1965 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Series 1

• One of only 44 UK-supplied, right-hand drive, manual gearbox cars
• 300bhp, 3,967cc, SOHC V-12 with three Weber carburettors, four-speed manual transmission
• Independent front suspension with coil springs, live axle rear with semi-elliptical leaf springs
• Finished in Grigio Argento over Pelle Nera Franzi leather with Silver Borranis
• Restored in the late seventies and carefully maintained ever since
• Recent full engine rebuild and further attention ( ú25,000 in 2018/2019)
• A well-travelled Ferrari accompanied by a fascinating history file

The Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 made its debut at the Brussels Salon in January 1964, proceeding its earlier 250 2+2 GTE and 330 America cousins. The Series I, as it later became known, was much more than a re-engined 250, it was a bolder, more distinctive incarnation in both looks and performance. Pininfarina was once again entrusted with the styling, and their vision of Ferrari's evolution drew muse from the cars' predecessors, yet included some daring design elements. A sharper nose and tail, a wide grille, and the espousal of a characteristic quad headlight arrangement, all of which reflected the tastes of Ferrari's most important export market, the USA. Although some criticised its styling, the Series I four-headlight 330 GT has become truly evocative of 1960's fashion, lauded both for its individuality and Pininfarina's purity of design. The fantastic Gioacchino Colombo designed, high-output, V-12 engine was fitted to all 300 GT series and produced an impressive 300bhp, adorned with triple Weber carburettors, this combination taking the vehicle from 0-100km in an astounding 6.3 seconds, making it the fastest road-going Ferrari at the time.

We are pleased to offer this right-hand-drive Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 which was ordered on 15/03/1965 through Maranello Concessionaires Ltd, by Rolls-Royce and Bentley dealer R.S. Mead Ltd. of Maidenhead. It was finished in Grigio Argento over a Pelle Nera Franzi leather interior and was optioned with wire wheels and power-operated windows. The finish must have been special and extra-deep as four kilos of extra paint were charged for, as depicted by copies of the Bill of Sale and early correspondence.

It would appear that a Mr D. Sleeman took ownership of the car for a short period during 1966 before putting it up for sale with Maranello Concessionaires, who took a Ferrari 250 GT 2+2 in part-exchange and subsequently sold the car to a Mr R. Edbrooke of Orpington in Kent. A letter in the file, dated 04/04/1967, from Mr Edbrooke to Maranello confirms the order of a quantity of Rosso paint as, despite the fact that the car was only two years old, he felt it essential to repaint it Rosso as it was the colour of his previous Ferrari. Well cared for during the 1970's, the car was maintained by John Wortley of Sevenoaks, Kent, whilst also receiving a full bodywork overhaul which included; replacement sills, floor panels and a full bare-metal respray, again in red. In 1981, an American gentleman, Mr A. Gilas purchased the car and it was exported to his residence in New Jersey. There are numerous invoices included in the file for its time in the States before it was purchased by a Mr T. Hoffritz in the early 2000's and crossed the Atlantic once again, this time to Germany. There are various bills in the file from marque specialist S & T Manfred Irber of Munich during this period of ownership. Chassis #6875 was eventually repatriated back to UK shores in 2007 through respected classic car dealer Martin Chisholm, who placed it with one of his customers, a Mr Spencer-Percival. Upon delivery, the car was sent to Peter Chambers Automotive Ltd, where it benefitted from considerable attention generating an invoice for approximately ú10,000.

Our vendor is selling the car after a few years of ownership having just completed a full top and bottom end engine rebuild. Whilst the engine was out the oil pick up pipes were replaced as was the clutch, new fuel lines were fitted and the brakes were overhauled. The work, totalling about ú25,000 since 2018, was carried out by The Ferrari Centre in Kent and more recently MD Allen Classic Ferrari Specialists.

The car is reluctantly being offered for sale and is accompanied by an interesting owner's file and its UK V5c relating to the very apt registration 330 AUE that will stay with the car. One of only 44 UK, right-hand-drive Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Series I examples, this beautiful car represents a rare opportunity to own a 1960's Prancing Horse and is worthy of your full attention in today's collector market.