1984 Ferrari 288 GTO
VIN: ZFFPA16B000052713
In the early 1980s, to the joy of race fans worldwide, FISA introduced its new Group B regulations. It was widely felt that this new classification would provide the leading auto manufacturers with a platform to showcase their most advanced racing technology. To qualify for homologation, manufacturers would have to produce and sell 200 road versions of their cars. Unfortunately, it never came to be. Only two stepped up to the challenge: Porsche with its 959, and Ferrari with its 288 GTO.
Ferrari knew they had a winner and went forward with a limited production run. The 288 GTO was their first longitudinally mounted, mid-engined street car. The all-alloy 2.8 liter V8 was fitted with twin IHI turbochargers, Behr intercoolers, and Weber-Marelli fuel injection. It made 400 bhp and 366 lb-ft of torque and could launch the car from 0 to 60 in just 4.8 seconds. With a top speed of 189 mph, it was the fastest street-legal production car in the world, and the first to reach the 300 km/h mark.
The 288’s Pininfarina styling is loosely based on Ferrari’s popular 308. The wheelbase has been lengthened to 2450 mm (96 in) to accommodate the longitudinal placement of the engine and the five-speed gearbox behind it. The track was also widened to accommodate wider wheels and tires, with wider fenders and flares contributing to a lower, more aggressive look. As a nod to its predecessor, the early-60s Bizzarrini-designed 250 GTO, three vertical louvers were added just aft of the rear wheel arches, along with a stylish flare to the rear spoiler.
Unveiled at the Salon International de l'Auto in Geneva in March of 1984, the 288 GTO was a sensation. Ferrari had originally planned to produce just 200 cars for homologation, but demand was so strong that 272 were built. Production of the 288 ended in early 1986.
288 GTO's were available only in Rosso Corsa “racing red” and only with left hand drive. Their interiors featured a suede covered anti-glare dash, Veglia instruments, a three-spoke, leather-rimmed Momo steering wheel, and seats of a design similar to Ferrari’s Daytona. This GTO, SN# 52713, is also fitted with Ferrari’s optional luxury package: air conditioning, electric window lifts, and full leather trim.
#52713 was originally imported by Tony Carlini of Newport, CA. It’s EPA conversion and certification were done by Dick Fritz’ Amerispec. In 1991 Carlini sold the GTO to Alan Rypinski, in 1992 it was offered for sale by Motorcars International of Springfield MO. At that time it had just 400 km on the clock. In 1993 the new owner literally squirreled the car away. In the summer of 2005 he returned the GTO, now showing 649 km, to Motorcars International for a complete and thorough service. In October of ‘05 the car was sold to noted collector, resort developer, and philanthropist David Walters, who kept it at his estate on Kauai. The GTO remained in the Walters collection where it enjoyed both island touring and meticulous care. In June of this year, upon its return to the mainland, the car was again given a thorough and fully-documented service at The Auto Gallery in Canoga Park, CA. The odometer now reads 5046 km (3135 miles).
With the recent introduction of the 599 GTO – the third GTO in Ferrari’s history – there’s a tremendous interest in this bloodline. The fit, finish, interior and mechanicals of this 288 GTO are stunning. The performance is even more incredible. Like all Canepa Design cars, it’s been thoroughly detailed, tuned and tested to ensure it meets the expectations of collectors that drive their cars.
