1985 Ferrari 288 GTO Coupe

When one thinks of Ferrari and its supercars of the past thirty years it is not hard to recall the Enzo, the F50 and F40. However, to the casual Ferrari fan it is entirely possible to draw a blank as to what is considered Maranello's first true supercar. The giveaway could be found in three letters 'G-T-O'.

At times it's easy to get lost in missed opportunities and absolutely overlook the possibilities. Thankfully, Ferrari would not fall prey to the 'what should have been' and, instead, thought about 'what might be?' The result would be the 288 GTO, the rarest of Ferrari's supercars.

Intended for Group B rallying, which would have certainly been a sight, regulation changes relegated the 288 to an existence without purpose. However, those at Ferrari dared to push the boundaries of the known supercar and would build one of their finest.

Powered by a twin-turbocharged V-8, the 288 GTO was easily one of the fastest of its generation, powering on up through the upper-100mph barrier with relative ease. This was not surprising given its motor racing intent. But, when combined with a finely appointed leather interior and extra options such as power windows and air conditioning, suddenly, the 288 GTO turned into a rocket-ship for the street. Hence, Enzo would deem the car worthy of the 'GTO' moniker, the first time in twenty years a Ferrari was to bear those three simple, but very evocative letters.

This particular example, chassis 55128, would be the 129th of 272 examples built and would be one of the rare models sporting power windows and factory air conditioning. Completed in 1985, this particular 288 GTO would be completed in Rosso Corsa with a Nero interior. It's first owner would be a well-known entity in and around Maranello. Garage Francorchamps had a special relationship with Ferrari and it would be of little surprise then that Phillipe Lancksweert, co-owner of the garage, would be listed as the car's first owner.

It wouldn't be long in Lancksweert's care before it made its way to Newport Beach, California as the property of Raymond Peloso. Not long would the car remain with Peloso before he too put the car up for sale. The 288 GTO would bounce around a little and would end up in Highland Park, Illinois by 1995.

Gary Schaevitz, of Bedford Corners, New York, would purchase the car in 1996 and would retain the car for a few years as part of his collection. Dennis Crowley would become the next proud owner and would keep the car until the mid-2000s when its current owner came into the picture.

Accompanied by a full set of books, highly original and regularly maintained, this example of the 288 GTO is certainly a fine expression of Ferrari's first foray into the modern supercar realm. It does the marque justice and presents well with its familiar red livery and obvious V-8 engine note.

Chassis 55181 would be offered as part of RM Sotheby's 2015 Monterey auction. Due to its high originality, pedigree and place in Ferrari, and supercar, history, the 1985 288 GTO would be well justified to garner a great deal of attention.

An iconic look of its day, a powerful engine to push the car up to mind-blowing speeds, a GTO badge and an engine note to go along with it all, it would be little wonder the 288 GTO is gaining ground in the classic car market. Recognized for its history and prominence, 55181 would draw pre-auction estimates ranging from between $2,400,000 and $2,800,000.