There is something quite special about seeing a car, abandoned for potentially decades, get a new lease of life. It’s even more heartwarming when that car belonged to a late family member, and they get to see it in all its glory again.
Well, thanks to professional detailers WD Detailing, one family has been able to experience that joy. The team unearthed a 1968 Ferrari 330 GTC abandoned in an Ohio garage; it belonged to somebody’s late grandfather, but it hadn’t moved in years.
Not only was this car emotionally attached to the family, but it was also incredibly valuable. In fact, depending on its condition and which version it is, a Ferrari 330 could be worth over $1 million, and potentially as much as $2.5 million.
When it came to this particular car, however, the family weren’t worried about its value. They just wanted to see the car back to its former glory and how their grandfather remembered it when he first bought it. That would be a much more satisfying outcome for them than simply selling it and banking the cash.
Why This Ferrari 330 GTC Is So Special
WD Detailing traveled to Ohio to inspect the car and give it a full detailing and cosmetic restoration to bring it back to its former glory. Owner Liliana said that the car once belonged to her late grandfather, and she decided the time was right to get it out of the garage, do something with it, and stop it from rusting away.
The car had become incredibly dusty and dirty over the years, but for the most part it had stood the test of time well. The video shows the WD Detailing team starting by removing the wire wheels, then tackling the paintwork in their usual careful manner. The car is finished in a rare Colorado Brown metallic paint, and as it gets cleaner, the Ferrari starts to look superb once again.
The cabin was a whole new challenge. Mold and grime needed removing, and this had to be done with a lot of care. As you can see in the video, mold covered parts of the dashboard and the black leather seats, which needed treatment to ensure they didn’t get damaged.
WD Detailing tries to preserve as much of a car’s originality as possible, and this stunning Ferrari was no exception. “You really can’t fake a true vintage shine. You just have to get your hands dirty and earn it,” they said.
The Results Spoke for Themselves
The team also took great care of the engine when they cleaned it. They chose a soft, gentle steam cleaning and avoided harsh chemicals or anything that might damage the components underneath the hood. This approach kept the delicate components underneath the hood intact.
The finished product was truly stunning, and it was a far cry from the car they first found when they opened the garage doors.
Naturally, Liliana was incredibly emotional seeing the car in this condition. “I think [my granddad] would use the words, ‘It’s marvelous’,” she said as the tears flowed.
This particular Ferrari is likely worth a fortune, and it will only have gone up in value now that it has had a deep clean and detailing. However, it is probably more important to the family that it looks the way it did when Lilian’s late grandfather bought it.