Among Ferrari’s most legendary creations, the 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO holds a unique place as the originator of the brand’s hypercar lineage. With only 272 examples ever produced, it remains one of the rarest and most desirable models to wear the Prancing Horse badge. This example, showing just 1,525 km, stands as one of the lowest-mileage 288 GTOs in existence, making it a true unicorn for collectors.
The Birth of the Ferrari Hypercar
The 288 GTO was conceived for the FIA’s Group B racing series, a motorsport category famed for its speed and danger. Regulations required a limited run of road-going cars for homologation, and Ferrari responded with a model unlike anything it had built before. Although Group B was cancelled before the GTO could compete, the car quickly became a sensation, combining exotic technology with blistering performance.
Power and Performance
At its heart lies a 2.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing 400 hp and 366 lb-ft of torque. This setup launched the 288 GTO to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 189 mph, unmatched figures for the era. Kevlar and aluminum bodywork kept weight down, while advanced aerodynamics gave it the aggressive yet purposeful stance that enthusiasts still admire today.
Chassis 54789: An Exceptional Example
Completed in February 1985, chassis number 54789 was the 99th 288 GTO built. Finished in classic Rosso Corsa over a Nero interior, it came equipped with optional air conditioning and power windows. Originally delivered to Germany, the car spent decades in the care of prominent European collectors, including Pierre Fandel and Eckhard Bluhm, sharing garage space with some of Ferrari’s most significant models.
Low Mileage and Pristine Condition
Remarkably, this 288 GTO remained largely on display for most of its life, avoiding the wear and tear that claimed many of its peers. By 2021, it had covered just 1,470 km and was imported to the United States. A comprehensive mechanical overhaul followed, including a full engine service, new timing belts, brake and clutch work, and fresh tires. Today, with just under 1,525 km, it remains in outstanding original condition.
Ferrari Classiche Certification
Adding to its allure, the car has undergone the Ferrari Classiche certification process, confirming its authenticity and originality. This certification further enhances its desirability among serious collectors, offering assurance that it remains just as Maranello intended.
The Crown Jewel of Any Ferrari Collection
With fewer than six known sub-1,000-mile examples in existence, finding a 288 GTO in this condition is almost unheard of. As the first of Ferrari’s limited-production hypercars, it not only represents a pivotal moment in the brand’s history but also offers an unmatched blend of rarity, provenance, and performance.
Summary
The 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO remains one of the most coveted Ferraris ever made. This ultra-low-mileage example, with impeccable provenance and Ferrari Classiche certification, stands among the finest surviving cars of its type. For collectors seeking the ultimate expression of Ferrari’s first hypercar, opportunities like this are exceedingly rare.
Disclaimer:Specifications, performance figures, and historical details are based on available data and may vary slightly between individual vehicles.
