1963 Ferrari 330 LMB
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1963 Ferrari 330 LMB

The most successful of all 330 LMB’s
The fourth and last 330 LMB built, The only one in RHD
Chassis# 4725 SA
Original exterior color: Rosso chiaro
Original interior color: Blu

Offered for private sale. Contact Mike Byers at 504-324-1781

Sold By: Ferrari South

The Car

The 330 LMB (Le Mans Berlinetta) was equipped with an almost 4-liter version of the V12 engine from the Ferrari 250P. The 330 LMB specifically built to compete in long distance events like Le Mans and were designed around an extended chassis just for these cars. The unique Tipo 574 chassis was also fitted with a dry sump system, which allowed the engine to sit lower leading to a lower coefficient of drag. This was the distillation of an experiment that had already been carried out on a number of 1962 GTO’s, which had also been given the most powerful of the Ferrari V12’s.

Seen from the outside, the 330 LMB could be considered a marriage between a 250 GTO, which inspired its tapering nose, small oval radiator grill and faired headlights, and the 250 GTL from which it took its almost identical stubby rear end, in this case, with an even more accentuated spoiler.

The flanks bore GTO-type air vents, both in the proximity of the front and rear wings, above which were two apertures faired in rectangular fashion, among other things. These were made necessary by the need to house wider tires inside the wheel housing.

Only four examples of the 330 LMB were built by Carrozzeria Scaglietti in the same prototype shop as the GTO, #4725SA is the last of four 330 LMBs built and featured lightening techniques such as Plexiglas side and rear windows. Based on the 400 SA engine the Tipo 163 variant was a V12 with 3,967 cc displacement, six weber carburetors and an output of 400 bhp at 7,500, which was a good 50-80 bhp more than the GTOs. #4725SA was the only right-hand drive 330 LMB built.

Arguably even prettier than a GTO, certainly more powerful. These cars have been selling for a huge discount over GTO’s and simply should be worth much more. Something of a bargain.

330 LMB Racing

The Ferrari 330 LMB (#4381SA), like the 250P, made its debut at the 1963 12-hour of Sebring, driven by Mike Parkes and Lorenzo Bandini, the car did not finish.

The 330 LMB next appeared at the 24-hour Le Mans in 1963 with three 330 LMB entries.

  • (#4381SA) number 9 car driven by Noblet / Guichet
  • (#4453SA) number 11 car driven by Gurney / Hall
  • (#4725SA) number 12 car driven by Sears / Salmon

On test day, practice session for the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, Mike Parkes, Willy Mairesse and Lorenzo Bandini all had stints in the 330 LMB with Parkes becoming the first driver to officially break the 300kph barrier down the Mulsanne Straight eclipsing the 250P and the GTO. Just delivered to Colonel Ronnie Hoaren of Maranello Concessionaires Racing Team (#4725SA) was the fourth and final 330 LMB built. It was immediately entered in Le Mans driven by Mike Salmon and Jack Sears. Running 314 laps, (#4725SA) placed 5th overall and winning the Prototype Class. (#4381SA) number 9 and (#4453SA) number 11 did not finish. Lorenzo Bandini won the 1963 24 Hours of Le Mans driving a Ferrari 250P

The 1963 Guards Trophy at Brands Hatch was an iconic sports car race held on August 5, 1963, as part of the British racing calendar. This race marked one of the significant outings for the Ferrari 330 LMB #4725SA marked with the number 6, entered by Maranello Concessionaires, driven by Lorenzo Bandini who placed 8th overall. Maranello Concessionaires also entered a Ferrari 250 GTO driven by Graham Hill. The best single results achieved from the 330 LMB were in late 1963, driven by Dan Gurney, (#4453SA) placed 3rd-overall at Bridgehampton Raceway in New York State.

#4725SA retired from racing after the 1963 Guards Trophy. It was the most successful of all 330 LMBs.

Chronological, Chassis #4725SA

    • Chassis 4725SA was the fourth and final 330 LMB built.
    • The only right-hand drive 330 LMB.
    • Ordered new and delivered to Colonel Ronnie Hoaren of Maranello Concessionaires Racing Team (MC Order #77) in June of 1963.
#4725SA – Delta Air Freight
    • Registered on English license plates “499 FX”.
    • 1963: 24-hours Le Mans driven by Mike Salmon and Jack Sears placed 5th overall and winning the Prototype Class, race #12.
    • 1963: Raced at the Guards Trophy at Brands Hatch, England, by Lorenzo Bandini, placed 8th, race #6.
    • 1963-1965: Owned by Foussier, France.
    • 1965-1966: Owned by Martin, France.
    • 1966-1967: Owned by Abdi, France.
    • 1967: Sold to Ferrari France (Franco-Britannic Autos SA), Paris, France.
    • 1967: Sold to Baron de Rothschild, France.
    • 1968: Sold to Pierre Bardinon, Mas du Clos Collection, Aubusson, France. Re-registered on French license plates “331 DL 23”. later re-registered on French license plates “539 HEB 75” and then “330 LM 23”.
    • July 7, 1989: Sold by Bardinon to Monterey Limited, CA/USA/
    • January 1990: Sold to Takeo Kato, Japan, who paid US$ 6’500’000.
    • March 1992: Sold by Talacrest Ltd through Mark Ketcham (Bluecroft Ltd.), San Francisco, CA/USA, and Marcel Massini, Berne, Switzerland to Baron Dr. Franz Mayr-Melnhof-Saurau (St. Christopher Trading, Jersey), resident in Graz, Austria.
    • June 14, 1993: Following Mayr-Melnhof’s passing after a crash in his F40 the Ferrari 330 LMB was inherited by the widow (estate)
    • March 1998: Sold by Mayr-Melnhof’s widow through Marcel Massini to Talacrest Ltd. in England and Symbolic Motor Car Co., La Jolla/CA/USA, who paid US$ 2’700’000. Then Sold by John Collins’ Talacrest Ltd. to Carlos Monteverde who soon returned the car to Talacrest Ltd.
    • April 1998: For sale through John Collins’ Talacrest Ltd., England, now asking British Pounds £ 3’100’000 (or US$ 5’000’000).
    • 1998: Sold to Sir Anthony P. Bamford, owner of JCB Excavators, resident in Stoke-on-Trent, England, who paid US$ 4’200’000.
    • August 1998: For sale through Adrian Hamilton, England, asking US$ 4’800’000, now on British license plates “499 FX”, on behalf of owner Anthony P. Bamford, England.
    • December 1999: Car featured in “Cavallino” magazine, issue #114.

  • November 2000: Still owned by Sir Anthony Bamford and quietly offered for sale through Adrian Hamilton.
  • December 1, 2000: Sold through Bart Rosman of The Netherlands to Eric Heerema, resident in Belgium and England.
  • June 16, 2001: Driven by Heerema at the Le Mans Legend race on British license plates “488 FX”.
  • September 2001: Driven by Heerema in the Shell Ferrari Maserati Historic Challenge races at Magny-Cours, France, front slightly damaged. Later, Sold to a customer of Nick Soprano’s Motor Classic & Competition Corporation in White Plains, New York, USA.
  • 2008: Made an appearance at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in Monterey, California.

  • September 12-17, 2011: Driven by Soprano during the XXII Colorado Grand on race #32.
  • 2011: Owned by Anonymus, New York, NY/USA.
  • 2012: Made an appearance at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, Florida

  • Spring 2012: For sale, owner considering offers higher than US$ 15 Million. Sold to John Collins, Talacrest 2000 AD Ltd., England.
  • Late 2012: Repainted yellow.

  • 2012: Owned by Wenzel Tobias Gelpke, a Swiss resident in Waldenburg, Switzerland, London (England) and Trinidad, Tobago, price paid was US$ 20’000’000.
  • April 4, 2013: Car stored at official dealership Niki Hasler AG in Basel, Switzerland, now Swiss MOT tested and registered for road use.
  • Early 2015: For sale again by Talacrest 2000 AD Limited.

  • 2015: Offered for sale and sold to a private collector.
  • 2016: Museum restoration, Exterior repainted in original Rosso Chiaro with Interior re-trimmed in blue.
  • 2016-2022: Annual road testing with engine brought up to temperature. Outdoor on road during summer months. Annual fluids changed, ultrasonically cleaned
  • 2022: Annual fluids changed, carburetors removed overhauled, ultrasonically cleaned.
  • 2023-2023: Annual fluids changed, ultrasonically cleaned to Museum condition.
  • Late 2024: offer for private sale.

 

Ferrari 330 LMB Race Record

Date Race No. Chassis Drivers Entrant Result
23.3.1963 12 h Sebring 19 #4381SA Parkes / Bandini S.E.F.A.C. Ferrari DNF
17.4.1963 Le Mans Test 12 #4381SA Parkes / Mairesse / Bandini Pierre Noblet 2nd
16.6.1963 24 h Le Mans 9 #4381SA Noblet / Guichet Pierre Noblet DNF
16.6.1963 24 h Le Mans 11 #4453SA Gurney / Hall N.A.R.T. DNF
16.6.1963 24 h Le Mans 12 #4725SA Sears / Salmon Maranello Concessionaires Ltd. 5th
6.8.1963 Guards Trophy Brands Hatch 6 #4725SA Lorenzo Bandini Maranello Concessionaires Ltd. 8th
15.9.1963 500 km Bridgehampton 47 #4453SA Dan Gurney North American Racing Team 3rd

Ronnie Hoare was a key figure in Ferrari’s UK history as the founder of Maranello Concessionaires. Based in Egham, Surrey, this company became the official Ferrari importer for the UK in the 1960s. Hoare, known for his business acumen and passion for racing, played a pivotal role in establishing Ferrari’s presence in Britain, helping to build its reputation as a luxury performance car brand.

Maranello Concessionaires was not just a commercial enterprise; it also had a strong connection to motorsport. Hoare himself was deeply involved in racing, supporting privateer teams and running cars in prestigious events like Le Mans and the British Touring Car Championship. Under his leadership, the dealership backed iconic models such as the Ferrari 250 GTO and 330 LMB in racing.

Hoare’s influence extended beyond sales and racing, as he helped cultivate Ferrari’s image as both an elite and accessible brand for discerning UK buyers. Maranello Concessionaires remains a significant name in Ferrari’s history, symbolizing the brand’s successful international expansion during the mid-20th century.

The Maranello Concessionaires Racing Team, led by Ronnie Hoare, was a prominent privateer team in the 1960s, representing Ferrari in prestigious international racing events. This team was an extension of Maranello Concessionaires, the official Ferrari importer in the UK, and embodied Hoare’s deep passion for motorsport. The team played a significant role in Ferrari’s racing legacy during that period, fielding iconic cars and achieving notable successes.

Team Colors: The Maranello Concessionaires Racing Team was instantly recognizable by its cars’ striking Rosso Corsa (Ferrari red) livery with blue stripes.

Iconic Cars: The team campaigned some of Ferrari’s most legendary models, including Ferrari 250 GTO, Ferrari 250 LM, Ferrari 330 LMB, Ferrari 365 P2.

Racing Events: The team competed in world-renowned events such as: 24 Hours of Le Mans, Goodwood, Tour de France Automobile, Various World Sports Car Championship rounds,

Notable Drivers: The team attracted top talent, including Graham Hill, Mike Parkes, Innes Ireland, Jack Sears.

Achievements: The team earned numerous podium finishes and victories, especially in endurance and GT racing categories. While their cars often competed against factory-backed teams, Maranello Concessionaires held their own due to meticulous preparation and skilled drivers.

Legacy: Ronnie Hoare’s Maranello Concessionaires Racing Team was pivotal in Ferrari’s customer racing program and contributed to the prestige of privateer entries. It remains an iconic chapter in Ferrari’s racing history, showcasing the synergy between enthusiasts, dealerships, and the factory during the golden era of motorsport.

Lorenzo Bandini (21 December 1935 – 10 May 1967) was an Italian racing driver, who competed in Formula One from 1961 to 1967. Bandini won the 1964 Austrian Grand Prix with Ferrari. In endurance racing, Bandini won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1963, as well as the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1967, both with Ferrari. During the 1967 Monaco Grand Prix, Bandini was fatally wounded when his Ferrari 312 overturned and caught fire. The Lorenzo Bandini Trophy was established in memorial of Bandini, honoring individuals and teams for achievements in Formula One since 1992.

1963 Guards Trophy Brands Hatch

Pos. No. Drivers Car Entrant Laps Km/h Reason Pos. Gr.
1st 12 Roger Penske Zerex Special Climax Mecom Racing Team 50 144.150 1st SP3.0
2nd 10 Roy Salvadori Cooper Monaco T61 Climax C. T. Atkins 50 2nd SP3.0
3rd 11 Tim Mayer Cooper Monaco T57 Climax Edward E. Mayer 50 3rd SP3.0
4th 15 Tony Maggs Lotus 19 Climax British Racing Partnership 49 4th SP3.0
5th 25 Jack Sears Ferrari 250 GTO John Coombs 48 DNF 1st GT+2.5
6th 23 Ireland Aston Martin DP214 David Brown 48 2nd GT+2.5
7th 26 David Piper Ferrari 250 GTO D. R. Piper 47 3rd GT+2.5
8th 6 Lorenzo Bandini Ferrari 330 LMB Maranello Concessionaires Ltd. 47 1st SP+3.0
9th 29 Chris Kerrison Ferrari 250 GT SWB Drogo R. C. Kerrison 4th GT+2.5
10th 31 Maurice Charles Jaguar D-type M. Charles 45 5th GT+2.5
11th 27 Tommy Hitchcock Ferrari 250 GTO Zourab Tchkotona 6th GT+2.5
12th 33 Les Fowler Jaguar E-type Extol Engineering Ltd. 7th GT+2.5
13th 2 Lucien Bianchi Maserati Tipo 151/2 John H. Simone 36 2nd SP+3.0
24 Graham Hill Ferrari 250 GTO Maranello Concessionaires Ltd. GT+2.5

 

What is the difference between 1963 Ferrari GTO 330 and 1963 Ferrari 330 LMB

The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO/330 GTO and the 1963 Ferrari 330 LMB are both iconic, limited-production models from Ferrari, but they were designed for different purposes and feature significant differences in specifications, design, and racing applications

330 LMB 330 GTO
Purpose and Positioning
  • Created as an experimental prototype, intended for higher-speed races and testing new technologies.
  • Positioned as a successor to the 250 GTO, incorporating design elements and powertrain enhancements.
  • Built with a focus on the Le Mans 24 Hours and larger displacement, not strictly homologated under GT-class rules.
  • Developed as a direct evolution of the Ferrari 250 GT series for GT-class racing.
  • Primarily designed for long-distance endurance racing and homologated under FIA GT regulations.
330 LMB 330 GTO
Engine
  • Equipped with a 4.0-liter Tipo 163/629 V12 engine, producing ~390 hp.
  • Engine placement was more forward in the chassis for better weight distribution and stability at high speeds.
  • The standard 250 GTO is powered by a 3.0-liter V12 (Tipo 168/62 Colombo engine), producing ~296 hp.
  • The 330 GTO is a rarer derivative, featuring a 4.0-liter V12 engine derived from the 400 SA, producing ~390 hp.
Chassis
  • Constructed on the larger 330 GT 2+2 chassis with a longer wheelbase (2500 mm).
  • Designed for high-speed stability, making it less agile than the 250/330 GTO but more suitable for long straights like those at Le Mans.
  • Built on a modified 250 GT SWB chassis with a shorter wheelbase (2400 mm).
  • Features a tubular steel frame and carefully tuned suspension for nimble handling
Body Design
  • Shares some design cues with the 250 GTO but with a bulkier, more elongated shape.
  • Aluminum body designed by Scaglietti
  • Features a higher roofline, taller rear deck, and larger overall proportions.
  • Aerodynamics optimized for high-speed stability on long straights.
  • Classic, aerodynamic shape with a distinctive low nose, wide grille, and rounded rear.
  • Aluminum body designed by Scaglietti under Pininfarina’s direction.
  • Compact and aggressive appearance.
Production Numbers Only 4 examples of the 330 LMB were built, making it similarly rare.
  • 36 units of the 250 GTO produced (1962-1964), plus 3 Series II bodies.
  • Only 3 examples of the 330 GTO were made, making it extremely rare.
Racing History
  • Despite its promise, the 330 LMB had a less successful racing career.
  • Best known for its 5th overall finish at the 1963 24 Hours of Le Mans (chassis #4725 SA).
  • One of the most successful Ferrari race cars ever, dominating GT racing in the early 1960s.
  • Consistently achieved podium finishes in events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Targa Florio.

Summary of Differences

Aspect 330 LMB 250 GTO / 330 GTO
Purpose Experimental/prototype racing GT-class racing
Engine 4.0L V12 3.0L V12 (250 GTO) / 4.0L V12 (330)
Chassis Long-wheelbase (2500 mm) Short-wheelbase (2400 mm)
Body Design Larger, elongated Compact, sleek
Production 4 39 (250/330 GTO combined)
Valuation 1963 330 LMB
Sale Price: n/a
Auction house: n/a
Date sold: No public sale price recorded		 1962 330 GTO
Sale Price: $51,705,000
Auction house: RM Sotheby’s
Date sold: 11/13/2023

Both cars represent the pinnacle of Ferrari engineering and innovation for their time, but the 250/330 GTO is more celebrated due to its extensive racing success and iconic design. The 330 LMB remains a fascinating, rare chapter in Ferrari’s history.

 

 

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