1987 Ferrari 288 GTO Evoluzione up for auction

The Ferrari 288 GTO was an icon of the 1980s, but the Evoluzione version took it to another extreme level. Now one of these rare supercars is for sale through RM Sotheby's.

The 288 GTO was the second car to bear the Gran Turismo Omologato badge, after the 250 GTO, which was built from 1962 to 1964. Like its predecessor, the 288 GTO was developed as a racing homologation special, in this case for FIA Group B rally and road racing. Group B was discontinued before the Ferrari factory could race the 288 GTO, but production continued nonetheless.

According to FIA regulations, a manufacturer had to produce 200 road cars to homologate the Group B design. Ferrari began production of the 288 GTO in 1985 and eventually produced 272 standard versions. However, the regulations allowed a minimum of 20 Evolution models per year, and there was significant room for design changes.

The 288 GTO Evoluzione took advantage of this rule provision, but since Group B was cancelled, Ferrari produced only five cars. Unlike the standard 288 GTO, these were pure racing cars.

The modified bodywork was made of fiberglass and Kevlar, fitted with a carbon fiber rear wing, and weighed only 2,072 pounds. The Tipo F114B 2.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 from the standard GTO was also fitted with a larger turbo, increasing output from 400 hp to 650 hp.

Chassis number 79888, which was offered for sale, was sold new to Belgian businessman Jean Blaton. Blaton raced under the pseudonym "Boulis" from the 1950s through the 1970s, often driving Ferraris; the GTO Evoluzione has since changed owners several times, including billionaire and current Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll.

Recently refreshed with mechanical work and a repaint, the car retains its original engine and transmission and is Ferrari Classique certified.

RM Sotheby's did not list a price, but this 288 GTO Evoluzione will probably sell for quite a bit of money given its rarity and incredible performance. A standard 288 GTO sold for $4.4 million at the 2022 Monterey Car Week sale, making the Evoluzione rarer than not only that car but also the original 250 GTO, of which 39 were built.

The desirability of the 250 GTO means that the Evoluzione may never reach the hefty financial heights of its iconic Ferrari. In recent years, two of these cars have sold at auction for approximately $49.4 million and for $70 million in private sales.