1985 Ferrari 288 GTO

By on in Ferrari October 2007 issue
When the new FIA Group B Race and Rally regulations were introduced in 1984, Ferrari endeavored to create a model that would hark back to the glory days of the 1962-64 250 GT models. The 400-horsepower, twin-turbo 288 GTO of 1985 was the result. It benefited from the intensive race and rally experience the Michelotto Company had gained from their successful and active campaign of the Ferrari 308 models. To fulfill Group B regulations, 200 examples were required to be built; however, the popularity of the new model necessitated the construction of another 72 cars. Accordingly, the 288 GTO models found new homes as rapidly as they circled any track. The 288 GTO's wheelbase was 100 mm more than that of the 308/328 series. The bodywork was made in GRP and carbon-compound material with aluminum doors, boot, and bonnet, and featured flared wheelarches to accommodate the eight-inch wide front wheels and ten-inch wide rear wheels. The rear wheelarches had three slots behind the wheel, a small tribute to the slots found on the original 250 GTOs. At the front, four driving lights were set in the radiator intake and were complemented by a deep chin spoiler. Although spartan, the interior was fully trimmed. Air conditioning and electric windows were the only options available on the 288 GTO. Following the theory used in the 308 GT/M's engine placement, the new V8 engine, Tipo F114B, was mounted longitudinally instead of transversely. This 400-horsepower engine featured four valves per cylinder and twin IHI turbochargers plus twin Behr air-to-air intercoolers as well as a Weber-Marelli electronic injection and ignition system. All cars were delivered in left-hand-drive configuration and came finished in one classic color combination-Rosso Corsa with black interior. The 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO offered here was delivered new in Canada to the Ferrari dealer in Toronto for his personal collection. The car remained in his personal collection until his death in 1994 and with his estate ever since. Today, as a result of fastidious care, this remarkable 288 GTO may be the lowest mileage and highest quality example remaining, with just 1,231 kilometers since new. This car has both factory air conditioning and power windows. Finished in Rosso Corsa, as expected, 57701 features a black leather interior with red cloth inserts, and a black dash. In addition, a full set of tools and all factory manuals are included, in new condition. The 1985 288 GTO has been serviced recently by a marque specialist, including fuel system, ignition, and brake services, and replacement of all fluids. A full belt service was performed, all service schedules are up to date, and the car is understood to be in top condition. The 288 GTO was the first modern Ferrari supercar, and collectors are finally recognizing the exceptional value they represent in the market today. The example offered here must certainly be one of the very finest remaining, and worthy of the most demanding collection.

SCM Analysis

Detailing

This 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO sold for $594,000 at RM’s Maranello, Italy, auction on May 20, 2007.

If you were over twelve in 1984, you’ve probably lusted after a Ferrari 288 GTO. They were the fastest, most beautiful and baddest ride you could buy at the time and they still are a standout in the exotic car world. You probably already know the story of the 288 GTO and its origin as a homologation special designed for Ferrari’s entry into Group B competition.

You also probably know that the series was abruptly canceled after the deaths of several competitors and spectators. What you may not realize is that first-glance appearance to the contrary, the 288 is not just a warmed-over 308, and you probably aren’t aware of the important part the 288 GTO played in Ferrari’s history.

The early 1980s was a low point in Ferrari history. Ferrari’s U.S. offerings consisted of the underpowered 308 GTBi and 308 GTSi models and their underwhelming four-seater sibling, the Mondial 8. Jimmy Carter’s economic follies had temporally raised interest rates so high that even if you wanted to buy a new Ferrari, it was crazy to borrow money to buy one and even crazier to take money out of the bank to buy one.

In Europe, the Boxer was over half a decade old and the 400 series was only a small step evolved from its 1972 origins. There wasn’t any excitement in the brand and the dealers were suffering. The 1983 introduction of the 308 Quattrovalvole added some sizzle to the steak, but Ferrari needed more than a couple of extra valves to put itself back on magazine covers and dorm room walls.

The 288 was front page news

In Europe, some of the savviest automobile manufactures had discovered a way to get more free press than they could have dreamed of. The World Rally Championship, an always-popular European series, was notching up the excitement with the creation of the Group B class. The manufacturers found the mere announcement of their intention to build a Group B car would guarantee press coverage, and the introduction of an actual car would often get them a cover story. Ferrari’s decision to build a supercar for Group B racing was front-page news, and when the actual car came out, the magazines couldn’t say enough about it. The 288 drew people to Ferrari showrooms like nothing before it. The excitement was back and so was Ferrari.

The 288 is often blown off as a 308 on steroids, but its silhouette is where any real comparison stops. The chassis, body, suspension, gearbox, and brakes are all unique parts. Windows, interior, wheels and as much as 90% of the car is made from parts that fit no car before or since. Parts for the 288 are not just unique, they are premium. Since the 288 was designed for competition, its assemblies are lighter and stronger than Ferrari’s normal street car parts. Despite the high performance nature of the 288 GTO, it has proven itself to be extremely well engineered and reliable.

It was the supercar of its time, and a Road & Track test found it took just 5.0 seconds to get to 60 mph, faster than a heavily modified Ruf Porsche. The quarter mile results were the same. Of course, today the GTO would be severely trounced by any of the new Ferrari models and embarrassed by the likes of a four-passenger Bentley GT, or even the 4-cylinder Lotus Exige.

It was no surprise to me this 1985 288 GTO brought $594,000. There are puddles of red-hot activity in the Ferrari market, and the 288 is a prime target to throw money at. If people buy what they lusted after when they were young, then the 288 is the right age to attract some strong demographics. Rarity in itself does not make value, but when a car is rare, significant, and desirable, then market value has to follow. Neither performance nor beauty by themselves make a car important, but as a combination they are hard to beat.

Fast, beautiful, historically significant, and at 272 units, the smallest production of any contemporary street Ferrari, the only important criterion missing from the 288’s pedigree is a narrowly missed competition history. The 288 GTO is the price leader in 8-cylinder Ferrari street cars, and the only way prices are going is up.

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Written by

Steve Ahlgrim cut his Ferrari teeth as general manager and vice president of FAF Motorcars, a former Atlanta-area authorized Ferrari dealer. Today he owns Italycars LLC, a Ferrari appraisal, inspection and consulting service. Steve is an IAC/PFA council member and judges Ferraris at many of the top concours. He has been writing for SCM since 2002.

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