Photo: Stahlkocher · CC BY-SA 3.0
Raced1962–1963
EngineV12
Power390 PS
The Ferrari 330 TRI/LM Spyder is a one-off built by Ferrari in 1962 specifically to secure overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was the marque's last front-engined sports racer and the final entry in the Testa Rossa line; the "I" stood for "indipendente", denoting independent rear suspension. The chassis originated from the 1960 250 TRI/60, now fitted with a 4.0-liter V12 and new bodywork. In 1962, the car won Le Mans—the last front-engined car ever to do so. In 1963, running in third place, it retired there following a crash.
Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.
Good to know
- Following his fourth overall victory at Le Mans in 1962, Olivier Gendebien announced his retirement from active motorsport.
- The engine block came from the 400 Superamerica, while the cylinder heads, pistons, valvetrain, and dry sump were sourced from the 250 Testa Rossa.
- The factory campaigned the 330 TRI only once, at Le Mans in 1962.
- The car last changed hands in 2007 for seven million euros, bought by Gregorio Pérez Companc.
Learn moreFrom 250 TRI/60 to 330 TRI/LM · Engineering · Le Mans 1962 and 1963 · The Testa Rossa family
From 250 TRI/60 to 330 TRI/LM
Chassis 0780TR was built in 1960 as a 250 TRI/60 with Fantuzzi Spyder coachwork and was heavily damaged during practice for its debut at the Targa Florio. Following its rebuild, it retired at Le Mans in 1960, finished second at Sebring in 1961, suffered damage again at its second Targa Florio, then took second at both the Nürburgring and Le Mans, and won the Pescara 4 Hours. Subsequent rule changes prompted its conversion to the 330 TRI/LM under chassis number 0808.
Engineering
The engine block was adopted from the 400 Superamerica and adapted for racing; the cylinder heads, pistons, valvetrain, and dry sump came from the 250 Testa Rossa. Output was rated at 390 PS. The engine was offset slightly to the left, requiring the tubular chassis to be stretched to a 2420 mm wheelbase. The rear brake discs were mounted inboard directly on the gearbox and differential.
Le Mans 1962 and 1963
In 1962, the 330 TRI/LM took a commanding victory at Le Mans driven by Phil Hill and Olivier Gendebien, becoming the last front-engined car to win overall. It was subsequently passed to Luigi Chinetti's N.A.R.T. and campaigned with reasonable success in North America before returning to Le Mans in 1963. Running third during the night behind newer factory mid-engine prototypes, it was sidelined by an accident. It was later converted into a road car before being restored to its 1962 specification.
The Testa Rossa family
The family began in 1956 with a customer's request for a two-liter four-cylinder capable of beating Maserati's 200 S; this resulted in the 500 TR. It won its first race, the 1000 km of Monza, with Peter Collins and Mike Hawthorn. Following the 1957 Mille Miglia disaster, the World Championship introduced a 3-liter limit, to which Ferrari responded with the 250 TR. The 330 TRI/LM was the final evolution of the platform before mid-engine cars like the 250 P took over.
Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.
Frequently asked questions about the Ferrari 330 TRI/LM
When was the Ferrari 330 TRI/LM raced?
The Ferrari 330 TRI/LM was raced from 1962 to 1963.
How much power does the Ferrari 330 TRI/LM have?
Power of the Ferrari 330 TRI/LM: 390 PS.
What engine does the Ferrari 330 TRI/LM have?
Engine of the Ferrari 330 TRI/LM: 3967 cm³ naturally aspirated V12 Tipo 163. It is mounted at the front.
Who engineered the Ferrari 330 TRI/LM?
Engineering of the Ferrari 330 TRI/LM: Medardo Fantuzzi.
Who drove the Ferrari 330 TRI/LM?
Drivers of the Ferrari 330 TRI/LM: Olivier Gendebien, Masten Gregory, Graham Hill, Phil Hill, Roger Penske, Pedro Rodriguez, Ricardo Rodríguez.
How many races did the Ferrari 330 TRI/LM win?
The Ferrari 330 TRI/LM took 2 wins in 8 races.
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