Reporters anxiously awaited the unveiling of the new Formula One car at the annual Ferrari press conference in 1964, but Enzo had a surprise up his sleeve. It was here that he first introduced, to great fanfare, the commuter’s Ferrari: a car that could stand the daily stop-and-go grind yet still pack a full load of excitement on the right kind of road. This stylistic breakaway Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 was penned by Pininfarina and supplanted traditionally aggressive looks with more graceful features.

Even though the 330 GT 2+2 had evolved out of the 250 GTE and 330 America, it was a significantly different model overall. The 330 GT 2+2’s single overhead-camshaft V-12 was based on a stretched block, but otherwise, it carried forward the refined and developed concepts of the Colombo-designed Ferrari V-12 engine, which was rated at 300 brake horsepower at 6,600 rpm. The longer engine block was accommodated in a 50-millimetre longer wheelbase chassis than the preceding 250 GTE.

The first-series 330 GT 2+2s adopted a distinct quad-headlight configuration with smaller driving lights placed inboard of the headlights in a tapered wing recess. The concept, borrowed from American styling themes of the era, was timely, although ultimately not successful. The Series I 330 GT 2+2 was soon succeeded by the second-series dual-headlight version, which had a more refined and purposeful look.

Other changes were incorporated in the 330 GT 2+2 during its life, particularly as Ferrari adapted to its clients’ changing transmission expectations. Whilst the first 330 GT 2+2’s overdrive four-speed was right out of the 250 GT, later examples were fitted with a five-speed all-synchromesh gearbox that corresponded with the choice offered to buyers of the more sporting 275 GTB. By 1967, power steering and air conditioning were made optional upgrades. As for room, a journalist commented at the time that “the available space is suitable not only for short-legged pygmies; four adults can travel comfortably in the 300 GT 2+2”, and travel at a factory claimed 152 mph at that!

The second-series example offered today, chassis 9929, was originally built in May 1967 and delivered in July to Maranello Concessionaires Ltd. in Egham, Surrey, England. It was finished in Celeste Blue (19321M) with a Blue (VM 3015) leather interior and grey carpets. It was purchased new by a Mr Hall on 6 July and registered on English license plates KWT 435 E. Hall paid £5,363 for the car, which included tax, number plates, and a full tank of petrol, and he maintained it until January 1975, when this 330 GT was acquired by its second owner, Donald L. Hill, of Glastonbury. In July of that year, the Ferrari was exported to the U.S. by an M. Thayer, of Decatur, Oklahoma. It was later bought by John Pullman, who consigned the Ferrari to official dealer FAF Motorcars in Tucker, Georgia, in July 1979. Soon thereafter, Ned J. Lawler, of St. Marys, Ohio, purchased the car and continued to own it for over 25 years. In 2008, this original Series II 330 GT 2+2 returned to the UK when it was acquired by the current owner.

Today, the 330 GT remains in nicely preserved condition and still displays its original blue leather interior and grey carpeting. Only once can a car be original; with its beautifully patinated interior, this car offers a rare opportunity to obtain the holy grail of originality. On the outside, the silver blue paint is believed to be original and continues to shine nicely, although it presents some minor flaws. The original matching-numbers engine remains in good condition and is not overly detailed. The car has also been documented by The Maranello Concessionaires Archive, records of which are included on file, and it also contains factory production information and correspondence with the original owner.

The 330 GT 2+2 remains one of Ferrari’s finest four-passenger touring cars. With its 300-horsepower, 4.0-litre engine, it is powerful yet easy to drive around town, whilst its luxurious appointments make it as ideal for today’s road tours and events as it was for a quick run to Gstaad or Nice as when it was new. This driver’s Ferrari is exceedingly rare, as only 36 right-hand-drive examples were produced, and it will continue to serve its new owner as intended. This car, presented in its rare and beautiful original condition, offers a sparse opportunity to its next owner, who can use it as a daily driver or preserve it for future generations.