Amalgam Ferrari 288 GTO

Thanks to the clear motto ‘Passion for Precision’, which is implemented down to the smallest details in the beautiful model cars by Amalgam Collection, beautiful collectibles in different scales from 1:18 up to the original scale of 1:1 are produced. Two of them were introduced to us recently by the responsible sales manager for the DACH region, Jason Franz, in our office in Munich (we reported). Now let’s take a closer look at both models. We start chronologically with the 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO.

In order to miniaturize this first supercar from Maranello in detail, Amalgam Collection received drawings, archive images and other materials from Ferrari and was also able to scan and photograph an original car of a Bavarian collector. The composition of the red paint matches exactly with that of the original sports car. In addition, the prototype of the model car was handed over to those people responsible at Ferrari for final acceptance, before a limited series production started. Not only the shapes of the bodywork are as accurate as possible, the interior, the trunk at the front and the engine compartment at the back correspond to the 288 GTO in such a degree, that you almost would like to fill up operating fluids and start the engine. Unfortunately, this is not possible. But nevertheless, the model car fits really nice to a desk or into a showcase of a real car enthusiast.

Under the acronym GTO for Gran Turismo Omologato (Grand Tourer Homologation), Ferrari developed their very first supercar with a topspeed of more than 300 kph in 1984. This abbreviation was used before in 1962 for the 250 GTO and marked the homologation variant for racing. The 288 GTO should also enter motor racing in the mid-1980s. Parallel to the Group B category in World Rally Championship, the FIA also planned a Group B class with the same rulebook for circuit racing. But only Ferrari and Porsche showed some interest in that. While at least the Porsche 961, based on the 959, saw some race entries including Le Mans, the 288 GTO never officially raced and the category was stillborn.

Behind the two passengers is a 2.8-liter V8 biturbo engine with 294 kW/400 hp and 496 newtonmeters of torque. In conjunction with the manual five-speed transmission, the 288 GTO accelerates to 100 kph in 4.9 seconds and to 200 kph in 15.2 seconds. The topspeed was 305 kph. From the outside, the design of the supercar corresponded to a large extent to the 308 GTB, but with modified rear, 11 centimeters more wheelbase and wider fenders. The rear and roof are made from a mix of Kevlar and Nomex, while the bonnet contents Nomex and fiberglass and the rest of the body is made from fiberglass-reinforced plastic. Previously, Ferrari only used these materials for their Formula 1 racing cars. The 288 GTO, which was exclusively available in Rosso Corsa (red), was sold in 1984 and 1985. In Germany the base price was 265,000 DM. A total of 272 copies were produced.

Images: Amalgam Collection