Guide: Ferrari 330 America
Background
After the 250 GTE entered production in mid 1960, it went onto become the most commercially successful Ferrari to date.
The GTE’s four seat layout and day-to-day practicality attracted many new customers to the marque. By the time production ended in late 1963, 955 had been completed - nearly three times more than Ferrari’s next best-seller (the second series 250 GT Coupe).
Prior to the GTE being replaced by the 330 GT, a batch of 50 interim cars were built.
Named 330 America, this model was essentially a Series 3 GTE equipped with the four-litre engine that would be used in the 330 GT. This engine brought with it a useful dose of extra horsepower: 300bhp compared to 235bhp for the outgoing three-litre unit.
The 330 America was offered from late 1963 until Spring 1964. It was not given an official motor show debut.
The 330 America temporarily slotted into a Ferrari model line-up that comprised the recently introduced 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso (a two-seat fixed-head Coupe) and the flagship 400 Superamerica (which was available as a Coupe or Cabriolet). Customers that wanted to go GT racing were offered the second series 250 GTO. Those who needed four seats could opt for the 330 America.
Chassis
The 330 America used a GTE-spec. Tipo 508 E chassis with standard 2600mm wheelbase.
The GTE chassis was unique among Ferrari frames of the era as the engine was positioned further forwards to free up additional cockpit space. For the same reason, track was widened at either end compared to its contemporaries.
The chassis itself was fabricated from tubular steel.
Front suspension was independent via unequal length wishbones, coil springs and telescopic dampers. The back-end used a live rear axle with radius arms, semi-elliptical springs and more telescopic dampers.
Dunlop disc brakes were fitted all round along with 6 x 15-inch Borrani wire wheels normally shod with Pirelli tyres.
A 90-litre fuel tank was located underneath the boot floor.
Engine & Gearbox
Ferrari had previously used four-litre versions of the 60° Gioacchino Colombo V12 in both the 330 LM racing cars and the 400 Superamerica. Neither of these were volume models though, just half a dozen 330 LMs were built along with 47 of the Superamericas.
For this four-seat production model, the Tipo 163 engine as used in the 330 LM and 400 Superamerica was modified with a slightly longer block which allowed the cylinders to be positioned further apart. Other changes included less exotic materials like standard pistons, camshafts and connecting rods.
These interim motors were designated Tipo 209 B whereas those installed in the subsequent 330 GT were numbered Tipo 209.
Like the Tipo 163 motor, displacement of the all-alloy Tipo 209 B unit remained at 3967cc thanks to a bore and stroke of 77mm and 71mm respectively.
A single overhead camshaft per bank was employed along with two valves per cylinder, wet-sump lubrication, single plug ignition and two coils.
The compression ratio was 8.8:1 and three twin choke Weber 40 DCL carburettors were fitted.
The net result was 300bhp at 6600rpm and 240lb-ft at 5000rpm. For comparison, the outgoing 250 GTE produced 235bhp at 7000rpm and 245lb-ft at 5000rpm.
Transmission was one again via a four-speed synchromesh gearbox with electronic overdrive on top and a single plate clutch.
Bodywork
The 330 America was equipped with the body and interior from a Series 3 250 GTE.
Undoubtedly the most handsome GTE variant, the Series 3 differed from earlier iterations by way of its auxiliary driving lights mounted outside the front grille and single piece tail lights. It also came with thicker chrome bezels for the headlights.
Other than the addition of a 330 America badge on the boot lid, no cosmetic changes were made.
Designed and fabricated by Pininfarina, these bodyshells were manufactured almost entirely from steel with aluminium used only for the bonnet and boot lid.
Interior
The luxuriously appointed cockpit was a mix of fine leather, carpet and chrome.
It incorporated a body-coloured instrument panel upholstered with a padded black dash top and matching knee roll.
Directly behind the wood-rimmed three-spoked steering wheel were large read outs for engine and road speed. A smaller oil pressure gauge was positioned in between. Five additional read outs (oil temperature, water temperature, fuel, battery amps and a clock) were housed in the centre of the dash.
Most of the switchgear was located on a centre console that linked the dash to the transmission tunnel.
Leather was use to cover the seats, transmission tunnel, door panels and sidewalls. Beautiful chrome ashtrays were provided front and back.
With enough space to accommodate four adults in comfort, the 330 America had few rivals.
Weight / Performance
Top speed was a quoted 149mph while 0-62mph took seven seconds.
Each 330 America tipped the scales at around 1310kg.
Production
Only 50 330 Americas were built between late 1963 and early 1964.
All 50 were left-hand drive.
Chassis numbers ranged from 4953 GT to 5125 GT.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: RM Sotheby’s - https://rmsothebys.com/
