Ferrari 288GTO: Celebrating 40 Years of Automotive Excellence
- Pirelli has made new factory-fitment tires for the 288GTO, first of Ferrari’s supercar range.
- This completes the collection of special Pirellis made for the likes of the F40, F50, and so on.
- The 288 originally came with Goodyears, but this new Pirelli tire has a rallying heritage that matches the car.
The Ferrari 288GTO shares a powertrain and layout with the F40; however, it stands out as a connoisseur’s selection. With its rarity and beauty, it’s not easy to spot that it surpasses the relatively ordinary 308.
On the 288’s 40th birthday, there is good news for discerning owners, as Pirelli has introduced a new set of Cinturato P7 low-profile tires, specifically designed for this extraordinary vehicle.
The GTO designation from Ferrari symbolizes its top-tier models, firmly established by the 250GTO. While the 250GTO commands astronomical values, the 288GTO is no exception. With only 272 units produced, it fetches prices exceeding $4 million, assuming one can even be located.
At first glance, the 288GTO appears similar to the Ferrari 308 famously driven by a certain mustachioed private investigator in Hawaii. However, beneath the surface, it embodies more than just nostalgic allure. The 288GTO features a tube frame chassis, partially Kevlar bodywork, and a twin-turbocharged V-8 engine mounted longitudinally in the middle. If you were to spot one following you on a California canyon road, its exposed rear gearbox is a telltale feature.
With its original square-shouldered Goodyears, the new Pirelli tire is better suited to reflect the 288’s competitive heritage. This model was originally crafted as a homologation special for Group B racing, a time known for its thrilling yet perilous rallies. Similarly, the P7 tire was introduced during the 1974 World Rally Championship before entering the consumer market two years later.
Pirelli has developed this tire as part of their Collezione range, specifically tailored for historic Ferrari supercars. This addition complements the existing P Zero road and racing tires for the F40, F50, and Enzo, all offered in their original sizes. For the 288GTO, this translates to 225/50R-16 at the front and 265/50R-16 at the rear.
Unlike a Testarossa, which can serve as a daily driver, the 288GTO is distinctly a vehicle for special occasions. It evokes extraordinary sensations, akin to finishing the last drop of a particularly potent hot sauce. The final unit produced was expertly crafted for F1 champion Niki Lauda, with personal authorization from Enzo himself—underscoring the 288’s remarkable legacy.
In celebrating this milestone, Pirelli has unveiled the new Cinturato P7 during a 40th-anniversary tour, wherein 288GTO owners traversed the picturesque Dolomite mountains to Maranello. It surely became one of the most visually stunning and sonically exhilarating parade laps in automotive history.
For the fortunate few who own a 288GTO and wish to drive their prized possession, Pirelli has made this experience considerably easier. Given the significant investment these cars represent, every moment on the road is undoubtedly priceless.
Author: Brendan McAleer
Contributing Editor
Brendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles and has a deep-seated passion for the intersection of humanity and machinery, evident since he began writing about cars in 2008.