Our editors carefully select every product we recommend. We may earn a commission from these links. Learn more

Auction Block: 1987 Ferrari 288 GTO Evoluzione

Photo: Kevin Van Campenhout ©2022 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's

Not nearly as ubiquitously recognized as its follow-up, the F40, the Ferrari 288 GTO was impressive in its own right. Considered the Italian marque’s first supercar when introduced in 1984, the 288 GTO was initially made to meet homologation requirements for competing in the up-and-coming Group B class for Formula 1 at the time. Of the 272 produced, 5 (plus one prototype) were given the Evoluzione upgrades, bumping the horsepower from 400 up to 650 and topping out its speed at a whopping 230mph.

Photo: Kevin Van Campenhout ©2022 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

Ultimately, the super-speed rallying Group B was banned in 1986 after several deaths occurred that season. Ferrari had planned for 20 Evoluziones to roll out that year until production ceased and the project was shelved, made even dourer by the fact that it would be the final GT racer with input from Enzo Ferrari himself. The manufacturer quickly ameliorated the situation and allowed for the variant to inform the production of the powerful F40.

Photo: Kevin Van Campenhout ©2022 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

One of the only Evolutione examples in existence is currently being auctioned off via Sotheby’s Sealed later this month. This particular car, the fourth of five, wasn’t officially completed until 1988 when it was sold to Jean “Beurlys” Blanton, a businessman and privateer racer who drove at Le Mans a total of 15 times for the Belgium national team.

Photo: Kevin Van Campenhout ©2022 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

This incredible ride has recently undergone €133,000 ($130,710) worth of work and can be acquired via RM Sotheby’s when bidding opens on October 19.