant development though was the addition of a Spyder (designated the GTS) introduced during October 1966 when chassis 8899 GT was given its public debut at the Paris Salon. The 330 GTS was and remains to this day among the most attractive open-topped Ferrari's ever, none of the Coupe’s elegance having been lost in translation. After 600 GTC's and 100 Spyder's, Ferrari discontinued production in late '68 to make way for the new 4.4-litre 365.

Story by Ben Tyer for QV500.com

Chassis & Sales

1967 Ferrari 330 GTC Coupé 09821 - sold for €173,600 The 330 GTC offered here, chassis 09821, was originally finished in Argento with Rosso Connolly hides. In 2005, it was repainted in dark blue, while the interior was re-trimmed with light beige leather. In December 2006, it was acquired by the O’Quinn Collection, and today it shows about 80,000 kms. A recent inspection confirms that the exterior finish and brightwork are very good, and the engine bay is clean and nicely detailed. Inside, the d... more
Gallery: 2010 RM Auctions Sporting Classics of Monaco

1967 Ferrari 330 GTC Coupe 10199 - sold for $195,250 The 330 GTC has only been driven about 100 miles since being purchased, and the owner is currently reducing the size of his collection. Showing about 100,000 kilometers (62,000 miles) today, 10199 is complete with original tools, an emergency window-winder handle, and a reproduction owner’s manual. Honestly presented, this very fine 330 GTC is a great example of one of Ferrari’s best-performing grand touring cars from the late 1960s.
Gallery: 2011 Automobiles of Arizona by RM Auctions

1966 Ferrari 330 GTC 08773 - sold for $220,000 Constructed during Spring 1966, this 330 GTC left the Ferrari factory finished in silver with a black interior. Tasteful Presentation of an Elegant Pininfarina Design. Low-Mileage, Matching-Numbers Example. Documented by Ferrari Historian Marcel Massini. Little Use Since Substantial Restoration Work. Lovely Color Combination and Desirable Borrani Wire Wheels. An Ideal V-12 Ferrari for Tour and Show. Featured in American Gangster and School fo... more
Gallery: 2011 Scottsdale Auction by Gooding & Company

1966 Ferrari 330 GTC 09093 - sold for €193,200 Just 21 of the svelte coupes entered the UK, this one following the debut of the model in Geneva that year would grace the London Motor Show stand in October 1966. Its original scheme was Blue Chiaro with an interior trimmed in beige leather, with light blue carpets and beige headlining. To British spec, in right hand drive form, Borrani wheels completed its guise for the motor show. As noted on records supplied by Ferrari historian Marcel ... more
Gallery: 2011 Automobiles d'exception au Grand Palais by Bonhams

1966 Ferrari 330 GTC - sold for €196,000 Records indicate that chassis 09111 was completed on 19th November, 1966 and finished new in Grigio Fumo with a beige interior. By the 1970s, 09111 had made its way to the United States and, according to information provided by marque expert Marcel Massini, was painted red. The car remained in this same colour scheme with a cream leather interior and by the early 1990s had returned to Europe where it was registered in Germany.
Gallery: RM 2011 Villa d’Este Auction

1969 Ferrari 365 GTC 12271 - sold for $374,000 One of Only 150 365 GTCs Built. Originally Delivered to Milan. Matching-Numbers Example. Recent Paintwork and Mechanical Attention. Elegant Period-Appropriate Color Combination. Offered with Tool Kit and Books. Documented by Ferrari Historian Marcel Massini.
Gallery: 2011 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company

1967 Ferrari 330 GTC 10801 - sold for $275,000 2008 FCA Platinum Award Winner. Limited Ownership and Less than 48,000 Miles Since New. Factory Delivered with A/C, Power Windows and Borranis. Red over Black Since New. Offered with Books and Tools. Documented by Ferrari Historian Marcel Massini.
Gallery: 2011 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company

1966 Ferrari 330 GTC 9091 - sold for $313,500 Cosmetically restored in 2011 with mechanical restoration in 2005. European-specification example. Significant ownership and service documentation. Wonderful driver with show-level cosmetics. - Matching-numbers engine
Gallery: 2011 Monterey Auction by RM

1966 Ferrari 330 GTC 9537 - sold for €165,648 Chassis 9537 has just finished a light re-commissioning following the aforementioned storage period. Plus, fuel lines, filters, the fuel pump and brake hoses were all changed, after which the car was taken for a test drive on the roads of Emilia Romagnia in Italy. The car sounded great and performed very well with no apparent problems and a general sense of being a solid, healthy car. All told, a total of about €6,000 have been spent to get th... more
Gallery: 2011 London Auction by RM

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