A rare, late-production Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 originally owned by Texan John Mecom is scheduled to roll across the auction block at Russo and Steele’s 16th annual Scottsdale Auction next month. The car, chassis number 6537 GT, is an original Series I 330 GT 2+2, a late-production example built with four headlamps and a 4-speed gearbox with overdrive.
According to its documented history, the car was sold new by Luigi Chinetti Motors in Connecticut, finished in dark blue with tan upholstery. Its first owner was John W. Mecom Jr., the noted Houston oil businessman and founder of the New Orleans Saints NFL franchise. Mr. Mecom is also well known as a motorsports enthusiast and racing-team owner.
Subsequent to Mecom’s purchase, 6537 GT was sent to Italy for a new front-end design, including covered single headlamps and an angular frontal treatment with large, split radiator-grille openings. An interesting detail is the way the clear headlamp covers were fashioned, with an upper crease precisely matching the upper edge of the car’s front fenders. Mr. Mecom sold 6537 GT in 1969 to a Georgia resident, who in turn sold it to Richard Kirzinger of Kentucky, who displayed it at Ferrari Club of America (FCA) events in Georgia before placing the car into long-term storage, from which it emerged in 2007 — with an odometer reading 43,555 miles.
A new owner acquired the car that year and submitted it for restoration at Ferrari of Washington in Sterling, Virginia. Among the items addressed, 6537 was given a complete bare-metal refinish in blue, a complete new leather interior was fitted, and the vehicle’s mechanical systems were completely rebuilt. The chrome trim, including the custom front bumper, was replated as well.
The engine number matches the car’s VIN, and an original Chinetti Motors case containing part of the vehicle’s original owner’s manual is included with the sale, along with copious receipts and a thumb drive containing photo-documentation for the recent restorative work. For complete information on Russo and Steele’s Scottsdale auction next January 27-31, please visit www.russoandsteele.com
