Introduced in 1984, the 288 GTO was built for Group B racing, though most of the 272 examples made for homologation were in road-going trim. As happens occasionally, some lucky customers were able to buy a superb road car because others wanted to go to the track.
In standard form, this engine produced a massive 400 bhp with 365 ft/lbs torque at 3,800 rpm. Top speed was 190 miles per hour and 0 to 62 miles per hour could be achieved in less than five seconds. Even so, it was a perfectly tractable road car and even air conditioning was an option.
Moto-Technique was responsible for fitting air conditioning and also for repairing the bodywork when, in April 2001 this car had an argument with the side of a cliff in southern France, fortunately at low speed. The repairs were undertaken without regard to cost and the fastidious vendor describes the condition of the body, and every other element of the car, as “excellent.” It is, naturally, finished in Rosso Corsa while the seats are upholstered in black leather. Current mileage stands at just 17,000 kilometers.
Ferrari is jealous of its heritage and only an outstanding car would be allowed to inherit a designation as glorious as “GTO.” With only 272 examples of the 288 GTO made, it is the rarest road-going Ferrari of the past 35 years and one of the most desirable of all times.