Model Guides

Ferrari 288 GTO Buyer’s Guide: Specs, Value and What to Look For

The 288 GTO was the first of Ferrari’s Big Five supercars and the direct ancestor of the F40. Built to homologate for Group B racing that never happened, its twin-turbo V8 and 272-unit rarity have made it one of the most coveted Ferraris of all.

This guide covers the full specification, where values sit today, how it compares, and what matters most when you buy one.

400
Horsepower
189
MPH top speed
~4.8s
0–60 mph
272
Units built
~$3.5M
Indicative value

Specification

Years of production1984–1987
Units built272
Engine2.9 L twin-turbo V8
Power400 hp (296 kW) @ 7,000 rpm
Torque366 lb-ft (496 Nm)
Transmission5-speed manual
0–60 mph~4.8 sec
Top speed189 mph (304 km/h)
LayoutMid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Price when new~$83,000 (1984)

Performance in context

The 288 GTO introduced the twin-turbo V8 layout that the F40 would make famous. Lighter and more delicate than its successor, it is prized as the first and the most elegant of the breed.

Ferrari Big Five output (hp)
Enzo651F50513F40471288 GTO400

The market: what a 288 GTO is worth now

As the first of Ferrari’s Big Five supercars and the ancestor of the F40, the 288 GTO is firmly blue-chip. Values typically run $3,000,000 to $4,000,000, with the rarest Evoluzione cars in a different league.

Indicative value by condition (USD)
$4MConcours$3.5MExcellent$3MDriver

Indicative market guidance, October 2026. Sources: CLASSIC.COM, Hagerty. Typical ranges, not a quotation.

What to look for when buying

  • Ferrari Classiche — certification and full documented history are essential.
  • Matching numbers — original engine and components, confirmed against the records.
  • Service history — cam belts and turbo systems must be serviced and documented.
  • Originality and mileage — original specification and documented low mileage lead.
  • Provenance — ownership chain and notable history support the best prices.
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