The year 2020 was a challenging time for many, with the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting lives and changing the way we interacted with the world. But for some, the pandemic presented a unique opportunity to focus on long-delayed projects or explore new hobbies. One such individual was Ben Clymer, founder of the popular watch publication Hodinkee, who took advantage of the downtime brought on by the pandemic to pursue a passion project – the restoration of a 1968 Ferrari.
Clymer has always had an affinity for vintage automobiles, and his love for the classics extends beyond just cars. He has a collection of vintage watches and has written extensively about vintage timepieces. But his passion for cars took center stage during the pandemic.
While he had always wanted to restore a classic car, he had never had the time to do so until the pandemic forced him to slow down. And what better car to restore than a 1968 Ferrari 330 GTC?
The Ferrari 330 GTC was introduced in 1966 and remained in production for only two years, with just over 600 units produced. It was designed by Pininfarina, the legendary Italian design house that also designed some of Ferrari’s most iconic cars, including the Testarossa and the F40. The 330 GTC was powered by a 4.0-liter V12 engine that produced 300 horsepower, allowing it to reach a top speed of around 150 miles per hour.
Clymer sourced a 330 GTC from Italy and brought it back to the United States, where he and his team began the arduous process of restoration. The pandemic provided the perfect opportunity to immerse himself in the project, as he was able to devote more time to it than he might have been able to otherwise.
Restoring a classic car is a labor-intensive process that requires a lot of patience and skill. It involves stripping the car down to its chassis, rebuilding the engine, and reupholstering the interior, among other tasks. But for Clymer, it was all worth it.
In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Clymer described the restoration process as a “meditative experience” that allowed him to disconnect from the world and focus on something he loved. “It was this escape, this refuge from the craziness that was going on in the world,” he said.
The restoration process also presented a unique set of challenges due to the pandemic. Supply chain disruptions caused delays in receiving parts and materials, and travel restrictions made it difficult to bring in the necessary expertise to complete the restoration. But Clymer and his team persevered, and the result is a stunning Ferrari that looks and drives like it just rolled off the production line.
The restoration was not just a personal project for Clymer; it was also an opportunity to showcase the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into restoring a classic car. He chronicled the restoration process on Hodinkee’s website, providing detailed updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the work that goes into bringing a vintage Ferrari back to life.
Clymer’s passion for vintage cars extends beyond just the restoration of the 330 GTC. He is also a regular participant in the annual Mille Miglia, a thousand-mile vintage car race held in Italy, and he has driven a variety of classic cars in the race, including a Jaguar XK120 and a Mercedes-Benz 300SL.
For Clymer, the restoration of the 330 GTC was a reminder of the importance of pursuing one’s passions, even during difficult times. “There’s never been a better time to be introspective and think about what you really want to do with your life,” he said in the Bloomberg interview. “If you’re really passionate about something, there’s always a way to make it happen.
