Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter has spent more than £650,000 on an early Christmas present – this stunning 1980s Ferrari supercar.
The 36-year-old golf star is known for his love of fast cars and is building his own private collection.
He took a swing by Tom Hartley Cars in Derbyshire armed with a ‘wedge’ of cash to take delivery of the limited edition 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO.
The Ferrari was the first of its type ever made and was the world’s fastest car when it went on sale.
And despite being 28-years old it has had just one owner and is in “perfect condition”.
Ferrari fitted the 288 GTO with a mid-mounted 2.9-litre V8 engine which develops around 400bhp.
This gives it a 0-60mph time of less than five seconds and a top speed of 188mph.
Poulter, whose heroics helped Europe to the Ryder Cup in September, flew into the UK on Saturday for the Sports Personality of the Year awards.
And after taking the 288 GTO for a spin the colourful sportsman tweeted how he was “very, very excited” about getting his hands on the “true Italian 1980s supercar”.
He had previously agreed a deal on the Ferrari – understood to be well in excess of $1 million (£617,000).
Poulter left the UK yesterday (Mon) and the Ferrari will now be shipped to Florida, USA, where the golfer is based.
It joins his growing collection of Ferraris which includes the new FF which he had personalised by the Italian firm.
Tom Hartley Jr said: “Ian is a friend of mine so I gave him first refusal on the 288 GTO.
“He is very knowledgeable of cars and this is a very special model in perfect condition which is a perfect addition to his collection.”
Good ‘on yer’ Ian. Great taste – one of the best looking and performing Ferrari’s of ll time. Just think the next time you are about to sink the winning putt against the yanks – I’ll reward myself with a 250 GTO!!