300 bhp, 3,967 cc SOHC V-12 engine with three Weber two-barrel carburettors, five-speed manual transaxle, four-wheel independent suspension with A-arms and coil springs, four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 2,400 mm

• Elegant 12-cylinder Ferrari

• Classic Pininfarina styling

• Recent re-commissioning

The Ferrari 330 GTC was introduced in 1966 and was largely a better handling, better performing car than its predecessor. It was in essence a higher performance, shortened-chassis version of the popular 330 GT. It came with a 300-bhp twin-cam V-12 engine, and the extra power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a transaxle gearbox. The car had a limited slip differential and independent suspension and was much more useable than the previous 275 GTC. Handling was also improved with two simple features; the transmission was mounted with the final drive, and a torque tube was mounted between the engine and the transaxle, which contributed to an increase in the rigidity of the chassis.

Enthusiasts characterise the four-litre 330 GTC/GTS V-12 as one of the best 12-cylinder equipped Ferraris ever built. The rear-mounted transaxle gives the car an almost perfect 50/50 weight distribution, contributing to crisp turn-in and neutral handling even at the limit of tyre adhesion.

Even with Ferrari’s commitment to outstanding technical specifications, the company didn’t overlook the interior. Much time and effort was spent reducing wind noise and increasing the creature comforts. Leather seating, electric windows, rear defroster and even air conditioning (although optional) were made available. Produced by Ferrari from 1966 to 1968, approximately 600 330 GTCs were built.

This Ferrari 330 GTC was sold through official dealer Motor S.A.S. Rome to its first owner, a Mr. Pirri, and was built to European specification. Delivered in February 1967, the car was supplied in marrone (brown) over Connolly beige leather. Soon thereafter, the car was exported from Italy to the United States in 1970 and sold to a Mr. Steve Lawing of North Carolina.

Lawing sold the car in 1975 to William R. Johnson, resident of Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The ownership history since that time is well known and more recently includes an Italian gentleman who owned the car until he passed away, at which point the car was put into secure, dry storage.

Following an RM Auctions inspection of 9537, we can confirm that this is a very well-preserved example of the elegant Ferrari 330 GTC. It has been repainted once in its life, probably 20 years ago, at which time a gold coach-line was added. This car also has the Borrani wire wheels, which were an option when it was new. As for the interior, the leather is beautifully patinated and entirely original.

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 the car back on the road. Included in its sale is a mostly complete set of tools.

This is a great opportunity to acquire what is generally considered one of the most usable Ferrari grand tourers of the legendary 1960s, with all the style and Italian flair to match.