It's ready for display at the Palm Beach Cavallino Classic on Feb 12-15th!
Few cars sit higher in Ferrari’s modern hierarchy than the 288 GTO, and examples with this level of documentation, history, and originality are becoming increasingly difficult to find. GT Motor Cars is now offering a 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO that represents one of the most compelling collector opportunities currently available in the United States.
This is a four-owner example with exceptional provenance. The car was invoiced directly from Ferrari to Ferrari of Houston and was owned by Giuseppe Risi from new until 2015, with a brief transfer before being repurchased by Risi in 2001. One subsequent owner was a prominent member of the Saudi Royal Family, further reinforcing the car’s blue-chip ownership history. Today, the car remains on U.S. soil, avoiding the complications and tariffs often associated with sourcing examples overseas.
Produced in May 1985, this 288 GTO is among the early “genuine homologation” cars built prior to the FIA homologation stamp date of June 1, 1985. These early cars are especially coveted by serious collectors, as they represent the purest link between Ferrari’s original Group B ambitions and the road-going supercar that followed. Of the 272 examples produced in total, very few retain this early status alongside full Ferrari Classiche certification.
This car was one of the first 288 GTOs to receive Ferrari Classiche certification directly at the factory and is accompanied by its Classiche Red Book, original books, and extensive service documentation. Factory air conditioning and power windows are present, underscoring its usability compared to later halo Ferraris. Mileage stands at approximately 14,170 miles, supported by service records including major work performed in 2016, 2021, and most recently in 2025, covering fluids, clutch, and brakes.
Born from Enzo Ferrari’s determination to build a no-compromise Group B machine, the 288 GTO introduced carbon Kevlar composite body panels, twin IHI turbochargers, and a longitudinally mounted V8 producing 400 horsepower. It was the fastest road-going car of its time and laid the foundation for every Ferrari halo car that followed, including the F40 and F50.
Among Ferrari’s legendary halo models, the 288 GTO stands apart as the car that started it all—and arguably the most usable of the group. With rare homologation pedigree, elite ownership history, and meticulous documentation, this example offered by GT Motor Cars represents a definitive opportunity for the advanced Ferrari collector. See it here.
