330 GT Registry

The lowly 330 GT 2+2 has been much-maligned throughout the history of Ferrari. It has been among the least desirable models, but then again most of the 2+2 Ferraris have not enjoyed the status many others enjoy.

It’s not exciting like a SWB Berlinetta or a Daytona. It doesn’t have the lines of a 275 GTB. There is not an open-air version like a 275 or 330 GTS. So, what could be special about this often overlooked at Ferrari?

As a gentleman’s 2+2 Ferrari, it is preceded by the 250 GTE. The 250 GTE was created as an extension of the 250 GT line of cars. By the time GTE production ended, Ferrari had built 950 examples, the most prolific model built to date.

Clearly there was a market for a Ferrari that could be used in the Grand Touring role without intruding into exclusive Superamerica territory. An everyman’s Ferrari that was weathertight, able to be driven to the store, or work and back, that also provided a level of performance above most other manufacturers.

The upwardly mobile businessman could enjoy the fruits of success in a luxurious sports car. A company as small as Ferrari surely took notice at the volume of GTEs sold and recognized it as the most popular model available.

If taken in a broad sense all of the 250 GT cars are nearly identical. While the 250 GT Boano/Ellena model does share much with the 250 GT PF Coupe, the PF Coupe is the beginning. While the Coupe enjoyed the improvements and advancement of design, every model after the PF Coupe carried the same configuration.

The basic ladder frame, the front suspension, solid rear axle with leaf springs, even the 3-liter V-12 engine, did not change throughout the rest of the 250 GT series. Whether a PF Coupe or a 250 Lusso, many of the components will interchange. Because they are so similar explains why so many 250 GT models have been rebodied into GTOs and TRs.

So, what does this have to do with the 330 GT 2+2?

The last fifty GTE bodies had a larger engine installed. The V-12 engine was improved and enlarged to 4-liters, making the individual cylinder capacity 330 cc. Thus the 330 Tipo 209 engine. While the increased capacity improved performance, the body design needed to be updated.

Pininfarina created a design that took styling cues from others in the day. The four headlights set into the fenders was a modern look for the early 1960s. It was a conventional look for its day and while other areas of the car would hold up well into the future, the headlight treatment was not exciting.

The 330 GT was made from 1964 through 1967 and incorporates the most changes to any Ferrari throughout the production run. Until Daytona production ended in 1973, the 330 GT was produced in the largest numbers to date with 1,080 built.

The number of 330 GT cars built is misleading. Yes, there were 1,080 built, but there were many mechanical changes during production and two distinct

body changes. I will analyze what makes these mundane 2+2s unique.

The chassis of the 330 GT followed the same design philosophy started with the 250 GT series. The tubular ladder frame contained independent front suspension with coil springs and cast aluminum control arms. The rear axle was solid, and it was located by radius rods and leaf springs. These features would stay with the model throughout the production run.

Braking was accomplished with disc brakes using Dunlop calipers on all four wheels. So far, the new 330 GT was similar mechanically to the 250 GTE.

Once we get past this basic platform, the 330 GT begins to get complicated. There are two distinct body styles, different dash materials, two different transmissions, different braking systems and numerous refinements in creature comforts. We will review all of them.

For extra credit, the engines of all Series I have a belt-driven water pump. It is located up high at the front of the engine. Again, all Series I cars have a belt-driven water pump but not all Series I have a water pump driven by a belt. See isn’t this fun?

Quick review, the short version. If it has four headlights and the brake and clutch pedals go into the floor, it’s a 330 GT 2+2 Series I.

Interim models have some of the features of the Series II but still retain the Series I body. All Interim cars have the four-headlight body style. Externally they look identical. The first serial number is 6911 GT and there were 124 made. The last serial number is 7547 GT. All the Interim models were built in 1965.

The interior is the same except all Interim cars have a wood dash. The column switches also give away the Interim model. There are only two stalks on the left side of the column. The overdrive switch is missing because Ferrari switched to a full five-speed transmission.

The other change was moving the pedal assembly to hang from the dash. This change also means the master cylinder is moved to the firewall. When looking into the engine compartment, the master cylinder and booster assembly are mounted on the firewall. The reservoirs will be small rectangular units with three separate containers, one each for front and rear brake circuits and the third for the hydraulic clutch system.

Extra credit for observing the water pump is now driven internally by the timing chain. This eliminates the possibility of having a belt problem causing an overheat to the engine.

For extra credit, the engines of all Series I have a belt-driven water pump. It is located up high at the front of the engine. Again, all Series I cars have a belt-driven water pump but not all Series I have a water pump driven by a belt. See isn’t this fun?

Quick review, the short version. If it has four headlights and the brake and clutch pedals go into the floor, it’s a 330 GT 2+2 Series I.

Interim and Series II three small reservoirs

The Series II body was updated to have a single headlight on each fender. This resulted in a cleaner look and a more timeless design. The first serial number is 7553 GT built near the end of 1965 and the last Series II built is 10193 GT in early 1967.

For the most part the Series II cars have all the mechanical features of the Interim model. There are some details in the interior that were updated. Switches for the fuel pump and lights were moved from the center of the dash over to the side between the steering column and the door.

Series II cars also received options like power steering and air conditioning. Electric windows had always been an option but most of the Series II cars came with electric windows.

Typical of Ferrari, improvements are continual. Of the many cars Ferrari has built, there is not another model that has had so many changes or been more diverse in its production run.

While it may seem the 330 GT 2+2 was built in large numbers compared to other models, there are enough variations to make each unique. Another problem with the 330 GT model is its lack of a sophisticated chassis. The chassis lends itself similar enough to a GTO or TR that many have been converted into replicas.

This trait was both a blessing and a curse. For many years the value was so low on 2+2s many suffered from lack of maintenance and rusted away. Salvaging the chassis and engine to be converted into a replica has saved many that would have disappeared forever.

Thank goodness values have reached a point where restoration has become a viable option.