Lot details
• Certified by Ferrari Classiche
• Full, high-quality restoration by Cremonini, Toni Auto, RBBC and Maieli
• One of only 99 cars built
• Five recorded owners from new
• Previously owned by the world's No. 1 golfer, Greg Norman
• No reserve
Compared with the 275 GTS which it replaced in 1966, the Ferrari 330 GTS (like the 330 GTC coupé version) had a slimmer radiator grille recalling the Superamerica model and a further developed powertrain. As well as a more powerful 4-litre engine (producing 300bhp at 7000rpm), its transmission was modified: the rear transaxle was now connected to the engine by means of a torque tube, which made it possible to reduce vibrations and avoid frequent checks of the prop shaft alignment. Naturally, it retained its character as an understated and elegant GT which was quick and comfortable. Without doubt, it is one of the most discreet Ferrari convertibles, with a design whose purity has rarely been matched.
One of the characteristics of the car we are presenting, one of the jewels in the W Collection, is its low ownership. Another distinctive point is that it was sold new in the United States through Modern Classic Motors in Reno, Nevada, the dealership owned by Bill Harrah, who was famed for his spectacular car collection. An amusing detail is that Harrah was also behind a special version of the 330 GTS equipped with a targa-style roof, with a roll bar, removable roof panel and a very narrow rear screen.
This 330 GTS Spider left the factory in 1967 and is the 72nd of the 99 cars built. Finished in red with a black leather interior, the car was delivered new to its first owner, George Zenzefilis, from Camarillo in California, who kept it for five years before selling it in 1972 to Robert Sengleman from Westlake Village, also in California. Particularly attached to his car, Sengleman used it for 18 years and then consigned it to Barrett-Jackson for sale at auction in Arizona in January 1990. Between 1990 and 1995, it was registered in New York and belonged to the Australian golf legend Greg Norman, who had a collection of Ferraris at the time. From 1995, it was owned by a Californian enthusiast, whose identity remains confidential, and it was with the help of one of his close friends that our client acquired the car in 2014. He is therefore its fifth owner, a particularly low number for such a lengthy period. At the time, the car had 75,364 miles on the odometer, which was probably its mileage from new.
After buying the car, he sent it to Italy, and, more precisely, to Toni Auto in Maranello, a firm established in 1975 by Franco Toni, a former mechanic in the competition department at Ferrari who had also worked for the Francorchamps Garage, Ferrari’s distributor in Belgium. Silvano, Franco’s son, joined his father and Toni Auto built up a strong reputation in the restoration of Ferraris. The 330 GTS was therefore entrusted to them for a complete restoration. The well-preserved body was stripped to bare metal by the RBBC workshop, before being sent to the Carrozzeria Cremonini near Modena, another workshop with extensive experience in restoration. The colour chosen was ‘Blu Notte Metallizzato’ (code M18943), a dark blue which was perfectly suited to the magnificent lines of its bodywork and which Staffan Wittmark also chose for his 330 GTC. The chassis and internal body panels were painted in the correct black satin finish, while all the chrome trim received particular attention.
Alongside the work on the body, Toni Auto undertook the mechanical restoration of the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, steering and electrical system. Once all the components had been refitted, the car was sent to Interni Auto Maieli at Canedole di Roverbella, for all the upholstery work. The interior was completely restored using beige Connolly Vaumol leather (code VM 3218), combined with dark blue carpets and a new black fabric hood. A set of Borrani RW 4039 chrome wire wheels put the finishing touch to the exceptional presentation of this 330 GTS, which was meticulously checked and prepared by Toni Auto.
It comes with the owner’s manual in its document wallet and, like all the cars in the W Collection, a substantial history file, its Ferrari Classiche certification and a book specially produced to present the car’s history and photographs of the different stages in its restoration. Specially chosen by its owner to take part in the meeting organised by Ferrari in September 2017 to celebrate the company’s 70th anniversary, it offers the enthusiast the opportunity to acquire a magnificent example of one of the most beautiful Ferrari convertibles ever made.
