Rare 1968 Ferrari Gets First Deep Cleaning in Years, Leaving Owner’s Granddaughter in Tears

Image Credit: WD Detailing / Youtube.

A neglected 1968 Ferrari 330 became the centerpiece of an emotional family reunion with a treasured automobile when the team at WD Detailing undertook an extensive cleaning of the classic Italian sports car.

The Ferrari belonged to a collector named Joe, who had previously worked with the detailing channel before his death. His granddaughter, Liliana, wanted to see the vehicle brought back to its former appearance as a tribute to the grandfather who helped raise her.

In a video published October 17, 2026, the detailers documented the painstaking process of removing years of accumulated dirt, cleaning delicate original materials, and uncovering valuable accessories inside the car.

Although the team suggested the Ferrari could potentially command as much as $1 million at auction, its sentimental value to Liliana was considerably more important than any potential sale price.

A Family Tribute

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The WD Detailing video opens with Liliana describing the relationship she and her sister shared with their grandfather.

Joe had introduced them to automotive culture, taking them to car shows and creating memories that remained important long after his death.

Liliana explained that an earlier WD Detailing project involving another of Joe’s Ferraris had renewed his enthusiasm for his collection. Following that experience, he began discussing plans to get more of his cars running again.

The team collected his 1968 Ferrari 330 and transported it to their shop for a comprehensive interior and exterior detail.

Cleaning a Classic

The work began with the Ferrari’s distinctive wire wheels, which use knockoff-style center fasteners instead of conventional lug nuts.

Removing them required a specialized lead hammer. The detailers then carefully cleaned and polished the intricate spokes while protecting the lubricated wheel hubs.

Attention turned to the Ferrari’s metallic brown exterior. Because the team was uncertain which painted surfaces were original, they avoided an alkaline prewash that could potentially damage sensitive finishes.

After washing the body, they used an iron remover and clay bar to address embedded contamination.

Under the hood sat a roughly 4.0-liter V12 engine producing approximately 300 horsepower when new. Rather than pressure-washing the engine, the crew used steam to remove accumulated grime while limiting water exposure around sensitive components.

Valuable Discoveries

One unexpected discovery came when the detailers inspected the Ferrari’s trunk.

They found a vintage tool roll and separate jack equipment. A member of the team estimated that comparable Ferrari tool kits could be advertised for approximately $7,000.

The discovery was particularly interesting because original accessories can be important to the completeness and collector appeal of vintage Ferraris. The video did not establish an independently verified value for the specific kit.

The detailers also discussed the car’s unusual metallic brown finish and its potential auction value.

One team member recalled seeing a comparable Ferrari in a similar color sell for more than $800,000 in 2022, although no documentation was presented to establish the value of Joe’s particular vehicle.

For perspective, RM Sotheby’s sold a 1968 Ferrari 330 GTC for over $523,800 in November 2025. Individual sale prices depend heavily on condition, provenance, originality, and specification.

Inside the Ferrari

Cleaning the cabin presented another challenge.

The center console contained mold and mildew, requiring protective equipment and careful treatment. Elsewhere, the crew encountered aging carpets, delicate trim, and a distinctive padded headliner.

Removing the seat covers revealed a welcome surprise. Instead of the badly deteriorated upholstery the detailers had anticipated, the black leather underneath remained in remarkably good condition.

The team cleaned and conditioned the seats, treated the interior surfaces, and carefully extracted dirt from the vintage carpeting.

During the final exterior polishing, the crew noticed texture indicating that at least part of the Ferrari’s paint had been refinished previously.

Rather than aggressively sanding the finish, they concentrated on reducing light scratches and oxidation while preserving the existing paint.

An Emotional Reveal

When the finished Ferrari was returned, Liliana admitted she felt nervous and excited about seeing her grandfather’s car again.

As the garage door opened, she immediately admired the transformation. The polished brown paint, refreshed interior, and gleaming chrome gave the vehicle an appearance dramatically different from its neglected condition.

The reveal became particularly emotional when she imagined how Joe would have reacted.

“I think he would use the words, ‘It’s marvelous,'” Liliana said.

The detailers also suggested giving the Ferrari a name. One proposed Apollonia, inspired by a character from The Godfather, while the conversation turned to Josephine or Josie, names with connections to Liliana’s family.

Before the video ended, Liliana encouraged other automotive enthusiasts to share their passion with family members, recalling the experiences she and her sister enjoyed with their grandfather.

She explained that Joe never retired from the family business and had wanted to see his collection receive more attention.

For Liliana, seeing the Ferrari cleaned represented another opportunity to preserve those memories and honor the enthusiasm for cars that her grandfather passed down to his family.

Author: Olivia Richman

Olivia Richman has been a journalist for 10 years, specializing in esports, games, cars, and all things tech. When she isn’t writing nerdy stuff, Olivia is taking her cars to the track, eating pho, and playing the Pokemon TCG.

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