The Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Series II represents an outstanding combination of inspired performance, sophisticated Italian design, and understated luxury. A refinement of the initial 330 GT introduced in 1964, the Series II sported an elegant Pininfarina-designed body featuring dual headlights (rather than the four headlights fitted to the earlier model). The engine was carried over, with each example equipped with the enticing 296-horsepower, 4.0-litre “Colombo” V-12, while the five-speed manual gearbox was new. Between 1965 and 1967, just 474 Series IIs were produced.

This Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Series II was ordered in April 1966 via Franco-Britannic Automobiles. It left the Maranello factory clad in Grigio Fumo paint and upholstered with Rosso-coloured leather, specified with power windows. The car was delivered in April 1966 to its first French owner, the French composer and poet, Léo Ferré, who registered chassis number “8475” on 13 May 1966. He sold the Ferrari two years later and it was re-registered by its next owner in 1968. On 29 December 1970, A.F.P. Bates of Puteaux, near Nanterre, acquired this 330 GT and sold the car nine months later to the fourth owner, Mr Max Bressy, who lived in Paris. Mr Bressy sold the car to its fifth owner, and the car would change hands twice more, before being purchased by Mr Paul Graff, in March 1983. Mr Graff sold this vehicle to Mr Marcel Petitjean, an important Ferrari collector, in 1986.

In the 1990s, Mr Petitjean had the car repainted in the attractive shade of dark blue it presents in today. A set of Borrani wire wheels was also added at this time. The beautiful Rosso leather interior remains untouched from when the French collector acquired the car, while a build sheet from the Ferrari factory confirms that this car’s chassis, engine, and gearbox are all matching-numbers. Throughout its years in Mr Petitjean’s collection, the Ferrari was kept on static display, so will require recommissioning before returning to road use. This 330 GT 2+2 Series II is an exclusive grand touring Ferrari and, with room for four, it is a more practical alternative to the race-bred Ferraris of the time. It presents a very tempting opportunity for restoration of one of Maranello’s understated greats.