By the end of the 1950s, the market for sports cars with 'family accommodation' had grown sufficiently for Ferrari to contemplate the introduction of a four-seater model. The first such Ferrari - the 250GTE 2+2, was introduced in 1960. For the 330GT 2+2 introduced in 1964, Pininfarina was once again entrusted with the styling.
Designed by Tom Tjaarda at Pininfarina, the 300GT 2+2 adopts a four-headlamp frontal treatment that reflected the tastes of Ferrari's most important export market, the USA. The 330GT's tubular chassis was 50mm longer in the wheelbase than before. Its Colombo-type, 60-degree, V12 engine had first appeared in the 330 America (effectively a big-bore 250GTE 2+2) in 1963. Displacing 3,967cc, the single-overhead-camshaft, all-alloy unit was good for 300-plus hp, an output sufficient to propel the 330GT to a maximum velocity of 152mph (245km/h) making it, when introduced, the fastest road-going Ferrari. Built alongside the ultra-exclusive Superamericas, the 330GT was Ferrari's ultimate grand tourer for the sophisticated client during the era. A favourite of Enzo Ferrari, it was the first of his cars to sell in excess of 1,000 units. (bonhams.com)
Designed by Tom Tjaarda at Pininfarina, the 300GT 2+2 adopts a four-headlamp frontal treatment that reflected the tastes of Ferrari's most important export market, the USA. The 330GT's tubular chassis was 50mm longer in the wheelbase than before. Its Colombo-type, 60-degree, V12 engine had first appeared in the 330 America (effectively a big-bore 250GTE 2+2) in 1963. Displacing 3,967cc, the single-overhead-camshaft, all-alloy unit was good for 300-plus hp, an output sufficient to propel the 330GT to a maximum velocity of 152mph (245km/h) making it, when introduced, the fastest road-going Ferrari. Built alongside the ultra-exclusive Superamericas, the 330GT was Ferrari's ultimate grand tourer for the sophisticated client during the era. A favourite of Enzo Ferrari, it was the first of his cars to sell in excess of 1,000 units. (bonhams.com)
Series 1 (1964-65)
Originally equipped with a four-speeds-plus-overdrive gearbox, the 330GT with four front head-lamps were retrospectively known as the 'Series 1'. With only 500 units built, the early 330GT is now relatively rare.
The 1965 Ferrari 330GT 2+2 Berlinetta owned by John Lennon
This Series 1 Ferrari 330GT (Chassis no. 6781 Engine no. 6781) was personally selected by Beatles singer/ songwriter John Lennon as his first car. In February 1965, the news that Lennon had passed his driving test made headlines across the country. Within hours, the road outside the security gates of his Kenwood home in Weybridge, Surrey was jammed with Maseratis, Aston Martins and Jaguars as luxury car dealerships - hungry for business - spotted an opportunity to secure a high-profile client. The singer chose a right-hand drive Ferrari 330GT 2+2 coupé finished in Azzuro (blue) with matching interior and priced at £6,500 (equivalent to a little over £110,000 in today's money). The car was sold for £359,900 (approx US $544,925) in an auction in July 2013. (bonhams.com)
(Photos from russoandsteele.com, bonhams.com)
Series 2 (1965-67)
Prior to the introduction of the 'Series 2' 330 GTs, a series of 125 'interim' cars were produced, with the quad-headlight external configuration of the Series 1 cars, but with the five-speed transmission and 'suspended' foot pedals of the 'Series 2' cars.
The 1965 Series 2 version featured a five-speed gearbox instead of the overdrive four-speed of the prior year. Other changes included the switch back to front dual-light instead of quad-light, alloy wheels, and the addition of optional air conditioning and power steering.
625 Series I1 (including 125 'interim' cars) and 455 Series 2 330 GT 2+2 cars had been built. (wikipedia)
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(Photos from bonhams.com)
