Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 ~ 1964-67
After the unexpected success of the first Ferrari four seater, the 1960 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2, Ferrari launched its successor in 1964 with the Ferrari 330 GT 2+2.
This Grand Tourer had a tubular ladder type chassis just 5 cm (2 in) longer than the GTE bringing the total wheelbase length to 2650 mm (104.3 in). The front independent suspension was up to date with the technology of the time, but the rear live axle with leaf spring suspension was antiquated, while Dunlop disc brakes were fitted all around.
Designed by PininFarina, the 330 GT 2+2 can be identified in two Series, and so we’ll start with the unpopular Series I.
Let’s put the awkwardness aside first, and get to the design faux pas right away. The 330 GT Series I is one of the most unliked Ferraris due to its headlight layout. The PininFarina headlamp treatment was of two round lights on each side with the outward unit being bigger. Then each dual light cluster was framed within a teardrop shaped chrome trim. This gave the front-end a not so flattering appearance that could be compared with the Rolls Royce/Bentley, Silver Cloud IIIs/Continental S IIIs made by Mulliner Park Ward and dubbed “Chinese eye”. The front egg-crate grill adorned the Prancing Horse logo while small round turning signals were placed right underneath the headlights. The front side fenders received an air vent composed of eleven louvers designed in three sections, as seen on the 500 Superfast and first year 275 GTS.
For maximum visibility all pillars were thin with ample window surface to feel and drive comfortably. The trunk was voluminous and the rear “cat tongue” shape taillights were the same found on the 275 GTS with four exhaust pipes under a thin chrome bumper. Borrani wire wheels were standard on the 330 GT 2+2 Series I as well as the teak veneer on the flat dashboard panel all accentuated by Veglia gauges and the wooden Nardi steering wheel.
The seats were well padded and the leather covered gear lever on the transmission tunnel was more commonly found on these plush Ferraris than on the sports models. Next to the gear lever the traditional chromed ashtray had the usual Ferrari and PininFarina emblems on top of it. The dual rear seats had enough room for two adults, and were separated by an armrest including an ashtray for the good health of the rear passengers. This gave this family oriented Ferrari a luxurious appointment and quiet padded interior.
The engine was the same engine used on the 330 America, which was a 250 GTE 2+2 with a 4 liter (242 cu in) V12 only produced at 50 units in 1963. With a single-cam per bank this larger V12 developed a healthy 300 hp at 6600 rpm, and was mated to a four speed transmission with a Laycock de Normanville electric overdrive, as used in Jaguars for better relaxed highway cruising. The torque figure also improved with 240 lb-ft / 325 Nm at 5000 rpm, instead of the 195 lb-ft also at 5000 rpm found on the 3 liter 250 GTE, which was now necessary to move this 3042 lb (1380 kg) grand tourer. The engine was fed by three twin-choke Weber carburetors, and with this setting it was capable of launching the 330 GT 2+2 to 62 mph from a standstill in 6.5 seconds and propelled it a 145 mph (233 km/h) top speed.
The Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Series II arrived in 1965, and answered the visual shortcomings of the unloved quad-headlights design of the 1st series. PininFarina redrew the front fenders with a single round light on each side, new turning signals matching the taillights, and overriders on the front and rear bumpers making the front resemble the one seen on the 275 GTS, including the now larger three slat air vent located on the side front fenders. The Borrani wire wheels were now optional and an eleven hole alloy wheel set with knock-off hub caps also found on the 275 GTB were now standard.
Inside things got updated with a center console housing switches found previously on the dashboard and the transmission received a legitimate fifth gear.
The last Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 was produced in 1967 after 1099 of this subtle Ferrari four seater were made stating that Family was also important at Maranello and was here to stay.
JJP.
| Model/Year | Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Series I / 1964-65 |
Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Series II / 1965-67 |
|---|---|---|
| Designer | Pinin Farina | |
| Engine Type | All alloy V12 @ 60˚, SOHC. 2V | |
| Capacity | 3967 cc / 242 cu in | |
| Fuel Feed | 3 Weber 40 DCZ carb. | |
| Power | 300 hp @ 6600 rpm | |
| Torque | 240 lb-ft / 325 Nm @ 5000 rpm | |
| Transmission | 4 speed + OD . RWD - 1965, 5 Speed | 5 Speed - RWD |
| Top Speed | 145 mph - 233 km/h | |
| 0-62 mph - 0-100 km/h | 6.5 sec | |
| Chassis | Oval Steel Tubular | |
| Weelbase | 2650 mm / 104.3 in | |
| Front Suspension | 2 Wishbones, Coil Springs, Tube Shocks. Anti-roll Bar | |
| Rear Suspension | Live Axle - Semi-elliptic Leave Springs | |
| Brakes | Disc all around | |
| Front Tires | 205 x 15 in | |
| Rear Tires | 205 x 15 in | |
| Steering | Worm & Roller | |
| Weight | 3042 lb / 1380 kg (depending on coachwork) | |
| Country of Origin | Italy | |
| Production Num. | 625, Series I - (1099 Total) | 474, Series II - (1099 Total) |