1985 Ferrari 288 GTO

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys Paris event, 28 January 2026.
4,500,000 - 5,500,000 EUR

• Approximately the 18th of 272 production examples built
• Factory certified with a Ferrari Classiche Red Book in December 2025, confirming the presence of the matching-numbers engine and gearbox/transaxle
• Benefits from single dedicated ownership throughout its lifetime; odometer reads just 24,244 kilometres
• Offered with owners manuals and tools
• A beautiful example of the first and rarest model from Ferraris Big Six hypercar portfolio (288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, LaFerrari, F80)

The Ferrari 250 GTO was long considered the finest sports racer Maranello had ever produced. Only a very special competition car could justify the revival of such a legendary moniker as Gran Turismo Omologato.

That model arrived in the 1980s, when Ferrari decided to compete under the FIAs popular Group B regulations. The companys concurrent Formula 1 engine and the tube frame chassis of the 308 series became the basis of a significant development programme that resulted in a new racing flagship the 288 GTO. Following the notorious cancellation of Group B shortly thereafter, Ferrari was left with a fully developed car that had no place to compete. Fortunately for the motoring niche, the model was repositioned as a flagship road car that would redefine the days performance benchmarks.

While its styling was based on the 308 and 328 models, the 288 GTO was clearly a cut above. GRP and carbon compound were utilised for the majority of the bodywork, while the doors, deck lid, and bonnet were formed from lightweight aluminium. The race-bred, twin-turbocharged 2.8-litre V-8 engine developed 400 horsepower and 496 Nm of torque, capable of propelling the car to 100 km/h from a standstill in a brisk 4.9 seconds, and a top speed of 305 km/h.

The GTOs interior featured Kevlar-framed bucket seats lined in leather, with optional air conditioning, electric windows, and stereo system. Other than those few extras, the GTO sacrificed nothing to performance. By the time production concluded, just 272 examples of the 288 GTO were built, and the model is now recognised as the first car in Ferraris halo Big Six hypercar portfolio.

Claiming a life of modest use and fastidious upkeep through a single ownership, this beautifully presented early-production 288 GTO is a tantalising example of Ferraris rare 1980s hypercar. Chassis number 52727 is approximately the 18th example built, and it was specified for the European market and distributed through Sa.Mo.Car Spa of Rome. The GTO was sold new to the principle of a successful manufacturing concern, who was also a preferred Ferrari client.

The owner enjoyed the Ferrari early in its life, although the car had only accrued 24,243 kilometres at the time of a November 2010 service at Autofficina Bonini Carlo. The 288 has experienced significantly less use since, with the odometer displaying 24,244 kilometres at the time of cataloguing, a gain of just one kilometre in 15 years. Most significantly, in December 2025 the GTO was factory certified with a Ferrari Classiche Red Book that stipulates the presence of the matching-numbers engine and gearbox/transaxle, the ultimate confirmation of authenticity.

Accompanied by owners manuals and tool kit, and documented with the warranty booklet, service invoice, and an Italian libretto, this GTO is a remarkably pure example of Maranellos bruising 1980s competition car. The 288 GTO is by far the rarest of Ferraris Big Six hypercar portfolio, and single-owner examples are almost never offered in public. For the ardent Ferrari collector seeking to complete a Big Six assemblage, chassis 52727 offers an unmatched opportunity to acquire a legend.

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/pa26/.