Originally conceived to meet Group B racing homologation requirements, the Ferrari 288 GTO was planned as a limited-edition model of just 200 units. Styled by Pininfarina’s Leonardo Fioravanti, designer of the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, the 288 GTO was powered by a twin IHI turbocharged, all-alloy V8 engine mounted longitudinally behind the cabin.
This 288 GTO was delivered new on 8th May 1985 directly from the factory to Ferrari Formula 1 driver Michele Alboreto, accompanied by a personal hand-written note from Enzo Ferrari. Alboreto drove for Ferrari’s Formula 1 team and was a veteran of 194 Grand Prix and five Formula 1 victories. Alboreto kept the car until 2001, selling it shortly before his tragic death during testing for Audi at the Lausitzring, Germany.
The car was restored by Ferrari Monaco by a previous owner and still retains Alboreto’s original racing harnesses. One of only 272 cars ever produced, and with just three known in Australia, this 288 GTO represents a rare and historic link between Ferrari’s road and racing legacy.
