Swinging '60s Spyder

With its powerful V12, the 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS Spyder was the epitome of mid-'60s Italian supercar styling

by John Apen

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The 330 Coupe was unveiled in Geneva in March 1966, while the seductive Spyder appeared at the Paris Auto Salon six months later. Styled and built by Pininfarina, the 330 GTC and GTS were new models to the range, rather than replacements.

The 330 GTS was a subtle blend of the 275 Spyder body with front end styling derived from the 400 Superamerica. The chassis was an extension of the 275 design, with the type 209 V12 engine originating in the 330 GT 2+2. Yet, whereas the 330 2+2 had an engine-mounted gearbox, the 330 coupe and Spyder followed the innovations of independent suspension and rear-mounted, 5-speed transaxle introduced on the 275 Berlinetta in 1964. But unlike the earlier 275 with its flexible open drive shaft, the 330 C and S had a torque tube driveshaft rigidly connecting the engine and transaxle.

Fitted with a characteristic, shallow egg crate grille, the 330 GTS was the epitome of mid-'60s Italian supercar styling. Top speed was over 150 mph, with a 0-60 time of 6.9 seconds. As for driving, in July 1967, Car & Driver summed up the experience in a 330 GTC by saying "Depress clutch...Turn ignition key. Give the gas a tiny, nervous touch. Oh my GOD!" Now, just bump that up a notch or two for the GTS.

With its powerful V12, the Ferrari 330 GTC and GTS earned the appellation of being one of the finest road-going Ferraris built up to that time. The full convertible GTS only adds to that impression. Only 99 330 convertibles were built from late 1966 through the fall of 1968, making this sale an opportunity to become the owner of a low-production open Ferrari.

This 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS, in Rosso Corsa, has been driven sparingly since joining the Ponder collection, and remains in well-maintained cosmetic and mechanical condition. It was treated to an extensive restoration some time ago, and as a result, the interior and engine bay are in impressive condition. The burled wood dash is lovely, the instrumentation is crisp, and the wood-rimmed steering wheel looks like new. The black and red leather upholstery, though not factory correct, is equally presentable and shows only limited wear.

Under the hood, the Ferrari's V12 looks as though it was recently restored, as it is very nicely detailed. The 330 GTS has amassed 27,703 miles, which is believed to be accurate. It comes with a proper tool kit as well as the owner's manual. Each year, these models continue to appreciate in value and desirability, and their price has become relatively reasonable given the increases in many other Ferrari models.

The SCM Analysis

This convertible sold for $418,000 at RM's April 2007 auction at the Gene Ponder estate in Marshall, Texas. The price fell below that of comparable cars at some recent auctions and came at the low end of the estimate. On the other hand, close to a half-million isn't small change. But what makes these Spyders worth close to a half-million?

If you must have a true convertible V12 Ferrari of the pre-2000 era, and $500,000 is your limit, your choices are limited. The PF Cab Series II, the 275 GTS, and the 330 GTS are the only ones you can afford. This is a total production of 500 cars, of which approximately 470 are extant. This is not a large number; Chevrolet built 14,436 Corvette Sting Ray convertibles in 1967.

The 330 GTS was the most mechanically advanced of these three Ferraris, with sparkling performance, although visually it lacks the striking covered headlights of the earlier 275 GTB coupes. The 330 GTS has all the 275 Berlinetta chassis specs, clothed in a superbly built Pininfarina body with a/c and power windows. As Road & Track said in August 1968, "Though the 330 GTS is a luxurious car...it's a Ferrari sports car through and through."

A great everyday Ferrari

These make a great "everyday" car, if your budget runs to such luxury. As Dyke Ridgley, ex-President of the Ferrari Club and Spyder owner for 40 years, said in an article in 2000, "these are really pleasant cars...they have one of the best folding tops ever made. It's the Ferrari we take if we just want a pleasant drive in the country."