During the time they were new, were 288s were viewed as just a souped up 308? Also, much of the 'it's not a Ferrari without a V12' crowd probably didn't help their values.
No. I was only 13 at the time, but was very aware of how special they were. And the look.. bellissimo!!
Oh good heavens, no! It was an instant classic from the get-go. Imagine a purpose-built Supercar car that Ferrari had conceived for FIA Group B competition, using the exact same drivetrain spec as its Formula 1 car at the time (twin turbos with Behr intercoolers), the world was abuzz. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Me neither! Of course 288 GTO box is a little stiff at the beginning of the drive, but careful changes easing it into the cogs the first few miles till it warms, and then everything is fine. Its part of the ritual you go through in enjoying the cars.
Very nice. Across the pond too.. http://www.elitedetailing.co.uk/Portfolio/Ferrari/Rosso-Corsa/189 Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
My god that paint is factory/showroom condition, is it original? Here I go saving pictures again!! Thanks Joe.
I know a lawyer in Miami who bought his new from the dealer at less than $100K. Later, he tuned down over $1 million at the peak. He did, however, drain all fluids and put it in a special room in his house. Later when prices fell, he dusted it off and started driving it. He knew it was special, not just another 308.
Interestingly, I can count at least 4 people who bought a 288 GTO new and still have it, so there must be more!
Marriott bought his 288 GTO as a used one, it was originally delivered to Germany. From what I understand, the car is well-used & much enjoyed.
My car is quite stubborn when cold, it prefers if you shift to 3rd from first. Having driven quite a few they are all different. Oddly, my 275 is the best of the lot. The gearbox is so beautiful. Only issue with that is that it's quite a long reach into 5th, or out of 5th. I think the gearbox on the F40 is better than that of the 288, I don't know if they are the same box? I would guess to fundamentally, perhaps slightly re-enforced for the F40 given more power etc. I also note that the clutch on the 288 is very light, almost too light for me. The brake pedal is also quite mushy at the top with a bit of dead travel. I am having it all looked at the moment, I've even contemplated putting a F40 master cylinder in the 288 to firm up the pedal.
Interesting. I was going to ask you if there are external adjustments and if you had tried them yet, I'm looking forward to your report. Happy Hollidays, Gregg
In the USA F40, it is exactly the same 'box with some reinforcing, I am told by someone who was part of the car's development. I would imagine the same is true for the Eu/ROW F40, so your observation is correct. Bob should be able to put an F40 clutch into the 288 GTO (as many have done) with more satisfying results.
Injectors, bell-housing & clutch are all components that can use attention 28 years later. Once sorted, these are rockets.
Joe please can you PM re those upgrades? I am really considering trying to subtly improve the car. No neon lights or anything, just basic mechanical stuff that is logical. Such as those already mentioned
There was a program last night on UK BBC2 about the racing life of Jackie Stewart and it was presented by a celebrity chef called James Martin, who is a major petrolhead. The cameras went into the chefs garage and showed his 288 GTO, just wondering if its a known car to this thread. I didnt get a chance to catch the registration number sorry. He could well be a fchatter if so great program James, driving the Tyrell around Monza must have been good fun.
