In late 1964, an unusual gap developed in Ferrari’s luxury model line, as the last of the 250 GT Lusso examples were completed. With only the über-exclusive 500 Superfast in production, Maranello lacked a civilized mid-range grand tourer that had no designs on racing. Passionate devotees of the Lusso were duly rewarded in March 1966, when Ferrari used the Geneva Salon to introduce the 330 GTC, a new luxury grand touring coupe that successfully integrated aspects of several other models in the Maranello stable.

Aesthetically, the 330 GTC’s body combined the front end of the 400 Superamerica with the tapered tail of the 275 GTS Convertible. These features bookended a brand-new canopy design that had generous glass sections and slender A-pillars, imbuing sophistication. Mechanically, despite being defined as a luxurious road car, the GTC was engineered with substantial gravitas and rode on the same chassis as the race-ready 275 GTB Berlinetta.

Into this proven chassis, Ferrari dropped the enlarged four-liter Colombo V-12 that had recently been introduced in the 330 GT 2+2. Unlike the 2+2 though, the GTC employed a rear transaxle, which gave the model a sporting character becoming of its exquisite shape, and luxurious interior appointments, including standard power windows and leather upholstery.

By the time the model was supplanted in 1968, the 330 GTC had been produced in a modest quantity of just 598 examples. Along with being increasingly prized in recent years for its handsome Pininfarina design and stout mechanicals, the GTC has come to be regarded as the last of the great vintage Ferrari grand touring coupes.

CHASSIS NUMBER 11385

The beautiful 330 GTC offered here, chassis number 11385, was originally finished in Azzurro Metallizzato over Nero and delivered in 1968 to the official Swiss Ferrari importer SAVAF, which sold the car to the official Ferrari dealer Martinelli & Sonvico of Lugano. Martinelli & Sonvico then dealt the car to its first private owner, Peter Bucher, in the canton of Ticino. Bucher held on to the Ferrari for four years before selling it through Garage Ruf of Otringen to Christoph Ringier, co-owner of a large publishing company in Zurich. In Mr. Ringier’s ownership the car had its engine overhauled at 62,000 km in 1977, and its gearbox overhauled in 1980.

Mr. Ringier was obviously quite fond of the Ferrari, as he sold it in 1980 but, six years later, bought it back. Refinished in 1997, the car remained with Mr. Ringier until 2001, when it was sold to Urs Jaermann of Zurich.

In 2005 the car was sold to a Spanish enthusiast, who fitted it with air conditioning. It then moved to England in 2012 and there has enjoyed several enthusiast ownerships, most recent since November 2016. The leather interior was changed to beige, an attractive counterpoint to the Azzurro paintwork, in 2013. Further, in 2015, the car was granted Ferrari Classiche certification, noting that all major specifications of the car are as it left the factory, including that it retains its original engine and transaxle. Classiche also confirms that, despite the refinish, the car remains in its original color.

Overall the Ferrari presents overall as a finely maintained older restoration which would benefit from panel adjustments. Paint and chrome show expected minor wear while the interior remains in very good overall condition with minor wear and creasing. While the car is presently mounted on factory-correct alloy wheels, it is accompanied by a set of Borrani wire wheels, a period option. A period Becker Mexico radio is also fitted as are Cibie headlights. In addition to the aforementioned Red Book, the car is accompanied by a large history file covering the last several years’ maintenance, as well as a reproduction handbook and owner’s pouch, parts book, and guarantee card, and a reproduction tool kit.

This is a lovely 330 GTC that is ideal for distinguished driving enjoyment.

Should you want more information on the condition of this lot and or discuss the possibility of an in-situ inspection, please contact our office at +44 (0) 20 7851 7070 or email Britta Buchmann at bbuchmann@rmsothebys.com