1963 Ferrari 330 LMB #12
Pilots: I. Ireland, T. Maggs
Team: Maranello Concessionaires
Race: 5th overall (1st in P+ 3.0 class) at Le Mans in 1963
Tecnomodel - TM43-49B (resin)
Published 01/09/26
For 1962, FIA introduced some important changes to the World Sportscar Championship. Most important of all, focus shifted to production-based GT cars, while prototypes would only race in a select few races. Moreover, the calendar expanded from five events in 1961 to 14 in 1962. While GT cars could race in every round, prototypes were only eligible to race in six events. And as for technical requirements, all cars were limited to 3 liters. However, the ACO was not happy with that, since there would be fewer big-block prototypes in the grid. Therefore, they created a special 4-liter “experimental class”. Though these cars wouldn’t score points in the WSC, Le Mans had enough prestige to entice manufacturers. Furthermore, for 1963 FIA created the International Trophy for GT Prototypes, consisting of Sebring, Targa Florio, Nürburgring and Le Mans. It ran parallel to the 1963 WSC, and only for prototypes.
One of the brands that embraced the idea for this new experimental category (now called prototype class) was Ferrari. Since they already had the tried and proven 250 GTO, Maranello used it as the basis for this new car. In fact, they used the long-wheelbase version of the GTO, the 330 LM. To accommodate the bigger engine, they expanded the 330 LM’s wheelbase to 2500 mm, creating the 330 LMB. This new chassis (Tipo 574) received the same suspension design from the GTO and 330 LM. It had an independent front-end suspension with unequal length wishbones, co-axial springs, telescopic Koni shocks and an anti-roll bar. And in the rear, Ferrari employed a live axle with twin radius arms, co-axial springs, and Koni shocks. The body, designed by Pininfarina, was all about aerodynamics, and looked like a mix between 250 GTO and 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso.
Powering that beauty was a special version of the Gioacchino Colombo-designed V12 engine from the 1960 400 Superamerica. It was a SOHC 24 valves-3967 cm³ V12 that developed up to 291 kW (390 hp). In fact, there were two engines: one with 8.8:1 compression rate (Tipo 163 LM) and one with 9.0:1 (Tipo 163/566). Ferrari built four 330 LMB, two with high-compression rate and two with the low-compression rate engines. Of these four, one chassis was a test mule and never raced. As for the other three, Ferrari kept #4381SA, #4453SA went to the USA and #4725SA went to the UK. Chassis #4453SA went to Ferrari’s US distributor, Luigi Chinetti, who put it to race in his NART. And chassis #4725SA went to Colonel Ronnie Hoare, who ran Maranello Concessionaires, Ferrari’s UK distributor. However, Ferrari only finished #4453SA and #4725SA after the Le Mans test weekend, in April.
The 330 LMB debuted at the 12 Hours of Sebring, in March 1963. Though a US race, only Ferrari’s 330 LMB participated, and results were disappointing. While in sixth place, it spun and hit a tree, which resulted in a cracked fuel tank and a DNF. Then came the 24 Heures du Mans, where all three 330 LMB lined up. Interestingly, the Maranello Concessionaires was heavier than the others, being right-hand drive and with glass windows and a better-equipped cockpit. Their #4725SA (330 LMB #12) would be piloted by the Britons Jack Sears and Mike Salmon. The other two 330 LMB, #11 (NART) and #9 (Pierre Noblet) had issues and both DNF. 330 LMB #12, despite having a long pit stop near the end, finished in fifth overall. And with that, came in first in the P +3.0 class.
In essence, the 330 LMB (as the LM before it) was a long-wheelbase 250 GTO with a bigger engine. Therefore, as the big GTO fan that I am (the coolest Ferrari EVER!), this one was a must buy. And being from Tecnomodel was another incentive. And once again, Tecnomodel delivered: the model is outstanding, with flawless paint and details galore. This specific one is #56 from a limited edition of 120 pieces from the Mythos collection. At the time of writing, it was listed as still available at Tecnomodel’s site. Yet if you want one, I strongly suggest not wasting time going after it.