Fantasy Junction

Description

1964 Ferrari 275/330 GTC Prototipo
Chassis No. – 6431
Engine No. – 6431
Red with Black Leather Interior

Highlights of this 330 GTC

- The Singular Ferrari Maranello Factory Prototipo 275/330 GTC
- Documented by Marcel Massini, Copies of Factory Build Sheets, Various Articles, and noted in Numerous Ferrari Books

History of This Prototipo 275/330 GTC

This example is documented and recognized by Ferrari historians and marque experts to be the singular internal development prototype for the 330 GTC. According to copies of the build sheets, this chassis was assembled from December 9, 1964 – July 25, 1965, and shipped to Carrozzeria Pininfarina on July 25, 1965. Once completed at Pininfarina, the car was retained by Ferrari in Maranello, where, according to Ferrari expert historian Marcel Massini, it underwent extensive factory testing, reportedly including evaluation by Enzo Ferrari himself. Distinguished by assembly sequence number (no. 1) and Pininfarina body number (99607), this prototype is referenced in authoritative marque citations, including Angelo Tito Anselmi’s Le Ferrari di Pininfarina, Jess Pourret’s Ferrari 275 GTB – 275 GTS – 275 GTB-4A, and Maurice Khawam’s Ferrari 330 GTC: Elegance and Pedigree.

Originally constructed using a 275 chassis, the first Maranello development and engineering tests may have originally been performed with a 275 engine prior to the 330 engine installation which was later installed. The original 330 type 209 engine fitted to the car was a 4-mount block design, consistent with all 275 GTS chassis. The car also originally was outfitted with an open driveshaft, and the corresponding transaxle was mounted at two points in front and hung from one point at the rear. After the Maranello factory testing and engineering development work concluded, this 275/330 prototipo was comprehensively rebuilt by the Ferrari factory to 330 GTC mechanical specifications consistent with production for the 330 GTC series. Upon completion in December 1966, Ferrari issued the official Certificate of Origin for this car, selling it in 1967 to the first private owner, Carlo Bombieri of Milan. When delivered, 6431 was finished in Rosso Cina (China Red) trimmed with black leather upholstery, equipped with Borletti air-conditioning, Campagnolo cast alloy wheels, and metric instrumentation. Surprisingly, even after Ferrari concluded their testing, the car retained numerous unique factory prototype features as it began its 60 year history of enthusiast ownership.

Registered in January 1967 as “MI D28441,” chassis 6431 was maintained by Ferrari’s Assistenza Clienti department in Modena through May 1971, having accumulated approximately 32,000 km. Sig. Bombieri retained ownership until June 1982, until the car was sold to Francesco Santovetti of Rome, subsequently remaining in Italy until 1993, until it was exported to Italian Motors Ltd. of Hong Kong. After a brief period with Kowloon-based collector Danny Chow, 6431 joined a private collection of one-off, custom-bodied, and special-series 1950s and 60s era Ferraris where it remained for nearly three decade. Under current stewardship, 6431 was serviced by Ferrari expert Patrick Ottis who installed a set of spark plugs, rebuilt the Koni front shock absorbers with new spring struts (dyno tested), installed four new Koni shock silent bloc bushings, serviced front ball joints, and corrected both the front and rear spring height for proper stance.

Rarely released from internal factory engineering, a Ferrari prototype of any distinction is a remarkable find. And, in the case of 6431, it retains numerous wholly unique development and engineering features that distinguish it from a standard production 330 GTC. Remarkably, as most factory development prototypes are retained for further examination and testing for future updates to the model line, 6431 today retains these desirable factory traits as developed in 1964 and tested at Maranello through 1966, now beautifully preserved and maintained for the next fortunate owner.

Unique 275/330 Prototipo Exterior and Interior Differences
· The hood has a raised center line rib similar to the 275 GTS.
· The front valance is sculpted with a lower profile surrounding the radiator and lacks the chin spoiler on later the 330 GTC.
· The chrome front bumpers are joined by a tubular section along the upper part of the grill creating a unique design.
· Thinner metal construction is noted for the bumpers.
· There is no prancing horse mounted to the grille center.
· The trunk opens with a push-button located below the back edge of the trunk lid similar to the 275 GTS.
· The hood safety catch is similar to the 275 type.
· The dashboard lacks a glovebox.
· There are no wood treatments on the dashboard.
· A Pininfarina emblem is mounted on the passenger side of the dashboard.
· The gauge layout is similar to the 275 GTS - Oil Temperature & Oil Pressure are center mounted between the tachometer and speedometer, while the Water Temperature, Amp, Fuel, and Clock are centered to the right of the driver.
· An oil pressure light is mounted in the center of the primary instrument cluster directly in front of the driver.
· Vent levers are in different locations than the production 330 GTC.
· Only five toggle switches are mounted on the center console.
· Dual rally-style watches are located in place of the 330 GTC radio location.
· The center console shift gate design is longer with a larger surface area around the power window switches.
· The power window switches are mounted on a flat raised panel in the center console between the seats, surrounded by a chrome plate with a pull out cigarette lighter.
· A floor mounted 275 emergency brake lever is mounted on the floor and pulls back towards the driver.
· A pleated rear seat is in place where the production 330 GTC is fitted with a luggage shelf.

Unique 275/330 Prototipo Engine Compartment Distinctions
· The air cleaner housing displays engineering construction variations to find optimal shape and size. Early production cars had a similar air cleaner, but were adjusted so the unit was lower, wider, and more forward fit while removing the indentation evident on the right rear portion.
· Copper lines are used for the hydraulic systems to facilitate easy mounting and adjustment when locating the lines.
· The lower cross member behind the clutch bell housing was relocated to accommodate a longer 330 engine in the chassis with a new block and transaxle mounting system. This important development reduced cabin noise and vibration inside the car.
· The ignition cables are externally mounted and placed along the cam cover. These cables were eventually concealed in a tube along the bottom of the cam cover.
· Different type brake booster design with the vacuum line exiting the master cylinder rather than the booster itself.
· Different sized hydraulic reservoir.

General History of the Ferrari 330 GTC

Unveiled in 1966 at the Geneva Auto Show, the Ferrari 330 GTC was a fresh departure from earlier Ferrari designs. Motoring press immediately celebrated these cars as among the most refined road machines Ferrari had ever produced, offering driving characteristics substantially ahead of contemporary sports cars. The V12 engine was part of the ongoing development of the impressive Colombo derived series, with wider bore spacing, displacing 4.0 liters, and generating 300hp. A torque tube connected the engine to the rear-mounted transaxle, optimizing weight distribution and improving handling. Girling ventilated disc brakes at all four corners, independent front and rear suspension, and a 5-speed rear mounted transaxle, resulted in exceptionally fine road holding, fantastic acceleration, and reliable road use, even in daily traffic. Although these were quite popular when released, just 598 330 GTCs were produced between 1966 and 1968.

Condition and Presentation

Today this exceptional Ferrari 275/330 GTC Prototipo offers excellent finishes throughout. The vivid red finish is smooth, glossy, and highlights the features of this singular example including the unique center ridge line on the hood, distinct grille design, unique front valance, and prototypical bumper treatment. The body lines are in excellent condition, as are the panel gaps, while the doors, hood, and trunk all open and close properly. The chrome is in excellent condition, and the beautifully finished aluminum grille, chrome grille surround, and hand formed bumpers are further examples of both the original prototypical handcrafted components and restoration artistry. Glass and lighting are all in excellent condition throughout. A set of correct Campagnolo cast alloy wheels are beautifully finished and accented by chrome-plated triple ear knock offs. All four wheels are outfitted with period-correct Michelin 205 VR14 XWX tires. The delicately sculpted trunk line and chrome rear bumpers are matched with a pair of properly extended quad-tip ANSA exhaust finishing the distinctively tailored rear profile of this beautiful GTC.

The interior offers a rare combination of elegance and sporting presence enhanced by correct leather finishes and distinct Ferrari features capturing numerous prototype details found only on this singular example. The black leather seats are correctly trimmed with straight piping and correct pleat lines including the rear seating area unique to this GTC. The inner door panels, center console, and headliner are not only correctly featured but also highlight the prototype instrumentation, rally clock, and distinct gauge orientation as part of the factory design and engineering development for the 330 GTC. The iconic wood rim steering wheel fronts high contrasting instruments offering excellent color and luster. The trunk compartment is trimmed with low pile black carpet with matching black side panels and a removable floor panel concealing a full sized spare tire nestled in the original spare tire tub.

Under the hood, the theme of excellence and expert detailing continues with the engine and engine compartment displaying correctly finished components and hardware accompanied by unique prototype features. The multiple Weber carbureted engine is topped with a prototype air cleaner, correctly contoured hoses, proper fasteners, and correctly applied hardware per original Ferrari specifications, with the noted exceptions as part of the development nature of this prototype GTC. The underside of the car is clean and properly maintained though not restored for show. Engine and transaxle casings are in very good condition, factory style dual exhaust and mufflers are correct, though aged, and proper factory suspension, ventilated disc brakes, and other details are representative of Ferrari factory specifications that would culminate in 330 GTC production.

The car starts and runs, although the carburates exhibit rough transition from the primaries to secondaries, with better results on full throttle when warm. The engine appears fundamentally healthy but will benefit from additional adjustments should the next owner wish to engage in more regular driving. The fuel gauge is not currently functional, but the other features operate as expected. Best of all, as a singular prototype, one is immediately enchanted by the aura of “il Commendatore” having spent considerable hours piloting this car, evaluating the driving traits, deriving the refinements for production, and recording his delight in having achieved yet another pinnacle of motoring excellence. Please note that while this car was built in 1964, it was retained at the Ferrari, Maranello factory for testing and development through 1966. It was not officially sold to the public until 1967 and therefore is titled under that year.

The Ferrari 330 GTC rightfully occupies an important place in the growth of excellence Ferrari established in their road cars. Rarely seen let alone available in private hands, this 275/330 GTC Prototipo offers a unique view on the design and development of one of the most exciting sports cars of the Enzo era with the added distinctions of documented ownership, preservation, restoration, and undeniable provenance.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608