1967 Ferrari 330 GTC

1967 Ferrari 330 GTC

'At the top - at the absolute top - in the automotive enthusiasts' hierarchy of the cars of the world, there is only one. Ferrari. Is there really any question?' Thirty-plus years after Car and Driver magazine voiced that rhetorical inquiry the answer, of course, remains the same. And the car that prompted that eulogy? The Ferrari 330 GTC.

The two-seat 330 GTC debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1966 and was essentially a closed version of the 275 GTS. Beneath its hood resided the 4.0-liter, 300bhp version of Ferrari's familiar 60-degree V12, as used in the 330GT 2+2. The short (94.5" wheelbase) chassis followed Ferrari's established practice of tying together sturdy oval-section main tubes in a steel spaceframe, while the suspension was independent all round by means of wishbones and coil springs.

First introduced on a road-going Ferrari (the 275 GTB) in 1964, the rear suspension incorporated the five-speed gearbox in a transaxle, an arrangement that created an inherently better-balanced car. Much development work had concentrated on the reduction of noise levels in the cabin, which was luxuriously equipped in the best Gran Turismo manner: leather seats, electric windows and heated rear screen were standard; radio, air conditioning and Borrani wire wheels the options. With a top speed in excess of 150mph, excellent ride comfort and sure-footed handling, Ferrari could justifiably claim the 330 GTC to be the finest of high-speed conveyances for two people and their luggage.

Descriptions and pictures by bonhams