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. Scaglietti, Ferrari’s longtime collaborator, crafted the 330 LMB’s body, giving it a sleek and aggressive design that balanced aesthetics with aerodynamic efficiency.
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 LMs saw plenty of competition use, especially at the 24 Hours of Le Mans from which they take the LM suffix to their name.
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.
The Scaglietti-crafted aluminum body, with 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.
Only four units of the 330 LMB were built, all four Ferrari 330 LMB cars were built as right-hand drive (RHD) models.
These cars are highly prized by collectors and rarely come to auction, sometimes fetching millions of dollars due to their rarity, racing heritage, and classic Ferrari craftsmanship. The Ferrari 330 LMB stands as a testament to Ferrari’s commitment to high-performance racing vehicles and remains an icon of early 1960s endurance racing design.
The four Ferrari 330 LMB cars produced in 1963 each had unique serial numbers. These serial numbers are:
- 4381SA
- 4453SA
- 4619SA
- 4725SA
Engine
- Type……front, longitudinal 60° V12
- Bore/stroke……77 x 71mm
- Unitary displacement……330.62cc
- Total displacement……3967.44cc
- Compression ratio……8.8 : 1
- Maximum power……287 kW (390 hp) at 7500 rpm
- Power per litre……98hp/l
- Maximum torque–
- Valve actuation……single overhead camshafts per bank, two valves per cylinder
- Fuel feed……six Weber 42 DCN carburettors
- Ignition……single spark plugs per cylinder, two coils
- Lubrication……dry sump
- Clutch……multi-plate
- Frame……tubular steel
- Front suspension……independent, unequal-length wishbones, co-axial springs and telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
- Rear suspension……live axle, semi-elliptic springs, telescopic shock absorbers
- Brakes……discs
- Transmission……4-speed + reverse
- Steering……worm and roller
- Fuel tank……capacity 140litres
- Front tyres……6.00 x 15
- Rear tyres……7.00 x 15
- Type……two-seater berlinetta
- Length……4360mm
- Width……1675mm
- Height……1245mm
- Wheelbase……2420mm
- Weight……950kg (dry)
- Top speed……280km/h (173.9 mph)
The Ferrari 330 LMB with serial number 4725SA is one of the four rare 330 LMB models produced in 1963, and it has a particularly interesting history, both on and off the track. Like all 330 LMB models, 4725SA was built on an extended 250 GTO chassis with modifications, including a longer wheelbase. It featured the same 4.0-liter V12 Colombo engine, delivering around 390 horsepower, along with the right-hand drive layout typical for the 330 LMB models.
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.
