The Ferrari 288GTO, often hailed as the discerning collector’s choice, shares its powertrain and layout with the iconic F40. However, the 288 stands apart as a rarer, possibly even more elegant, option. To the casual observer, it might be mistaken for the more common Ferrari 308, but keen enthusiasts know better. This year, as the 288GTO celebrates its 40th birthday, Pirelli has unveiled a new set of low-profile Cinturato P7 tires, specially crafted for this highly exclusive car.
Ferrari reserves the GTO designation for only its most exceptional vehicles, a tradition established with the legendary 250GTO. While the 250GTO’s value has reached stratospheric heights, the 288GTO isn’t far behind. With only 272 units produced, the car now commands prices exceeding $4 million—assuming one can even find it for sale.
To the uninitiated, the 288GTO might look like the Ferrari 308 popularized by a certain mustachioed detective on television. But under the surface, it’s a very different beast. Featuring a tube-frame chassis, Kevlar bodywork, and a roaring twin-turbocharged V8 engine mounted longitudinally, the 288 is more akin to a .357 Magnum than a sleek street cruiser. Its distinctive rear gearbox, partially visible to those trailing behind it on winding canyon roads, is another giveaway of its pedigree.
When it first hit the market, the 288GTO was equipped with square-shouldered Goodyear tires. Now, Pirelli’s new Cinturato P7 tires bring a modern touch to the car’s historical performance. These tires have a rich history themselves, first developed for the 1974 World Rally Championship before becoming available for road use two years later. Their reintroduction now aligns with Ferrari’s legacy of building cars for both the track and the road.
As part of Pirelli’s Collezione range, these tires are tailored for historic Ferrari models, complementing the P Zero range designed for the F40, F50, and Enzo. For the 288GTO, the tire sizes are 225/50R-16 for the front and 265/50R-16 for the rear—original dimensions that preserve the car’s authenticity.
While Ferrari’s Testarossa might be considered a grand tourer suitable for regular driving, the 288GTO is a more exclusive, special-occasion vehicle. Like the F40 that succeeded it, driving a 288GTO is an intense sensory experience, likened to the thrill of consuming the hottest sauce on a challenge show. The last of the 288GTOs was built especially for F1 legend Niki Lauda, with the approval of Enzo Ferrari himself—a testament to the car’s unique status.
To celebrate the 288GTO’s 40th anniversary, Pirelli organized a tour that took 288GTO owners through the scenic Dolomite mountains, culminating in Maranello, Ferrari’s home. The sight and sound of this exclusive convoy were undoubtedly unforgettable, a visual and auditory feast for those lucky enough to witness it.
For the fortunate few who own a 288GTO, The new Pirelli tires offer not just a chance to preserve their car’s heritage but also to enjoy it on the road. And given the astronomical value of the 288GTO, every moment behind the wheel is bound to be priceless.