Ferrari 288 GTO (1984)

G,T and O are three letters that adorn the world’s most desirable and arguably most valuable Ferrari. Second generation GTO's were born during the early 1980's when many leading motor manufacturers thought FISA's Group B regulations would evolve into the definitive platform for showcasing their most technologically advanced machinery. In order to qualify for Group B, FISA stipulated that 200 identical road cars had to be produced and sold to the public for homologation to be granted. However, Group B was destined to become a stillborn series and much to the disappointment of race fans the world over, Ferrari's 288 and the Porsche 959 never took to the track in anger. Nevertheless, like Porsche, Ferrari decided to go ahead with a limited production run for their super high performance Group B challengers. The 288 was the first mid-engined Ferrari street car to be fitted with a longitudinally mounted engine, this was an all-alloy Tipo F114B 90° V8 with a capacity of 2855cc producing a phenomenal 400bhp at 7000rpm thanks to twin IHI turbochargers at 0.8 bar of boost while Behr intercoolers cooled the charge air. As a result zero to sixty MPH was just 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 189mph was possible. These astounding figures meant Ferrari's 288 GTO arrived as the fastest production car in the world on its 1984 launch. As a nod to its predecessor, three vertical lourves reminiscent of the Bizzarrini-designed 250 GTO were carved into the rear wings while that flip up rear spoiler flared the tail quite magnificently.

GTOs were only available in Rosso Corsa and left hand drive. Meanwhile, the interior featured a suede covered anti-glare dash, Veglia instruments, a three-spoked leather rimmed Momo steering wheel and seats of similar design to the Daytona. Restrained and stylish but never overly luxurious, additional comforts could be specified by way of a luxury package that included air-conditioning, electric windows and a stereo cassette player. Full leather trim could also be selected (to replace the standard issue of leather with orange cloth inserts) along with rear fog lights. Unveiled at the Geneva Salon in March 1984 after a lengthy development period that had seen the worlds motoring press speculating avidly as to exactly what was beneath Ferrari's heavily disguised prototype, the GTO was an overnight sensation. Floods of collectors were gagging to - at the very least - place a deposit for this the newest, most desirable car in the world. Ferrari had originally planned to produce just the mandatory 200 units for homologation, however, demand was so strong that 272 examples were eventually completed by the time production was discontinued in early 1986.

This 288 GTO was completed in December 1984 and left the factory in Maranello with the full, and almost essential, options of full “Lusso” Leather interior, Air Conditioning and Power Windows. It is one of the earliest cars delivered with its body number being, “6”. It was sold new to its first owner from Crepaldi Autos of Milan. The car was observed at Monza on display in September 1986, during the Ferrari Parade of Crepaldi meeting, owned by Luciano Colosio of Modena. Again, it was observed at the 25th Anniversary meeting of the Ferrari 250 GTO held at Mas du Clos in France in 1987. In 1987, the car also appeared at Imola for the Ferrari Club Italia meeting “40 Years of Ferrari”. At this time, it had 10,000 Miles showing on the odometer. The car had a number of documented subsequent Italian owners, before being exported to the USA in 2002 when it was sold to Mr Rusty West. He owned the car for over a decade until 2013. In 2002, the mileage was 28,000 Miles and the car remained on display in the personal collection of Mr West for the duration of his ownership, where it was periodically started, but very rarely driven.

DK Engineering have already had the pleasure of selling this car more than once before and are delighted to be able to offer the vehicle for sale again. In 2014 it was purchased by ourselves, and treated at that time to a major service. The engine was removed form the car and an entire engine bay detail was carried out; the turbos were also overhauled. We sold subsequently sold the car to France following a thorough inspection by the main dealer of Paris, and it was exported to France and registered there.

In late 2015 the opportunity arose for DK to purchase the car again. Having recently carried such a large amount of work, we jumped at the chance to once again have this car “in stock”. Soon after the car was sold to its current owner in April 2016, at which time it was UK registered. From then on the car would live with us in our storage facility, being used by the owner sparingly but at least once a year when he was in Europe; as a result he has covered 1,000 Miles during his ownership. In May 2016 full red book Ferrari Classiche Certification was granted. The car has been regularly maintained when required, and on time, and as recently as early 2019 received a major cambelt service in our workshops with the total mileage now standing at 31,800 Miles. This example is believed to be one of just 7 cars with California BAR label certification, allowing road use without dealership plates.

All in all, one could only describe that the car is in fine mechanical and cosmetic order and is ready to be used immediately. UK registered, Classiche Certified and by a complete document folio including its original service book and a spare key. Viewings are available at our showroom based just outside London.