One to Buy: ex-Walter Wolf 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO
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During the mid 1980s, Ferrari’s 288 GTO was the hottest property in the high end car market thanks to its peerless technical specification, unmatched performance and gorgeous Pininfarina-designed body.
Demand far-exceeded the original plan for 200 units (the number required for Group B homologation) as a who’s who of racing drivers, industrialists and entertainers put their name down for what was a genuine heir to the legendary 250 GTO of 1962-1964.
Recognising the 288’s unmatched blend of good looks, exclusivity and driving dynamics, one buyer was renowned oil magnate and ex-F1 team owner, Walter Wolf, who took delivery of chassis 54783 via Garage Foitek in Zurich on 24th April 1985.
Having commissioned a variety of highly tuned one-off Lamborghini’s and a couple of Kremer Porsches to include the only road-going K3, Walter Wolf’s decision to purchase a 288 was an indication of just how good this second generation GTO really was.
Chassis 54783 was configured in arguably the ultimate specification for one of these cars: manual windows, no air-conditioning and fabric seat inlays. The Swiss domiciled car was retained by Walter Wolf until June 1992 at which point it returned to Italy and ended up with a Milanese owner who kept the GTO until 2001.
The GTO has since gone through the hands of a couple more owners and on October 9th will be heading for auction at Bonhams Zoute sale. Today, chassis 54783 is showing 25,600km and is being offered with a fully documented history along with Ferrari Classiche certification confirming its matching number status.
