One to Buy: Hidden for 50 years - unrestored 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS
At the Paris Motor Show in October 1966, Ferrari unveiled an open top 330 GTS to sell alongside the fixed head GTC version launched six months prior.
The 330 GTS would replace Ferrari’s outgoing 275 GTS as a practical two-seat Convertible with a proper folding canvas roof and optional hard top. The other Ferrari drop top in the range was the ultra exclusive 365 California which was a grand 2+2 Convertible and one of the most expensive cars on the market.
Despite its handsome looks, excellent build quality and lusty performance, the 330 GTS was surprisingly not a commercial success; just 99 were built by the time production was discontinued in late 1968 compared to 600 examples of the GTC.
Today, as a consequence of its refined beauty and great scarcity, the 330 GTS has become one of the most sought after Convertibles of its era. Most have emerged from obscurity and been restored to their former glory as big values permit buyers to embark on open chequebook restorations.
However, currently on offer with Gullwing Motorcars in Astoria, New York, is an unrestored 330 GTS that has been hidden away for five decades.
In 1969, the recently married previous owner picked up a Road and Track magazine and saw a 330 GTS advertised in Milan, Italy. She asked her husband to go to Italy to buy the car as a honeymoon gift. He agreed and they imported the car back to the United States. In the early 1970's, she parked the matching numbers car in their California garage and left it alone hidden away from the rest of the world.
Reprinted below is Gullwing Motorcars’ description:
Vin: 25432
Year: 1967
Ext. Color: Red
Int. Color: Beige/Tan
One of just 99 examples produced
Vanished from public eye for five decades
Retains its matching numbers engine
May be the last unknown 330 GTS in existence
A preservation class car out of 50 year ownership
Documented by Ferrari historian Marcel Massini
1967 Ferrari 330 GTS Vanished from the Public Eye for Five Decades
This 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS is an extremely original matching numbers example just out of 50 year ownership.
It's been tucked away and hidden from the public eye for five decades. It may very well be the last unknown 330 GTS in existence. Red with tan leather interior.
A preservation class car that would benefit from mechanical commissioning at this time.
In 1969, the recently married previous owner picked up a Road and Track magazine and saw a 330 GTS advertised in Milan, Italy. She asked her husband to go to Italy to buy the car as a honeymoon gift to which he agreed and they imported the car back to the United States.
In the early 1970's, she parked the car in their California garage and left it alone hidden away from the rest of the world. As the saying goes, it is only original once. This is the most honest and original 330 GTS one will ever find.
The 330 GTS was designed with the intention of providing Ferrari’s best customers with the finest open-top motoring experience that money could buy. Fast, elegant, and practical, the 330 GTS left its lucky owners wanting for nothing and solidified Ferrari?s reputation as the finest builder of grand touring cars.
The Colombo-designed V-12 powerplant displaced four liters and was fed by three triple-choke Weber DCZ/6 carburetors. Period tests found the mill capable of 300 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 244 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. The increased power enabled a 0-60 mph sprint of around six seconds and a top speed approaching 150 mph.
Only 99 examples were built when production concluded in late 1968 compared to nearly 600 coupe versions, making it considerably rarer than its closed counterpart. This Ferrari 330 GTS is one of our most significant discoveries.
