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Ferrari 330 GTO

In 1962 Ferrari began working on a 4-liter version of their GT contender that was forced to run in the prototype class. This featured both a revised 250 GTO chassis and body with the 4-liter Super America engine.

The Tipo 163/566 competition engine was tuned with high compression pistons and Testa Rosso-spec camshafts. It was similar to the competition 250 GTO engine with a much longer stroke and smaller redline. The unit was capable of 390 to 400 bhp and was also used in the Le Mans-winning 330 TRI/LM. Attached to it was a bespoke 4-Speed transmission with no synchromesh gears.2

The chassis was effectively a 250 GTO modified for the 4-liter engine and lengthened to 2420 mm. In 1963 Ferrari produced a bespoke chassis for this model can called it the 330 Le Mans Berlinetta.

The first car was prepared by SEFAC Ferrari for the 1962 Nürburgring 1000kms and placed 2nd overall behind the winning Dino 246SP. This car, chassis 3673SA appeared much like a 250 GTO with a power bulge in the front hood. Unfortunately it was badly damaged before Le Mans and a replacement was built on chassis 3765LM.

At Le Mans, 3765LM was raced by Lorenzo Bandini and Mike Parkes with number 7. Unfortunately they retired due to overheating. The 330 TRI/LM won the event outright using the same engine and chassis in a Spyder configuration.

After Le Mans 3765LM was eventually fitted with a 3-liter engine and raced by Ferdinando Latteri in Italy throughout 1965.

One More For the Road

At the request of Michel Paul-Cavalier, a third and final 330 GTO on chassis 4561SA was built to his own specification for road use. This included a lengthened wheel base, brake booster, fully covered front lights and a full interior trim in blue upholstery. Despite being made for the road the car featured a full Tipo 163/566 competition engine and Tipo 539/566 chassis but a unique transmission with synchromesh gears.2

Photos & Image Gallery

See full 1962 Ferrari 330 GTO Gallery here

1962→1963 Ferrari 330 GTO

Ferrari 330 GTO Videos

Specs & Performance

submitted by Richard Owen
type Racing Car
production years 1962 – 1963
built at Maranello, Italy
body stylist Giotto Bizzarrini
coachbuilder Carrozzeria Scaglietti
engineers Giotto Bizzarrini, Mauro Forghieri
production 3
succeccesor 1963 Ferrari 330 LM Berlinetta
engine Tipo 163/566 60º V12 w/Dry Sump Lubrication
position Front, Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
ignition Twin Marelli Distributors
block material Silumin Aluminum Alloy
valvetrain Chain-Driven SOHC, 2 Valves / Cyl
fuel feed 6 Weber 42DCN Carburetors
displacement 3967 cc / 242.1 in³
bore 77 mm / 3.03 in
stroke 71 mm / 2.8 in
compression 9.2:1
power 298.3 kw / 400.0 bhp @ 7000 rpm
specific output 100.83 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 421.05 bhp per tonne
redline 7500
body / frame Aluminum body over Tipo 539/566 Steel Chassis
driven wheels RWD
wheel type Boranni Spoked Wire
front brakes Discs
rear brakes Discs
f suspension Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Koni Adjustable Shock Absorbers, 18mm Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension Live Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Springs, Koni Shock Aborbers, Dual Watts Linkages
curb weight 950 kg / 2094 lbs
wheelbase 2420 mm / 95.3 in
front track 1422 mm / 56.0 in
rear track 1414 mm / 55.7 in
transmission 4-Speed Manual
tran clutch Single-Plate Clutch

Sources & Further Reading

1. Pourret, Jess. Ferrari 250 GT Competition Cars. Haynes, 1977.
2. Bluemel, Keith and Jess Pourret. Ferrari 250 GTO. Bay View Books, 1998.
3. Pritchard, Anthony. Ferrari 250 GTO. Haynes, 2010.