Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 126
1966 Ferrari 330GT 2+2 Coupe Coachwork by Pininfarina Chassis no. 8379 Engine no. 8379
Sold for US$318,500 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 126
1966 Ferrari 330GT 2+2 Coupe
1966 Ferrari 330GT 2+2 Coupe
Coachwork by Pininfarina
Chassis no. 8379
Engine no. 8379
Coachwork by Pininfarina
Chassis no. 8379
Engine no. 8379
3,967cc SOHC V12 Engine
3 Weber Carburetors
300bhp at 7,000rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Originally owned by singer Pat Boone
*Original California black plate car
*Factory-delivered in Blu Scuro with power windows
*History report by Marcel Massini
THE FERRARI 330GT 2+2
Ferrari firmly established itself as a "volume" manufacturer with the 250 series, following nearly a decade of producing mere handfuls of cars at a time. Of course even then the numbers built hardly qualified as "mass production" but the concept was still a big move for the builder of exotic Italian sports cars. The introduction of the Pininfarina-designed 250GTE in 1959 added a genuine 2+2 grand tourer to the range, a car suitable for the mature businessman. It delivered both the performance and creature comforts required to cover thousands of kilometers of autostrada in speed and subtle, elegant, style.
The 250GTE was succeeded by the interim 330 America, which featured an enlarged 4.0-liter engine and then by the 330GT 2+2 Series I in 1964. The 330GT was updated in 1965 when the Series II models arrived. Its five-speed gearbox, alloy wheels and more resolved dual headlight frontal appearance set it firmly apart. Production ran until 1967, with 474 built.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This well-maintained mid-production Series II example claims both former celebrity ownership and a trouble-free life in California, combining for particularly strong provenance. Chassis no. 08379 was completed at the Maranello factory in early 1966, equipped as a U.S.-specification example with instruments in miles, and optioned with power windows.
Distributed to Luigi Chinetti Motors in New York, this car was first sold to Charles Eugene "Pat" Boone, the popular singer of the late 1950s who rivaled Elvis Presley for number-one radio hits. The car was delivered to Mr. Boone's Beverly Hills home, and is believed to have remained in California for the balance of its life. The Ferrari still wears a genuine California black license plate that was likely issued in the late 1960s, suggesting that it has been continuously registered in the Golden State for over forty years.
In late 2001, the 330GT was purchased in a nicely maintained state by collector Ness Hamaoui of Los Angeles, and it is believed that Mr. Hamaoui commissioned a refinish of the exterior in the original Blu Scuro (dark blue). Eight years later, the engine was rebuilt by the esteemed Blackhorse Motors of Los Angeles, and less than 1,000 miles have accrued since. Around 2012, the 330 also received a new cuoio (dark brown) interior, and all cosmetic improvements continue to present strongly.
Acquired by the consignor from Bonhams in 2014, the Ferrari has continued to be sympathetically enjoyed and regularly maintained with pride of place in his collection.
It is rare to encounter a 330GT 2+2 that has been treated to such a high level of attention. Accompanied by books and a partial reproduction toolkit, this handsome Series II example is desirably equipped with power windows, an option that had been unavailable on Series I cars. With its fascinating former ownership by the great Pat Boone and long life in California's forgiving climate, this car promises a warm reception at FCA corrals and Concours d'Elegance events, and stands to duly appreciate over time given the increasing cachet of the 330GT model line.
Saleroom notices
The books and a partial reproduction toolkit will not accompany this lot.
Additional information
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