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The Ferrari 288 GTO is a limited-production supercar built from 1984–1987. Originally developed for Group B racing homologation, it became Ferrari’s first modern halo supercar and helped establish the lineage later followed by the F40, F50, Enzo, and LaFerrari.
Powered by a twin-turbocharged V8 and produced in extremely limited numbers, the 288 GTO remains one of Ferrari’s most collectible road cars.
The Ferrari 288 GTO introduced twin-turbocharged performance to Ferrari’s halo-car lineup, combining lightweight construction with exceptional speed for the era.
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.85L Twin-Turbocharged V8 |
| Horsepower | 400 hp @ 7,000 rpm |
| Torque | 366 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| 0–60 mph | ~4.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 189 mph |
The Ferrari 288 GTO was developed as a homologation special designed to meet FIA Group B regulations, marking Ferrari’s return to competition-focused engineering in the 1980s.
Although Group B was cancelled before the car could compete, the 288 GTO later evolved into the extreme Evoluzione prototype that helped inspire the Ferrari F40.
The Ferrari 288 GTO combined lightweight composite construction with aggressive turbocharged performance, creating one of Ferrari’s rawest analog driving experiences.
Inside, the 288 GTO balanced subtle luxury with motorsport simplicity through leather trim, analog controls, and minimal electronic interference.
Ferrari produced 272 examples of the 288 GTO between 1984 and 1987, slightly exceeding the original Group B homologation requirement.
| Variant | Units Produced |
|---|---|
| Standard 288 GTO | 272 |
| 288 GTO Evoluzione | 5 completed examples |
| Evoluzione Prototype | 1 development car |
| Pre-Production Prototypes | 7 |
The Ferrari 288 GTO Evoluzione was a lightweight Group B prototype developed in 1986 and became the direct blueprint for the Ferrari F40.
Today, surviving examples remain among Ferrari’s rarest prototypes.
The Ferrari 288 GTO has become one of the most valuable Ferrari collector cars, with top examples now reaching well into eight figures.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| World Record Sale | ~$11,100,000 (2026) |
| High-End Examples | ~$8,500,000 – $11,000,000 |
| Typical Market Range | ~$4,900,000 – $7,200,000 |
Originally priced around $83,400 in 1984, the 288 GTO has seen values rise dramatically over time.
The Ferrari F40 evolved directly from the 288 GTO program, especially the extreme Evoluzione prototypes developed for competition testing.
The 288 GTO introduced Ferrari’s modern halo-car formula, while the F40 pushed the concept even further.
The Ferrari 288 GTO and its successor, the Ferrari F40, are both twin-turbo icons of the 1980s, but they deliver very different driving experiences—one refined and rare, the other raw and aggressive.
| Feature | Ferrari 288 GTO (1984–1987) | Ferrari F40 (1987–1992) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.8L Twin-Turbo V8 | 2.9L Twin-Turbo V8 |
| Horsepower | 400 hp | 471–478 hp |
| 0–60 mph | ~4.8 sec | ~3.8–4.1 sec |
| Top Speed | 189 mph | 201 mph |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
| Weight | ~2,557 lbs | ~2,425 lbs |
| Production | 272 units | 1,300+ units |
The Ferrari 288 GTO helped establish Ferrari’s modern halo-car lineage and remains one of the marque’s most historically significant supercars.
With limited production, twin-turbocharged performance, and direct ties to the Ferrari F40, the 288 GTO continues to represent a defining moment in Ferrari’s evolution toward modern supercar engineering.
Explore the complete Ferrari Big 6 evolution, from the 288 GTO to the Ferrari F80.
Most production cars were delivered in Rosso Corsa, though a small number of notable exceptions and later custom finishes exist.
Yes. The Ferrari 288 GTO used a twin-turbocharged 2.8-liter V8, making it Ferrari’s first road-going turbocharged supercar.
Yes. The Ferrari 288 GTO is often referred to simply as the “GTO,” especially among enthusiasts and collectors. However, the full name helps distinguish it from the legendary 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, one of the most valuable and historically significant Ferraris ever built.
No. While it shares visual similarities, the 288 GTO used a different chassis, engine layout, turbocharging system, and advanced lightweight materials.
It was created for Group B competition, but the category was cancelled before the car could officially compete.
Yes. While rare and valuable, the 288 GTO remains a road car and can still be enjoyed when properly maintained.
The 288 GTO is one of the most important chapters in Ferrari history. Its legacy lives on through modern supercars, grand tourers, and limited-production halo models.
Explore our Ferrari Models Guide to discover past and present Ferrari vehicles, or browse our Ferrari for Sale inventory to view available new, pre-owned, and specialty Ferrari models.
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