1966 marked the debut of the Ferrari 330 GTS (Gran Turismo Spider), the convertible version of the Ferrari 330 GTC that is one of the most breathtaking Ferraris that takes the refined design of the 330 GTC, combining it with a soft top that complements its body lines. Like the Ferrari 330 GTC, the Ferrari 330 GTS was loved for its refined design and quiet ride since Ferrari V12s were some of the loudest engines with the loudest exhausts. It's rumored that the Ferrari 330 GTC and GTS were the first Ferraris you could use a radio in due to the quieter engine and exhaust. However, a quieter ride and exhaust that the Ferrari 330 GTS was an underperformer with reduced power output. Under the hood is a longitudinally placed V12 capable of 300 horsepower during production time. For 1966, that was a lot, considering a few cars met the 250 horsepower threshold. Ferrari used the Series II Ferrari 330 GTC body instead of the Series I, which sparked a bit of controversy due to its front quad-headlight front fascia. This led to more sales, probably more than the Ferrari 330 GTC sales if Ferrari had made more Ferrari 330 GTSs. Again, Pininfarina was behind the design and construction of the bodywork, with Ferrari doing the rest, a collaboration that produced some of the greatest Ferraris not only in the 1960s but also in the following years. The exclusivity of the Ferrari 330 GTS stems from its rarity since the Ferrari 330 GTS production numbers don't even match half of the Ferrari 330 GTCs sold. Finding one for sale for less than 2 million dollars is highly unlikely since most sell for more than that. How many Ferrari 330 GTSs did Ferrari make? Read on to find out.
Ferrari unveiled the Ferrari 330 GTS in October 1966 at the Paris Salon, a few months after they had unveiled the 330 GTC coupe at the Geneva Salon. Like the 330 GTC, the Ferrari 330 GTS was built to take over from the Ferrari 275, but in its case, being a convertible, the Ferrari 275 GTS is the convertible version of the Ferrari 275 GTB. Ferrari had already re-tweaked the chassis from the 275 GTB, using it in the Ferrari 330 GTC, so all they added to the Ferrari 330 GTS is a retractable soft top. Designed and built by Pininfarina at their works in Turin, the Ferrari 330 GTS resembles the 330 GTC, designed and built after the Ferrari 275 GTB and the Ferrari 500 Superfast. The Ferrari 330 GTS also uses the same engine and suspension among other drivetrain components from the 330 GTC, which not only ensured low production cost during production but also enabled Ferrari to carry over the raw and engaging driving experience of the Ferrari 330 GTC onto the Ferrari 330 GTS. After Pininfarina did their finest work on the Ferrari 330 GTS, completed units would be delivered at Ferrari's plant in Maranello, Italy, where Ferrari would fit the mechanical components. All units were produced between 1966, and despite the two-year production run, Ferrari could only make 100 Ferrari 330 GTS units, which is almost six times less than the number of Ferrari 330 GTCs made within the same period.
Enzo Ferrari's devotion to V12 engines became the heartbeat of his automotive legacy, symbolizing his unwavering passion for performance. Using any other engine was foreign to him, and even though he caved into V8 and V6 engines, he was relentless at first. The Ferrari 330 GTS is among the early pioneers of refined V12 engines. Its 4.0-liter triple carburetor V12 under its sloping hood sends power to the rear wheels via a 5-speed synchromesh manual transmission with a single plate clutch. Like the Ferrari 330 GTC, the Ferrari 330 GTS is made of aluminum opening body panels to counter the weight of the steel non-opening body panels. Additionally, it has a soft top, which is clearly lighter than the steel roof in the coupe 330 GTC. With its robust engine, the Ferrari 330 GTS harnesses remarkable acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in under 7 seconds and reaching a top speed of 150 mph, owing to its lightweight construction enabling it to weigh 2,859 pounds.
The Ferrari 330 GTS retains a similar interior layout and subtle luxury touches prevailing in Ferraris produced during its era. The full leather seats are exquisite not only to the eye but they also offer excellent comfort. Seating in the driver's and even the passenger's seat will make you appreciate the hours of work that went into stitching every stitch. Feeling the leather will have you questioning whether the car was made nearly a century ago, and when you decide to take a drive in the Ferrari 330 GTS, you'll realize how supportive the seats are, but acceleration can be a bit uncomfortable due to the lack of headrests. If the Ferrari 330 GTS is the first classic Ferrari you sit in, its interior build quality will make you hate modern cars. Every surface is adorned with the finest materials, and to think that Ferrari did that in the 1960s is astonishing. From the veneer wood on the dash to the smooth floor mats that almost make you want to remove your shoes and feel the material rubbing against your skin, everything shows the type of luxury a wealthy Italian would want in a car. Hold the steering wheel and feel the wood on it, and when you close the door, the touch of leather on the handle and door cards almost makes you want to call your bank to request a 2-million dollar loan to buy a Ferrari 330 GTS. The same high-quality flooring material used on the floor mats extends to the luggage compartment behind the seats, which looks too posh to put groceries on.
The Ferrari 330 GTS exterior design follows that of its convertible variants with a breathtaking appeal, starting with the sharp front end that houses a smaller grille compared to that of most Ferraris. Small as it is, the grille provides sufficient airflow to the radiator, and it's designed small for aerodynamics. But it also looks good, especially since it's chrome-plated, like the two bumper bars flanking it. The prancing horse chrome-plated Ferrari badge sits at the grille's center, one of the front end's eye-catching features. Moving on to the side profile, the Ferrari 330 GTS retains the air extraction shark fin-like vents behind the front wheel arches, a design adopted from the Ferrari 330 GTC but first used on the Ferrari 500 Superfast. With the roof down, you get a clear view of the glimmering leather in the interior, which gives the Ferrari 330 GTS a stunning look by combining the exterior and interior aesthetic appeal. This is the look we prefer since the car loses that appeal with the soft top-up since Ferrari had not hacked designing the top to mimic the roof on coupes as they do with their Spider models, such as the Ferrari 296 GTS, today. The rear end is as simple as the front, with a pair of lights, turn signals, and a chrome bumper bar on each end. However, quad-tip exhausts and the Ferrari lettering emblem on the trunk lid, which Ferrari says hadn't been done before the Ferrari 330 GTC and GTS, give the Ferrari 330 GTS a nice complementary finish. It might be refined and quieter than other Ferraris before, but the Ferrari 330 GTS engine does sound nice due to the quad-tip exhaust. With an open roof, that sound will beckon you to push the car harder to reach its full potential.
Times were good when cars were just made of metal and character, which the Ferrari 330 GTS has lots of. However, it would only be as good with the ingenious engineering behind it, which would be considered Stone Age in today's automotive world. Using aluminum for opening body panels not only helped lower the weight but also helped lower the car's center of gravity, thus improving stability. It also enhanced usability since the steel on the doors, hood, and trunk is too heavy for frequently used panels. The use of disc brakes, a limited-slip differential, and an independent front and rear suspension also enhanced stability in the Ferrari 330 GTS, thus improving handling and overall vehicle usability, considering the road network in the 1960s was not as it is today. Comfort features in the Ferrari 330 GTS only go as far as a radio and an AC system, which might seem ordinary, but they were evolutionary for 1966. But these were optional, and buyers had to pay a premium to get them.
Seeking out a Ferrari 330 GTS demands perseverance as its scarcity renders it an elusive and highly sought-after car in the classic car world, and the higher the demand, the higher the prices. Even though the Average sale price is around 1.8 million dollars, the market value of a Ferrari 330 GTS is estimated to be at 2.0 million dollars, and going by current stats, it will never be lower than that and will keep going higher. The lowest recorded sale is $1.1 million, while the highest is $3.0 million. If you'd like to see how much a Ferrari 330 GTS would sell for or you'd like to buy, you might find one listed on Exotic Car Trader, so ensure you watch out for our Ferrari listings. Also, we list all sorts of classic cars, so give us a call if any of Exotic Car Trader's classic car listings entice you.
In a world increasingly dominated by modern cars, the allure and rarity of classic cars, such as the Ferrari 330 GTS, is a testament to an era long past. Its beauty and performance showcase Ferrari's collaboration with Pininfarina, which produced some of the best-looking and performing cars.
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With not more than 100 units produced the Ferrari 330 GTS is a rare and coveted gem that continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike. Its scarcity has elevated its status as a symbol of exclusivity and prestige within the automotive world.
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