1968 | Ferrari 330 GTS

Highlights

Retaining its matching-numbers chassis, engine and gearbox

Recently refinished in its fabulous original shade of Argento

Upholstered with period-correct Rosso Connolly leather

Accompanied by its tool roll, jack set, spare wheel and leather documents pouch

Delivered new to the United States where it’s remained ever since, as documented in a comprehensive report produced by the acclaimed Ferrari historian Marcel Massini

The 86th of only 100 330 GTSs examples built, making it among history’s most exclusive open 12-cylinder Ferraris

Delivered new to Luigi Chinetti Motors, specified with the optional Borrani wire wheels and air-conditioning

A well-known car in American Ferrari circles, having been exhibited at a plethora of prestigious events over the years

Featured in the official Ferrari calendar by Gunther Raupp in 2014

Featured in the official Ferrari calendar by Gunther Raupp in 2014

The Ferrari 330 GTS

Really, we have the Americans’ propensity for convertibles to thank for existence of Pininfarina’s drop-dead-gorgeous Ferrari 275 and subsequent 330 GTS. When it introduced the sultry closed-coupé 275 GTB in Paris in 1964, Ferrari knew a less sporty open-top version of its flagship 12-cylinder model would appeal to the lucrative American market.

While visually (not technically) different to its closed counterpart, the GTS is no less striking. Its styling is perhaps more akin to the preceding 250 GT California Spyder, though is certainly more modern in the crispness of its line. Its pert Kamm tail is particularly satisfying from an aesthetic point of view.

The most obvious upgrade to the succeeding 330 GTS was the enlarged four-litre variant of the Colombo V12, which lends the car the tractability, power and versatility truly befitting an open Ferrari Gran Turismo.

Chassis no. 11027

Chassis number 11027 left the Ferrari factory in February of 1968, bound for Luigi Chinetti’s eponymous dealership in Connecticut. It was finished in the elegant shade of Argento over a Nero Franzi leather interior and equipped with optional Borrani wire wheels and air-conditioning.

This 330 GTS’s early history can be clearly traced thanks to the popular Ferrari Market Letter, which was distributed across America. After spells in Virginia and Wisconsin, chassis number 11027 was treated to a comprehensive restoration in 1984. The project was clearly executed at a very high level, for the car was awarded the ‘Best of Show’ award at the Ferrari Newport Concours in both 1985 and 1986. That was followed by a further ‘Best of Show’ award at the 1987 SCCA Concours in New York.

The 1990s saw this 330 GTS change hands a further number of times. Chassis number 11027 returned to the American concours circuit in the 2000s. It made its debut showing at Cavallino Classic in 2005 – the first of three appearances at the premier American Ferrari concours. It was also restored once again, this time by Steve Tillack & Co. in California in 2014. That very same year, the car was photographed by Gunther Raupp for the official Ferrari Calendar.

Satisfied with the condition, originality and provenance of this Ferrari, we at Girardo & Co. acquired chassis 11027 in California in the summer of 2023 and promptly delivered it to Classiche Performance Restorations Inc. in Arizona. The brief was simple: to return the car to its original shade of Argento, reupholster the interior with period-correct red Connolly leather and rebuild the Becker Europa stereo. The works totaled over 115,000 US dollars.

With only 100 examples of the 330 GTS ever built, there are few more exclusive models with which to join the 12-cylinder Ferrari owners’ club. Chassis number 11027 is a fabulous car, boasting its matching-numbers chassis, engine and gearbox; a clear American provenance verified by the acclaimed Ferrari historian Marcel Massini; and all-round top-tier condition thanks to its recent paint and upholstery works. It’s also accompanied by its tool roll, jack set, spare wheel and leather documents pouch.

Having enjoyed this Ferrari first-hand during this year’s Monterey Car Week and experienced that buttery-smooth Colombo V12 and, of course, the hypnotic fashion in which its beauty captures the attention of passersby, chassis 11027 is a car that we’d very much like to keep. If only…

Price Upon Application