330 GT Registry

VOL. 3 NO. 9  6 MAY 1978

FERRARI 330 GT 2+2

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to drive a friend’s 330 GT 2+2 on a trip. This was my first chance to sample an example of the type over an extended period and a. long distance, and. I was impressed. Like many other Ferraristi I was not an ardent admirer of the type. It was not the 2+2 configuration which bothered me--I like 250’s with the same number of seats; it was not the styling--although I will admit that the later “single headlight” version was an improvement. My problem, I realized, was that I considered the type an anachronism when it was in production. At a time when other Ferraris had four-wheel independent suspension and rear-mounted transaxles, the 330 GT 2+2 still had a live rear axle and traditional engine/transmission unit up front.

While not really changing all of my notions on the type, my trip did change my image of the 330 GT 2+2. I realized I had been comparing it with its sporty contemporaries-- the 275 GTB, 275 and 330 GTS, and 330 GTC--and missing the type’s true forte as a grand touring car. My trip was made in convoy with six other Ferraris, all more sophisticated types, and my borrowed mount had no problem running with the herd at the rather high speeds we were traveling. In the process I was also more comfortable than some of my fellow travelers, and the only ones who had an advantage over me were those with air conditioning. My estimated gas mileage for the trip was 18 miles-per-gallon, and we ran at well above the legal 55 miles-per-hour

When the first of the new body style 330 GT 2+2’s was completed on December 31, 1963, it represented the current state of Ferrari art--virtually, the mechanical layout as the 250 GTE 2+2 but with a larger (4-liter vs. 3-liter) engine. During its production run, which extended into 1967, it underwent numerous refinements. The four-speed+overdrive transmission gave way to a five-speed; air conditioning and power steering were made available; the engine driven cooling fan was replaced by electric fans; the unpopular four- headlight body style was revamped; etc.

Approximately 625 of the four-headlight version were made, some of the later ones having the five-speed gearbox and other mechanical improvements, and 460 of the two-head light or “single .headlight’ per side versions came off the line. The serial number range was from approximately 5263 through 10181 according to our files. Because of these large (for Ferrari) production figures, as well as the type’s low appeal in comparison with other Ferraris of  the same vintage, the 330 GT 2+2 has for some years represented one of the better buys for a first Ferrari. Many of today’s avid Ferraristi got their start with one. While the 250’s were cheaper, they were also older and consequently more likely to have major mechanical ills.

A survey of asking prices over the past two years, as well as this year to date, reveals that prices are still low, but like all Ferraris, appreciating as well.

The 330 GT 2+2 was also featured in Ferrari Market Letter, 28 February 1976 (Vol. 1 No. 5), and was road tested in Sports Car Graphic, August 1964 issue, and Driver March 1965 issue. This latter test was the famous comparison test with Pontiac’s 2+2.

Edited by: Gerald Roush   850 Maxey Hill Court   Stone Mountain GA 30083

© 1978 G. Roush