In the 1960s, very few cars fit the bill of grand tourer quite as well as Ferrari’s 330 GT 2+2. Introduced in 1964, it boasted elegant Pininfarina coachwork, enough space for four to travel in comfort, and a luxurious, silky-smooth 4.0-litre V12 producing almost 300 horsepower, the 245 km/h capable 330 GT ticked all the boxes, and by October 1965 Ferrari were ready to debut an even more refined version of this already marvellous cruiser at the Salon de Paris. 

With VVIP guests in attendance, such as the General de Gaulle, this exact car, chassis #07557GT, took pride of place on Ferrari’s stand, lining up alongside a pair of 275s in both GTS and GTB form. #07557GT was originally finished in the immaculate combination of Verde Scuro over a beige leather interior with the optional Borrani wheels, and benefitted from the five-speed gearbox, simplified front-end design, and side air vents that distinguished the Series 2. Needless to say, it was almost exactly how we would have specced our prancing horse back in the day. 

Following the show, #07557GT remained under the ownership of Franco Britannic, the official French importer for Ferrari, whose CEO, Donald Sleator, was also the official driver of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest from 1955 to 1967, piloting the pace car at each event. Sleator was a cunning businessman who knew how to exercise his network, and as a result he eventually managed to secure a position for one of his cars as the official pace car for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. 

However, nobody could have predicted the titanic battle that would unfold at the 1966 edition, where #07557GT was on-duty to witness one of the greatest showdowns in motorsport history as Ford emerged victorious against Ferrari with three GT40s crossing the finish line ahead of the competition. Henry Ford II himself was there to witness this historic result, and would have seen #07557GT pass by many times in the build up to his company’s triumph. 

Following Le Mans, in October 1966, #07557GT was sold to Ecurie Saint Christophe in Paris, a sale which eventually fell through for reasons unknown. Franco Britannic cared for the Verde Scuro Ferrari for another two years until April 1968, when this gorgeous 330 finally found its first official owner, a road haulier by the name of Philippe Stuff, who was based in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. #07557GT would pass through two further owners during its time in the French capital. 

In 1974, a new chapter in #07557GT’s life would begin when a Norman enthusiast purchased the car and registered it in Calvados. After passing through a garage in Villeneuve-sur-Lot, it was bought by a restaurateur from Biscarosse, around which time this 330 unfortunately suffered a small rear end collision. During the repair, #07557GT was repainted in the light blue-grey shade you see today, while bespoke rear lights were also fitted. The restauranteur registered his Ferrari in January 1977, but only a little while later it found a new owner via Garage Mercier in Bordeaux, who sold it to the mysterious Mr. A for 29,000 francs. Mr. A registered his new prancing horse in his name, again in Calvados, with the number plate 8174 RE 14, which it bears to this day. Finally it seems this 330 had found a match, because Mr. A kept it for many years, without any knowledge of its incredible history. 

Numerous invoices can attest to the level of enjoyment Mr. A derived from driving this lovely Ferrari, and it would remain a favourite ride of his until he passed in the 2000s, at which point it was stored in an outbuilding of the family chateau. There it remained, being started several times a year by Mr. A’s family members for over 15 years, until 10 years ago when the engine was last run.

Today #07557GT has accumulated its fair share of chateau dust and would benefit from a comprehensive restoration. Considering its incredible provenance — acting both as the 1965 Salon de Paris show car and the 1966 Le Mans Pace Car — we feel it would be well worth returning this lovely 330 to its original shade of Verde Scuro. If you’re looking for a barn find with both an amazing factory specification, documented history, and more than one appearance in the limelight, then don’t miss out as this 1965 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 returns to Paris for Aguttes’ Spring Sale on March 16th, where its estimated to fetch between 120,000 and 220,000 euros. 

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