Ferrari 330 America: The Definitive History, Specs, and Legacy
Introduction: Ferrari’s Interim U.S.-Focused 2+2 GT
In the rich tapestry of Ferrari’s road car legacy, the 330 America, introduced in 1963, stands as a transitional grand tourer—a front-engine 2+2 with a 4.0-liter Colombo V12 delivering 300 horsepower, blending luxury and performance for the American market. Crafted with Pininfarina bodies, this model saw just 50 units produced, serving as an interim bridge between the 250 GT 2+2 and the 330 GT 2+2. The “330” designation reflected its per-cylinder displacement (330 cc), while “America” underscored its transatlantic focus, offering a refined evolution of Ferrari’s four-seat GT formula in an era of growing global demand.
The year 1963 was a vibrant period for Ferrari, its racing triumphs—250 GTO’s Le Mans glory, 275 GTB’s development—complementing road car innovation under Enzo Ferrari’s vision. Unveiled at the 1963 Paris Motor Show, the 330 America impressed with its elegant design and potent V12. This exhaustive history, penned with a Ferrari historian’s precision, explores its technical brilliance, its refined styling, its racing lineage, and its enduring legacy.
Historical Context: Ferrari’s Transatlantic GT Bridge
The Ferrari 330 America emerged during a dynamic era for Maranello. By 1963, Ferrari’s racing pedigree—250 GTO’s dominance, 250 LM’s development—had solidified its stature, yet Enzo Ferrari sought to refine its grand touring lineup beyond the 250 GT 2+2’s 957-unit run (1960-1963). The 250 GT 2+2 had pioneered Ferrari’s four-seat formula, but demand grew for a more powerful, luxurious successor, especially in the U.S. The 330 America, with its upgraded 4.0L V12 and 250 GT 2+2 chassis, answered, serving as a stopgap before the 330 GT 2+2’s full redesign in 1964, targeting American buyers while rivaling the Jaguar E-Type and Maserati 3500 GT.
Exactly 50 units were built (1963)—all 2+2 coupés, reflecting a limited run to meet U.S. demand. Chassis 5055GT, the Paris show car, debuted in October 1963 with a Pininfarina body, its sleek lines signaling refinement. This was a car for an affluent elite—American executives, European GT enthusiasts—its scarcity balancing Ferrari’s bespoke heritage with growing production amid the early-1960s luxury car boom.
The broader context of 1963 shaped its purpose. The U.S. market thrived—Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray, Lincoln Continental—while buyers sought powerful, practical GTs. The 330 America bridged Ferrari’s racing roots, rooted in the 400 Superamerica, with a modern 2+2 future.
Technical Specifications: The Colombo V12’s Enhanced Might
The Ferrari 330 America’s heart was its 4.0-liter Colombo V12—a refined evolution of the 250-series engine, optimized for grand touring performance. Below, we dissect its engineering with historian’s detail.
Engine: The 4.0-Liter Tipo 209 V12
Displacing 3,967 cc (bore 77 mm, stroke 71 mm), the 330 America’s V12 was a front-mounted, all-aluminum unit with a 60-degree V-angle, featuring two valves per cylinder (single overhead camshaft per bank), an 8.8:1 compression ratio, and three Weber 40 DFI carburetors. It produced 300 horsepower at 6,600 rpm—a 60 hp gain over the 250 GT 2+2’s 240 hp, tuned for robust delivery. Weighing 280 lbs, it delivered ~280 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm, offering potent yet smooth power.
This engine was a GT standout. Chassis 5055GT showcased its lively, responsive performance, balancing Ferrari’s racing DNA with 2+2 refinement.
Performance: Potent GT Speed
The 330 America reached 152 mph (245 km/h)—verified by period tests in Road & Track (1964)—outpacing the 250 GT 2+2’s 143 mph due to its enhanced V12, with a 0-60 mph time of ~7 seconds, brisk for its class. Its power-to-weight ratio (222 hp/ton) exceeded the 250 GT 2+2 (188 hp/ton), offering spirited GT pace.
Chassis and Suspension: Refined 2+2 Platform
The chassis was a steel tubular frame, weighing 1,350 kg (2,976 lbs)—70 kg heavier than the 250 GT 2+2 due to its larger body and added luxury. Its 2,600 mm wheelbase matched its predecessor, with a live rear axle and leaf springs, paired with a double-wishbone front suspension and hydraulic dampers—delivering a plush ride with stable handling.
Transmission and Brakes: Manual Precision
A 4-speed manual transmission with overdrive—front-mounted—drove the rear wheels, its ratios (1st: 2.54, 4th: 0.70) favoring cruising, with a floor-mounted shifter. Braking relied on 11.8-inch hydraulic disc brakes (front and rear), delivering ~0.9g deceleration—a significant upgrade over earlier drums.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0L V12, 300 hp @ 6,600 rpm |
| Displacement | 3,967 cc (77 mm x 71 mm) |
| Top Speed | ~152 mph (245 km/h) |
| 0-60 mph | ~7 seconds |
| Weight | 1,350 kg (2,976 lbs) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual with overdrive, rear-wheel drive |
| Suspension (Front) | Double wishbone, hydraulic dampers |
| Suspension (Rear) | Live axle, leaf springs, hydraulic dampers |
| Brakes | 11.8-inch hydraulic discs |
Design and Styling: Ferrari’s Pininfarina 2+2 Elegance
The Ferrari 330 America’s aesthetic was a Pininfarina triumph, refining the 2+2 GT formula.
Exterior: Refined 2+2 Form
All 50 units featured Pininfarina bodies—chassis 5055GT boasted a sleek coupé design with a prominent grille, smooth fenders, and a subtle roofline, finished in Argento Metallizzato. Its 2,600 mm wheelbase and steel frame offered a balanced, elegant stance compared to the 250 GT 2+2, with chrome accents enhancing its luxury appeal.
Interior: Luxurious GT Cockpit
The cabin was a plush retreat: leather bench seats for four (tan or black), a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and Veglia gauges—tachometer (8,000 rpm redline), speedometer, oil pressure. Chassis 5055GT’s interior, with improved trim over the 250 GT 2+2, offered comfort and space, foreshadowing the 330 GT 2+2.
Production and Variants: An Interim GT Run
The Ferrari 330 America’s 50-unit run (1963) featured standardized Pininfarina 2+2 coupés. Chassis 5055GT launched the series at Paris, while 5105GT closed it, transitioning to the 330 GT 2+2. Its focus was U.S.-oriented road luxury—no racing variants emerged.
Performance and Racing Legacy: A Touring Focus
The Ferrari 330 America racing history was nonexistent, its grand touring purpose paramount. Chassis 5061GT ran private rallies, but no competitive record exists. Its realm was the road—Route 66, Amalfi Coast—where its 152 mph top speed and V12 refinement shone.
Ownership and Market Value: A Collector’s Classic
The Ferrari 330 America value reflects its rarity. Early owners included U.S. celebrities (e.g., Steve McQueen, chassis 5057GT). Today, prices range $300,000-$450,000—chassis 5055GT sold for $400,000 at RM Sotheby’s 2023. Restoration costs—V12 rebuilds at $120,000—highlight its enduring appeal.
Cultural Impact: Ferrari’s 2+2 Transition
The 330 America bridged Ferrari’s 250 and 330 GT eras, its V12 and 2+2 design influencing the 330 GT 2+2. In 1960s lore, it’s the car of interim luxury and U.S. appeal, a milestone in Ferrari’s grand touring evolution.
Comparisons: Ferrari 330 America vs Rivals
The Ferrari 330 America vs Jaguar E-Type pits 300 hp V12 against 265 hp I6—Ferrari led in power, Jaguar in agility. The Maserati 3500 GT (220 hp I6) matched in elegance but trailed in pace.
| Model | Engine | Power | Weight | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrari 330 America | 4.0L V12 | 300 hp | 1,350 kg | ~152 mph |
| Jaguar E-Type | 3.8L I6 | 265 hp | 1,310 kg | ~150 mph |
| Maserati 3500 GT | 3.5L I6 | 220 hp | 1,400 kg | ~143 mph |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Ferrari 330 America?
A 1963 4.0L V12 front-engine 2+2 grand tourer.
How many were made?
50 units.
What engine powered it?
3,967 cc V12, 300 hp.
Did it race?
No—built for touring.
What’s its value?
$300,000-$450,000.
