The 288 was born out of a vision to go FIA “Group B” racing. The 308 GTB was the basis for the 288. With Ferrari being under the Fiat umbrella during this time, Enzo was disappointed with the products that were coming out of Ferrari. Unfortunately the “Group B,” class was canceled in 1987 before the car was completed, but Enzo pressed on anyway. He enlisted the help of some of the engineers from Lanica to help turn the 308 GTB into a Group B racer with no limits. In order to have cars, “homologated,” to go racing, the manufacturer had to produce a certain amount of cars. They produced 272 288 GTO's in total which is the fewest amount of all of the super cars. If it wasn't for the 288 GTO, there wouldn't be an F40 and there wouldn't be an F50.
The 288 GTO was priced at $85,000 new. The 2 8 8 GTO is one of the most collectible modern super cars and it bears the, “GTO,” badge. The 288 GTO was born, “GTO” standing for “Grand Turismo Omologato,” which equates to, “Homoligation.” This was the second time in Ferrari's history that the, “GTO” moniker was used. The first being the 250 GTO back in 1962. The 288 was designed to push the engineering envelope. While doing that Enzo had a vision to make the car as light as possible. The 288 was the first Ferrari to incorporate the use of Carbon Kevlar composite body panels. This material was used on the hood and roof. The doors were aluminum and fiberglass was used on the front fascia and rear fascia. They managed to get the weight down to 1,160kg (2,555lbs), about 550lbs lighter than the 308 GTB. The 288 was shortened up, while the wheelbase was lengthened by 8”. The GTO had functional aero on the car with brake cooling scoops in the front and rear, vents to feed the IHI Turbo's and a dovetail spoiler for downforce which is also reminiscent to the 250 GTO rear as well as the 3 vertical vents on the rear quarter panel. The engine was a de-bored version of the 308 Tipo F160-V8, it was debored to 2,855cc's (2.9ltr) and renamed the F114B. The engine had dual overhead camshafts, 4 valves per cylinder, mated with lightweight connecting rods, nickisel coated liners and heads (to reduce friction). Ferrari looked to Japanese turbo manufacturer IHI to engineer the Turbos for this car as they did most of the rally cars. All of this equated to 400hp, 0-60mph in 5 seconds, 0-125mph in 15 seconds and a top speed of 190mph; effectively making this the fastest road going car. The engineers had to turn the engine from being, “horizontally,” mounted to, “longitudinally,” mounted in order to make additional room for the Turbo's. The suspension was planted at each corner with, “Koni” coil overs. While the brakes were Brembo disc brakes. The 288 was a road going race car and one of the most special Ferraris produced. The 288 cemented Ferrari's platform on the world stage as the cars at that time were far from optimal. As much of a race car for the street as they are, they are very amazing and docile to drive on the street. The 2-8-8 is very easy to drive normally, but depress the throttle hard and you feel the twin turbo's spool and plant you back in the Daytona Seats as you row through the 5-speed gated gear lever. Of the 272 288 GTO's produced, we have been involved with about 20 cars that we've had the pleasure of touching. For every one we acquire, we pass on probably 4 of them. Most of these cars were driven and have lots of mileage and have old repairs of damage that we discovered, in some cases the current owners never saw the damage as it was masked fairly well. Many of the cars we have inspected with low mileage have been clocked where odometers were unplugged, odometers replaced and no service history where you cannot corroborate the mileage. I've had the privilege of studying 288's and touching many examples, preparing them for many concours events such as Cavallino. I was invited by Cavallino to speak on a panel about 288 GTO's at the 2024 Cavallino Classic. **Offered for Sale: 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO — Early FIA Homologation Example, Exceptional Provenance** This 288 GTO, chassis, is a rare opportunity for discerning collectors and investors seeking one of the most desirable supercars in Ferrari's history. Delivered new in February 1985 to Autexpo GmbH, Filderstadt, Germany, it boasts a fully documented history from new, including Ferrari factory invoice, EPA/DOT import documentation, and Ferrari Classiche Certification. Imported to the U.S. in 1988 by Ferrari SpA, delivered to Giuseppe Risi, Houston, TX Legally imported with full EPA and DOT release documentation Sold to Dan Heard, New Orleans, LA in 1995, then repurchased by Risi in 2001 Underwent a major mechanical overhaul and achieved Classiche Certification in November 2010 Showcased in the Ferrari of Houston showroom in August 2011 Sold by Joe Sackey Classics from Risi in November 2015 to a private collector: a prominent Saudi Royal family member based in Beverly Hills Professionally serviced by Ferrari of Beverly Hills in 2016 and 2021, invoices totaling $20,024 and $26,736 14,133 miles (22,746 km) recorded in 2022, with minimal mileage since Most recently serviced in 2025: fluids, clutch, and brakes Due to its early 1985 production, this chassis is among the exclusive first 200 “genuine homologation” 288 GTOs—built prior to the FIA homologation stamp date of June 1, 1985. These rare early cars are coveted by serious collectors, and their value continues to rise in today's market. A truly outstanding 288 GTO, boasting impeccable documentation, elite ownership history, and the highly sought-after homologation pedigree. This is the definitive collector's opportunity—contact us for more details or to arrange a private viewing. Of all of the now Big Six Halo Cars. The 288 is the most useable of all of them and is the one that started it all for the Ferrari Halo Cars. If it wasn't for the 288 GTO—there wouldn't be an F40. This is a rare opportunity to own a 288 GTO that is here on U.S. soil without having to incur any tariffs.