Lot 251

Monterey 2015

1968 Ferrari 330 GTC by Pininfarina

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$715,000 USD | Sold

United States | Monterey, California

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Chassis No.
11427
Engine No.
11427
  • A matching-numbers example outfitted with optional factory air conditioning
  • Recent service and mechanical refurbishment by RM Auto Restoration
  • Legendary driving dynamics; considered one of the finest Ferrari grand tourers

300 bhp, 3,967 cc SOHC V-12 engine with three Weber 40 DCZ6 carburetors, five-speed manual transmission, front and rear independent suspension via wishbones, coil springs, and telescopic shock absorbers, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 94.5 in.

Introduced at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show, the Ferrari 330 GTC filled the gap between the sporting 275 GTB and the more luxurious 330 GT 2+2, looking to combine the sporting and luxurious elements from each car in an effort to offer the best of both worlds to Ferrari’s demanding clientele.

The 330 GTC merged a number of desirable aspects from other Ferraris of the time and was molded into a very well-rounded automobile. It utilized the same suspension, steering, and transmission as the 275 GTB and the 4.0-liter V-12 from the 330 GT 2+2, and it was every bit as exciting to drive as the 275. Without a set of rear seats, the 330 GTC was able to fit additional luggage in the cabin thanks to a parcel shelf. And as a result of no longer needing to accommodate passengers in the rear, the car’s wheelbase was reduced by 10 inches, greatly improving its handling dynamics.

From a design perspective, Pininfarina also attempted to combine the best aspects of their work on previous Ferraris to create a car that was instantly recognizable as a Ferrari yet was something with its own unique flair. The 330 GTC’s tail was first seen on the 275 GTS, while the car’s nose was similar in design to the limited-production Series II 500 Superfast. Pininfarina also utilized A- and B-pillars, like those that were first seen on the gorgeous 250 GT/L Lusso, allowing for better visibility for the driver and giving the cabin a very airy feeling. By the time production ceased in 1968, only 598 examples had been produced, making it a rare sight on motorways throughout Europe and North America.

This particular 330 GTC, chassis 11427, was built in 1968, finished in Amaranto (2.443.413), a dark red, over a Nero Franzi interior and fitted by the factory with air conditioning. It remained in its native country with its first owner, Clemento Ravetto, who took delivery in September 1968, according to noted Ferrari historian Marcel Massini. During his ownership, Ravetto had his 330 GTC serviced and maintained by Ferrari Assistenza Clienti in Modena on at least three separate occasions before he sold the car to its second owner in Treviso, Italy. It received one more service by the factory, in October 1969, before it was exported to the United States in 1972.

Shortly after arriving stateside, it was advertised for sale in the Ferrari Club of America’s newsletter by Bart J. McMullern, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. It is assumed that 11427 passed through one more private owner afterwards, as it was advertised in the April 1974 issue of AutoWeek magazine by Harley Cluxton III’s Grand Touring Cars in Phoenix, Arizona. Three years later, the 330 GTC appeared in AutoWeek for sale once more, listed again by Grand Touring Cars of Phoenix, but this time it was described as wearing a blue-over-black color combination. The car returned to Europe in the 1980s, and following a repaint in red, it was purchased by a Ferrari collector in Switzerland and remained there for the next 30 years.

Following its recent purchase by a noted U.S. collector, chassis 11427 was shipped directly to RM Auto Restoration in Ontario, Canada, for a full service and mechanical refurbishment. At this time, the carburetors were rebuilt; the air conditioning, heater, and brakes were serviced; new rear shocks and new tail pipes were fitted; the fuel pump was rebuilt; and four new Michelin tires were fitted. The engine was also fully serviced at this time; the heads were removed and reconditioned, the water pump was rebuilt, and new oil filters were installed.

Overall, the car presents extremely well. The interior is believed to be largely original and showing the correct amount of patina for its age, giving the car some additional character and charisma. Following a full service and mechanical refurbishment, it remains ready to drive and enjoy in every respect. For the enthusiast looking to sample one of Ferrari’s best driving automobiles of any era, this 330 GTC warrants serious consideration.