We understand, classic Ferrari->ke252 models don't come cheap. And even though we don't plan to buy one anytime soon, we do keep browsing through online classifieds once in a while, but that still doesn't mean that we can afford one. Today, we happened to stumble upon this rare and pristine example of a 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO. These classic scarlet red Ferraris are hard to miss and rather valuable.

Ferrari of New England is among the premier Ferrari dealerships in the country and this certified GTO is now on sale for a mind-boggling $1.8 million. That's a lot of money, only until you realize that Ferrari made only 272 examples of it. In 2009, the previous owners spent $35,000 on maintenance for this 288 GTO and now has 17,352 km (10,782 miles) on the odometer. The regular maintenance work included new brake pads, gaskets, timing belts and other pertinent items.

So, if you happen to be in the market for a nearly $2 million classic Ferrari, this mint-condition model may be up your alley.

Click past the jump for more information on the Ferrari 288 GTO

History

Ferrari built the 288 GTO to go racing, as has been the case with numerous Ferraris. It was an exotic homologation of the 308 GTB and was based on the same car.

Group B racing regulations required Ferrari to manufacture at least 200 units of the car in order to qualify for the racing series, hence Ferrari only building 272 models. That said, the race category was scrapped even before a single 288 GTO could participate, which lead to all 272 examples becoming road cars instead.

The Ferrari 288 GTO used a 2.8-liter, V-8 engine, and that's where '288' comes from. The fuel-injected, intercooled engine was boosted with twin-turbochargers to produce 395 horsepower, enough to reach a top speed of 189 mph. This made it the first production car to hit the 300 km/h mark.

On top of that awesome top speed, the 288 sprinted to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. Since the car was based on the 308 GTB, Ferrari bolted the engine where the trunk would have been with the transmission in the rear.

Pininfarina's design touches can be found all over its body in unique details like the pop-up lamps, air-ducts and louvers.