Ferrari 288 GTO
Another kit given to me by a friend 30+ years ago for being an usher at his wedding included this Burago Ferrari 288 GTO. I started the kit shortly after the wedding, but didn't complete it until recently. The body is made of cast metal and it's a snap-together kit that didn't require any glue. The only thing missing are the door mounted rear view mirrors, which are prominent on the real car. For some reason, Burago decided to do without them.
The 288 GTO is based on the 308, also known as the "Magnum" Ferrari. However, unlike the 308, which was more show and less go, the 288 GTO was a fierce racing machine. Another half model/half toy production that, except for the mirrors, doesn't look too bad.
Agreed Greg, looks good given the kit. It helps I think that the 288 GTO is one of my favorite Ferarri's.
One of my faves, too. Some of the articles I've read about it claim it was the first "supercar."
Looking superb, Greg!
Thank you, Spiros.
Excellent looking Ferrari, Greg @gwfabian
Thanks, John.
That’s a nice kit ! Looks great Greg @gwfabian
Thanks, Jay. It does have a good level of detail for a snap-together.
A real beauty! Was a car like this driven by Tom Seleck in Magnum PI?
Magnum drove the 308, which the 288 GTO is based on. The big difference between the two cars is the engine in the 308 is traversely mounted while the 228 GTO is longitudinal and more powerful. The 288 was designed to compete in a racing class that was cancelled just as development of the car was completed. You can read more about the 288 GTO here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrari_288_GTO
The 288 GTO looked like the 308 GTB on steroids. It was developed for racing and usually qualified near the front but seldom lasted very long in the actual race. Road cars are very sought after now. I think Burago did a few versions of the car in 1/18 and 1/24, perhaps yours was originally a racer, hence no mirrors. The 288 GTO was eventually replaced by the F40. Burago did some great models back in the day, and they were terrific value for money as well.
That could be the answer for lack of mirrors. Another reason could be because of the first rule of Italian driving - what's happening behind you is of no consequence, so rear view mirrors are superfluous. I was fortunate to attend a Ferrari Car Club meet at Summit Point raceway back in the early 90's. I don't recall seeing a 288 GTO at the meet, but I did get to see an F40 drive around the racetrack. That was (and is) quite a machine.
That’s similar to Italy’s answer to how to deal with the increasing amount of traffic accidents - build more hospitals. I love most things Italian, especially their cars, motorbikes, and food.
Part of it is because the Italians know how to do simple better than just about anyone else when they apply themselves.
Always loved that 288 GTO. Nice work.
Thank you. I'm partial to the 288, too. It's a very fetching design.