Thanks for the link Joe. Good stuff there. I'll have to look closer. Keep trying Google with no results yet. I've been through this thread - took several weeks (have to keep replacing keyboards because of drool). Haven't found the right shot yet. The first picture I ever saw of the 288 was it's debut in R&T, C&D, .... Loved the shot immediately and can't get it out of my mind 25+ years later.
Joe - have you read (I'm sure you have) the Automobilia book for the GTO? Just got this - a lot of details about what does what in the dash etc but it has dated a *lot* and isn't as comprehensive or as glossy as I'm sure your book will be!
I would be happy to take you out in a GTO on the track. It's quite a bit quicker than you think. I've had no problem keeping up with F40s. Sure, it's not as fast as the F430 Challenge, but it's a completely different car. A can, and do, drive the GTO for several hours to a track, track it at full tilt, and drive it home again without a problem. At least, without a problem so far. I can't do that in the F430 Challenge car. I had to buy a trailer. You could, of course, do it in a F40 or F430 Scud. My wife calls the F40 a "kit" car. Geez. On the other hand, she drives a Daytona without complaining about the steering. Steve
The other issue is that the GTO is such an inviting car to drive to compared to the F40. Lightweight, with great visibility, and easy to get in-and-out of.
The 288 looks so lucious compared to anything modern, yet it maintains a modern poise. Very perfect. Great shot
Question for Joe perhaps. Or does anyone know approximately how many 288's reside in the US at present? Thanks
Between 28 and 30. When we were organizing the 288 GTO Reunion a year ago that exercise caused us to really make an effort hunt them down. It appears that all told some 60-odd cars have entered the USA at one point or another over the past 25 years but the former range is what remains currently (subject to change, of course).
So can I ask Joe do you think you are potentially going to see more 288's entering the US now that the car is officially over 25 years(1985 production) since it was originally manufactured and therefore completely exempt of EPA/DOT and FMVSS and so you can import it in hassle free?
In a word: no. They have been 25 years old essentially since the early part of 2009 and not much has changed in the last 2 years. Although the 288 GTO is a rare car, a beautiful Ferrari, and always will be the first-of-an-iconic series, it is not for everyone.
Contact the photographer, perhaps he will oblige. He certainly has a unique style. http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurentduchene/ Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Award-winning 56343, a car that is looking even better than when I sold it almost 2 years ago. Bravo Jay! Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I would be grateful for chassis number confirmation if anyone knows. Italy-registered VA.842851 Image Unavailable, Please Login
