In 1984,
Ferrari designed and built the legendary GTO with the
intention of competing in the FIA Group B Championship. In
order to homologate it for competition, a minimum
production run of 200 cars had to be constructed.
Unfortunately, with GTO production well underway, Group
B was abruptly canceled, leaving the company with a
fully developed and homologated racing car with nowhere
to race! In view of this, Ferrari decided to offer the
mighty GTO as a road car to the public - and the 288
GTO, as we know it today, was born.
Lightweight
GRP and carbon fiber was utilized for the majority of
the wide and aggressive bodywork, while the doors, deck
lid and bonnet were formed in aluminum. The twin
turbocharged 2.8L V8 produced a staggering 400 hp and
almost 370 ft/lbs of torque, capable of propelling the
car to top speed of almost 190mph, making it the fastest
production car in the world at the time. 0-60mph came up
in an impressive 4.8 seconds, with 0-100mph taking a
shade over 10 seconds.
Chassis number 55237
Our car was number 137 out of a
total of 272 GTOs built. It was supplied from the
factory with air-conditioning, power windows, red seat
inserts and the optional Ansa sport exhaust. On April
10, 1985, 55237 became the first 288 GTO imported into
Japan by Ferrari importer Cornes & Company. The
original owner was Yoshiho Matsuda, one of the world’s
foremost Ferrari collectors. Mr. Matsuda's collection
included no fewer than three 250 GTOs, so it seemed only
natural that he should have one of the new generation
GTOs!
55237
remained in the Matsuda collection for the next 25
years, during which time he drove it approximately 9,500
kms. The car
then remained in Japan for the next five years before
being exported to the United States in 2015. A further
3,000 kms were added in the hands of two subsequent US
owners, before the car was finally acquired by the
current owner in 2018. Recently, 55237 has been
maintained and serviced in the Team CJ Workshops and the
odometer now shows 13,800 kms. The car runs and drives
superbly, is fully serviced and needs absolutely
nothing.
55237 is
accompanied by its original tools, jack and spare keys,
as well as a comprehensive history file dating back to
the original importation to Japan.
This
vehicle is now sold, thank you.
