The Riyadh Car Show Auction 2019 - 22nd November 2019

www.silverstoneauctions.com 65 Friday 22nd November 2019 just 3,800 revs. Top speed was a staggering 189mph. Its three rear-wing cooling slots deliberately recalling the earlier GTO, the 288 bodywork likewise benefited from the adoption of F1 technology, being constructed of glass fibre and a mixture of the lightweight composite materials Kevlar and carbon fibre. Aerodynamically refined in the wind tunnel, the 288 GTO sported flared wheel arches, larger front and rear spoilers, taller door mirrors and four additional driving lights in the front grille, these subtly altered looks combining elegance with muscularity in equal measure. Given its race-bred, state-of-the-art technology and drop-dead gorgeous looks, it is not surprising that the 288 GTO appealed to Formula 1 drivers of the day, with Ferrari’s Michele Alboretto and René Arnoux, and even McLaren’s Nikki Lauda numbered among its owners. In the event, the 288 GTO never contested the races for which it had been conceived, as the FIA axed Group B, citing lack of manufacturer interest as the reason. We understand that 55233 is the 135th GTO built (out of 272), was delivered new to Austria finished in white with a blue interior and was once part of Chris Evans’ famous ‘White Collection’ of seven important Ferraris all finished in Bianco. It was subject to a ground-up restoration costing in excess of £150,000 in 2009. The car is now finished in Rosso Corsa with a Nero interior and has only covered 31,000km from new. With total production amounting to only 272 cars, every one of which was sold prior to the start of production in July 1984, these cars have been covetable ever since the production ceased in 1986. The modest number built, particularly compared to all subsequent Ferrari flagship supercars, has ensured that today it is truly a worthy successor to the 250 GTO and remains one of the most desirable and sought-after Ferraris of recent times. 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO LOT 129 More Images Lot 129 Bid On Lot 129