Ferrari 330 LMB (1963)

The Ferrari 330 LMB (Le Mans Berlinetta) is one of Ferrari’s rarest and most unique models. Produced only in 1963, it was developed specifically as a race car intended for endurance racing, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Only four units of the 330 LMB were built, three cars were built as left-hand drive (LHD) and one right-hand drive (RHD). Ferrari’s longtime collaborator, Carrozzeria Scaglietti crafted the 330 LMB’s aluminum body in the same prototype shop as the GTO, giving its sweeping curves and elongated front, provided both beauty and functional aerodynamics. The design included distinctive features like a slightly recessed rear window and extended nose, optimizing airflow.

The 4-litre berlinetta racers were built to comply with changing FIA regulations. The bodywork of the first two was very similar to that of the 250 GTO and, in fact, at times they were even referred to as the 4-litre GTOs. However, other models were subsequently built with Pininfarina bodywork with styling similar to the Turin coachbuilder’s other models and resembled the 250 Lusso from some angles, although the nose was closer to the 250 GTO.

The 330 LMB 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.

The 330 LMB was powered by a 4.0-liter Colombo V12 engine, delivering around 390 horsepower, a substantial output for its time. This engine was based on Ferrari’s 330 GT but was tuned for performance, with six Weber carburetors enhancing its power. The LMB used a modified 250 GTO chassis but was slightly longer, resulting in a unique design and improved handling. The model featured a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.

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.

The last of four 330 LMBs (#4725SA) 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.

The four Ferrari 330 LMB cars produced in 1963 each had unique serial numbers. These serial numbers are:

• 4381SA
• 4453SA
• 4619SA
• 4725SA

 

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

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.

 

Specs

Engine

The Ferrari 330 LMB with serial number 4453SA is famously associated with racing number 7. This car is perhaps the most well-known of the 330 LMB models because it was entered into the 1963 24 Hours of Le Mans with this number.