All Original 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO | Only 700 Kilometers

1985 Ferrari 288 GTO: Only 700 KM

Today I had a rare opportunity to inspect a 1995 Ferrari 288 GTO that only has 700 kilometers since new.   It was kept in a building in the east coast and was always covered in dust.  My mechanic was chosen to do its first engine out service.  The service will require a much needed belt replacement and for that reason the car will not be started.   A compression test was performed and it was excellent.   All Ferrari 288 GTO cars were grey market cars brought into the USA.   None of these cars were ever officially sold here.

The first thing I noticed was the presence of this car.  Its incredible to see something so special and original in person.   Ferrari developed this car as a racing version of the 308 GTB  for Group B Racing.  On the surface, the body looks very similar to the 308 but its so much more than that.  It uses light weight materials such as Kevlar, aluminum, and fiberglass.   The chassis was extended 11 centimeters to accommodate the Longitudinal engine.   Its amazing how far foward the engine is positioned in the car.  The 308 cars had their engines positions transversely.    The engine was based on the 308 V8 but the engine capacity was reduced from 3.0 Liter to 2.8 Liters to meet class regulations.   It was then given twin turbochargers and intercoolers.

Racing regulations required the manufacturer to build 200 cars  for homologation.  Due to demand, Ferrari built 272 examples of the car.