Ferrari 330 GT 2+2

The Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 was built in two series, which differed mainly from the optical groups of the headlights. In the first, produced from 1964 to 1965, there were four, while in the second, produced from 1965 to 1967, there were only two. The first series was presented at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1964, and replaced the 250 GT 2 + 2. It was designed by Pininfarina (Tom Tjaarda) who studied a model with a longer wheelbase of 50 mm and with the space for the rear passengers wider, The Ferrari 330 GT 2+2: Ferrari’s handsome and understated four-seat 250 GTE has only recently caught the attention and respect of collectors, despite it quietly being one of the most important cars in Ferrari’s history. Not only was it one of Maranello’s first commercially successful products, but it also marked the turning point for the company from boutique manufacturer to a full-fledged road car company. Prior to the GTE, most of Ferrari’s road cars were thinly disguised racing cars, built primarily to fund the competition department. However, the GTE proved to the world that there was sufficient demand for a luxurious, refined Grand Touring car with room for four and that Ferrari could deliver a spectacular product. Over 950 examples of the 250 GTE were built between 1960 and 1963. Ferrari’s line of 2+2 “gentleman’s express” GT cars have long been a vital part to the company’s success, and the spirit of these 1960s models is carried through today’s front-engine four-seat supercars. Building on the momentum of the GTE, Ferrari’s road car range expanded and was refined into the mid-1960s. The legendary 250 series had reached the end of development, and a new series was due to replace it. One of the first models to wear the new “330” badge (along with its 4-liter engine) was the 330 America. The 330 America was little more than a modified GTE with the new four-liter V12 that served as an interim model until an all-new replacement debuted. In January of 1964, the new 330 GT 2+2 was unveiled at the Brussels show. Aside from the larger 4-liter engine, the 330 GT was larger and featured crisp modern styling penned by Tom Tjaarda for Pininfarina. Like the GTE before it, the Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 was understated, sophisticated, and elegant. The powerful new engine was mated to a four-speed gearbox with overdrive, and the chassis featured disc brakes and Koni adjustable dampers at all four corners. Later in production, the Series II was introduced with some mechanical changes and simplified styling that seemed to lose some of the charm of the original four-headlight Series I. Photo courtesy of Hyman Ltd.