Allow me to confess that I lean more towards Lamborghinis than Ferraris. Nevertheless, there are a few exceptions to this rule, one of them being the 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO, which stands for Gran Turismo Omologata. This remarkable vehicle was only manufactured for three years, from 1984 to 1988. With just 272 units produced in Maranello, this car is relatively scarce today. Although it might bear a resemblance to the more understated 308 GTB that was crafted between 1975 and 1983, the 288 GTO is an entirely different animal.
The 288 GTO is propelled by a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, generating 395 bhp and 366 lb-ft of torque, capable of reaching a top speed of an impressive 288 km/h (179 mph). It takes just 5 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. It is worth noting that the Ferrari 288 GTO was not officially approved for sale in the United States; those that made their way into the US were all imported as grey market vehicles, adding to the exclusivity of this Prancing Horse in the 1980s. Another significant difference between the 308 GTB and the 288 GTO, despite both being powered by a V8 engine, is that the latter had its engine mounted longitudinally, akin to its Sant’Agata competitor, the Lamborghini Countach LP500 S.
As anticipated, most Ferrari 288 GTO models rolled out of the Maranello factory painted in the iconic Rosso hue. However, there are a few exceptions out there. While this modern GTO may bear a resemblance to the 308 or 328 GTB to the untrained eye, there are several notable distinctions, such as the prominent front bumper featuring four large integrated lights below the turn signals, alongside the presence of two pop-up headlights. The 288 GTO is characterized by its wide wheel arches, substantial Speedline rims, and exterior rearview mirrors.
The design of the car also pays tribute to the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO. Notably, the 288 GTO is lighter than the 308 GTB due to its usage of steel solely for the doors, with the remaining body panels crafted from lightweight materials like Kevlar and carbon fiber. These elements significantly enhance the car’s aerodynamic performance. Harry’s Garage on YouTube offers an in-depth look into the driving experience of the classic Ferrari 288 GTO after embarking on a 1,000 km journey and elaborates on his decision to acquire a Zonda in 2005 rather than the 288 GTO.
Image Source: Jarlat Maletych @ShutterStock
