Bell Sport & Classic may be a relatively new name on the automotive scene, but the idea behind it is as old as most car manufacturers. Peter Bell – the man behind the company - is an entrepreneur whose entrepreneurial spirit created a few successful businesses. With that being said, his latest one, which involves sports and classic car restoration, gave birth to arguably the most exquisite project we've seen this year – a Ferrari 330 LMB thoroughly remastered by the UK studio with tender love and care.

2021 Ferrari 330 LMB Project Remastered by Bell Sport & Classic

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2021 Ferrari 330 LMB Project Remastered by Bell Sport & Classic

The original Ferrari 330 LMB

If we are talking about a reimagined car, it’s worth remembering the original. The 330 LMB (Le Mans Berlinetta) was introduced in 1963 and was considered the ultimate version of the Ferrari 330 family, sitting above the 330 America, 330 GT 2+2, 330 GTS, and 330 GTC. The 330 LMB was actually an evolution of the 250 GTO and even had a similar front end. It was developed by British-born, Ferrari-racing driver Mike Parkes for the 1963 LeMans race.

The car also had a 20mm longer wheelbase and a redesigned aluminum body. Four examples of the 330 LMB were made, only one of which right-hand drive. The car did not see much racing, as it was quickly replaced by the mid-engine Ferrari P3, that had a version of the same engine.

Performance

The basis for this project was a right-hand drive 330 GT 2+2 donor car, which given the rarity of the 330 LMB was as close as they could get to what they needed. What Bell Sport & Classic has done is not a resto-mod, but an authentic recreation, using modern restoration techniques. The restoration specialists took the Colombo 4.0-liter V-12 and converted it to dry-sump lubrication. The 3,967 cc V-12 received extra special attention, as the camshafts, timing case, water pump, oil and fuel tanks, oil filler tubes, and others had to be made from scratch.

Six new, bespoke, and period-correct carburetors were put in place of the original Weber 42s. Also bespoke are the new fuel rail and linkages. Once assembled, the engine was dyno-tuned and produced 390 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 300 pound-feet (407 Nm) at 6,000 RPM. The only modification was the addition of a cooling fan, which reflects the car’s road bias.

Ferrari 330 LMB specifications

Engine

Colombo 4.0-liter V-12

Horsepower

390 HP @ 7,000 RPM

Torque

300 LB-FT @ 6,000 RPM

Transmission

five-speed manual


The gearbox was completely overhauled, given new selector forks, synchro-mesh, and hubs. In addition, the car received a new prop-shaft and a rebuilt limited-slip differential.

The suspension was completely refurbished and the rear received a more road-oriented setup. It consisted of a five-bar linkage with leaf springs and coil “helper” damper, as opposed to the Panhard rod and Watts linkage. The front suspension is a double-wishbone with coil springs and a telescoping damper.

Bell Sport & Classic have made a true modern classic

The classic recreation is a testimony to Bell Sport & Classic’s meticulous approach to detail, as well as their expertise in car restoration. The idea behind this project is to build an authentic 330 LMB, blending originality and the utmost attention to detail, with the latest restoration techniques. Make no mistake, this is not a resto-mod! This is an original car that has been built, using modern-day techniques.

None of the parts used are borrowed. They are either period-correct or made from scratch in-house. The company’s goal is not only to create the ultimate one-off classic but to showcase its skills in modern car restoration techniques. sympathetic enhancements.

It started over 10 years ago

According to Tim Kearns – Bell Sport & Classic managing director - the story of this remastered project began with Edward Carter – an Essex farmer and big-time Ferrari enthusiast, who initially wanted to add a remastered 250 GTO to his collection. He was swayed to go for an even rarer model – the 330 LMB. Terry Hoyle, who was part of the company and familiar with the LMB, took measurements from the original chassis 4725 – the only right-hand drive 330 LMB. After that, all work was focused on making the remastered 330 LMB more usable on the street. The rest is history.

Exclusivity

Needless to say, having a one-off car like this remastered 330 LMB is as exclusive as it can get. What makes this car even more special is that it’s based on a very rare car to begin with. As we already mentioned, only four Ferrari 330 LMB were made in the 1960s, and only one of them is a right-hand drive.

Conclusion

Any one-of-one car is special, but what Bells Sport & Classic has done is something more. The company has taken an already exclusive car and turned it into a remastered version of one of the most exquisite Italian race cars ever made. The Ferrari 330 LMB project is not simply a restored or reimagined Ferrari. It’s the real deal, perfected through modern restoration techniques. Moreover, it’s easier to live with, which means it’s more enjoyable to drive. The 330 LMB by Bell Sport & Classic is the real deal, perfected.