Help please! The agony of decision: 330 GTC vs. 365 GTC

You can keep the extra one at my house, I'll move the other Ferraris into the rain......

 

No, it's a different hub 32 vs 42 for the later cars. You can however order 15" rims with the proper 32 hub from Borrani ( I think they were for a different car, but I've seen them on a 275GTB ). In this case, I suspect the wheels in the photo appear larger because the owner has installed a 205/70VR14 instead of a larger-diameter 205VR14.

 

I think it has the wrong steering wheel too...

Should look like this on a 365. Concave rim, no ebony insert.
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That's big trouble!
If I had decide to run the 330 AND a 365 GTC plus several other vintage cars, no time would be left for other things in life.

 

Love the color of the 330, just beautiful.

 

You seem awfully sure of that. Why were so few built?

 

Seems to me that when Ferrari has a current offering that is scheduled for replacement it sometimes was given a upgrade or modification to extend the model for a short spell. The 330 GTC was produced from 66 to early 68. So to extend the life of the GTC the 245 engine being used in the 365 GT 2+2 was fitted to upgrade the model extending its production from 68 into 69. The new Berlinetta, the 365 GTB/4 was introduced as the mainstay replacing the already discontinued 275 GTB/4. Thereafter the new Coupe replacing the GTC was the 365 GTC/4 introduced in 71.

So as a long winded way of answering your question I guess you could think of the 365 GTC as an interim model. Just so happens this interim model is nearly as quick as the Daytona that came later. Not bad.......

 

Because GTC's were built to order, not to occupy an assembly line. Few were ordered because they appealed to a different kind of buyer. The typical first-time Ferrari buyer in 1969 went straight to a Daytona.

The GTC was a typical old school Ferrari product decision, it was never going to sell in volume and it was always expensive to build, combining a 275 rear half with a 330/365 GT front. You can imagine that FIAT's accountants excised it quickly from the catalogue when they took over.

The C4 on the other hand, was clearly the work of product planners. It is a coupe made from a sedan in the well used mass car market tradition, utilising the underpinnings of the GT4 2+2 and having rear seats to broaden its appeal. Any number of FIAT coupes followed this safe path. An Italian Mustang!

I'm not saying that to criticise C4's btw, only to highlight just one aspect of why GTC's are special.

 

Power is an intoxicant. after 33 years with a Lusso, 5 years without and now with a 365GT 2+2, the power is fun. My Queen isn't as valuable or as delicate, lacks the Lusso's light on her feet feeling but I really love the engine, power steering,air conditioning,5 speed and also the trunk. Years ago I drove a Lusso that had a hot 330 engine and a few other mods that really made for a much better car.

 

Ouch!!


She is painfully pretty

 

with more torque, responsiveness, and with looks like that..... sure I see your dilemma but wow.... I would go for that one.

 

Do you have any other pictures of that 365 GTC for our viewing pleasure??

It simply looks perfect in that color combo (IMO)

 

I can see how you would miss 'ol blue were you get rid of her. That one is special.

 

quite the dilemma...i vote for the 365 gtc! ive driven both versions over the years and consider the 365 one of my favorite all time Ferraris!.the quote from Bobileff is spot on about the 365 engine bring superior!i can understand the sentimental aspect of the 330 but heres a chance for a new chapter of ferrari ownership!

 

You also have to take into account how much wear the engines in each car have. I am always amazed how strong a 330GTC runs after we rebuild the engine on one. The majority of the cars out there are way down on power as compared with when they were new. (Our better pistons and cams also help out quite a bit)

The 365 does have a noticeable difference in low end torque over the the 330, this helps where it counts: normal driving around town. You want to accelerate to make a lane change, just mash the right pedal down and the car just goes. Tire spinning antics exiting corners are easily achieved.

Power varies significantly from car to car. I test drove two 330GTC's back to back. One had a new motor that we had just done, the other had a motor that seemed to run ok, was running on all 12 cylinders and didn't smoke, but from my seat of the pants dyno it felt like an 80HP difference in power.

I would test drive a good running 365 before making any decision.

Brian Brown
Patrick Ottis Co.

 

I'd like to have this kind of dilemma of choice.

 

Well written!

Compliments on your loyalty......it is always that way, with the first one to claim our heart.

 

Dear Julio,

So appreciate your report and comparison of these two cars as I have always wondered what would be the real world difference between them. Supposedly the 365 is only 70 pounds heavier then the 330 but perhaps that is enough to make it -feel- heavier. Thank you! Yale

 

Julio,

Amen!

"
Bear in mind that my golden handling reference is my dear Dino
"

so true! (although a little underpowered)

Ciao
Oscar

ps the queeste, according to my lovely wife, is the biggest part of the fun!

 

Julio,

Tough choice. I'm personally glad that you're still among the brotherhood of 330GTC owners.

Jack.

 

Brian,

Can a 330 engine be built to 365 spec relatively easily? What are the important differences...crank, cams, heads, etc.?

Thanks.

Jack

 

Julio: Thank you, enjoyed, and agree with your comments/ impressions. In my opinion, you have made the most sensible decision. More power is indeed intoxicating, but then you do get used to it, just like everything else. Less HP'd cars have higher rev sweet spot with shrieking sound in that range. If you have ever driven a Dino 206 vs. Dino 246, the situation is similar. I am happy for you now that this ordeal is behind you. w/ smiles Jimmy

 

Julio-

Few get the opportunity to conduct a side by side comparative of these fine machines. Glad you made the choice that best suits you.

Geno.