Ferrari 288 GTO, an icon of the 80's, to be auctioned
The 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO was not sold in the U.S. when new, but thanks to the 25-year rule, it will be auctioned by RM Sotheby's in conjunction with the 2022 Monterey Car Week, and will go under the hammer on August 20.
The 288 GTO is the second car to bear the Gran Turismo Omologato name, after the ultra-rare and extremely expensive 250 GTO. Like its predecessor, the 288 GTO was developed as a racing homologation special, in this case for FIA Group B rally and road racing. However, Group B was cancelled before the 288 GTO was raced, leaving Ferrari to sell hardcore road cars to its customers.
The 288 GTO was similar to the smaller Ferrari 308 GTB, but with a longer wheelbase and a bespoke engine. The longitudinally mounted, mid-mounted Tipo F114B twin-turbo 2.8-liter V-8 engine produces 400 hp and 366 lb-ft of torque, and the 288 GTO accelerates from 0-60 mph in about 4.9 seconds.
The V-8 is housed in a tubular steel chassis with mostly fiberglass body panels, although the hood and roof are a combination of carbon fiber and Kevlar. Large fender flares are fitted with 8.0-inch front and 10-inch rear tires.
This particular example (chassis 58335) was originally sold through a Los Angeles dealer and has optional air conditioning and power windows. It is Ferrari Classique certified and has 9,323 current miles.
Ferrari ultimately produced 272 288 GTOs, more than the 39 250 GTOs but less than the 599 GTOs (which were not for racing). It was against this backdrop that the pre-auction estimate was $3.7 million to $4.2 million.
