Presented at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show, from the Ferrari 330 GTC only 600 units were made. Designed by Pininfarinawas built on the chassis of the 275 GTB Berlinetta and got his engine from 330 2+2 Coupe. Without a doubt, it is one of the most elegant Ferraris of the time and one of the most desired today. But after more than five decades, it can be hard to find one in perfect condition.
Fortunately, companies like Bell Sport & Classic they can revive machines like that. This particular 330 GTC, with serial number chassis #9069, has been restored to its original state and is a perfect example of what one can achieve with patience and persistence (and investment). In fact, the car even won the Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance 2022 in September against world-class competition. UK based Bell Sport & Classic wanted this 330 GTC to look exactly the same as it did when it was introduced in 1966.
For it, he spared no minute on extra work and money was clearly no object. The restoration process began with a two-week job that required the removal of all interior components. After that, all the chrome parts, bumpers, headlights and windows were removed and work could finally begin. When the car arrived at the shop it had a pale blue finish, which was clearly not the original finish. Upon traceback investigation, they discovered that it left the factory in Green Chiaro Metallic.
The original 14-inch cast magnesium spoked wheels were badly worn and severely corroded, but after extensive work they were returned to contest winning condition. After that, she devoted herself another month to remove the suspension and restore it. The team was able to breathe new life into the stock shocks, suspension arms and springs. The brake system was the most difficult part because the team needed to use all their contacts in order to find the original four-piston caliper brake system.
The cabin was restored by O’Rourke Coachtrimmers and Suppliers. Working closely with the current owner of the vehicle, the team managed to do an amazing job. First, they changed the black leather interior which was in poor condition. The owner wanted something different, so he opted for the color of beige leather Connolly VM 218 ferrari. The seats were also restored, but keeping the original frames. Belts received new straps, but all hardware and buckles are original and have been restored.
The V12 “Colombo” engine of this Ferrari 330 GTC was stripped, reconditioned, reassembled and tested by Bell Sport & Classic’s in-house engine shop. The entire process was overseen by Attilio Romano, a former member of the Ferrari technical team at Maranello. He spared no expense or extra work, and once the engine was reassembled, an extra two days were spent on dynamometer testing and checking for potential faults. That way, the V12 produces the same power and torque figures as it did 56 years ago.
We talk about 300 hp at 7,000 rpm and 335 Nm at 5,000 rpm. No details on how fast this restored Ferrari 330 GTC is, but we’re assuming it’s as fast as the original time, completing the 0-100km/h run in 7.0 seconds with a top speed of 245km/h. . Numbers not so spectacular today, but very commendable for the 1960s. Of course, the Bell Sport & Classic team also took care of disassembling and rebuilding the gearbox, although the process was not as “simple” as the restoration of the propeller.
The care and attention lavished on this build, going so far as to ensure that the fuel tanks were the correct color and that a C-pillar defroster vent matched the rest of the bodywork, has meant that this Ferrari 330 GTC won the first main prize at the Salón Privé Concours d’Elégance last month, a contest held at Blenheim Palace, in Oxfordshire, where it must have been a fiercely contested category.
Source: Bell Sport & Classic
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