This 1984 Ferrari 308 GTS has been verified by the car’s manufacturer as having been driven by Tom Selleck during “Magnum P.I.” season 1984–1985 filming in Hawaii.
While the production crew waits for the next scene, one of the Ferrari 308 GTS cars from “Magnum P.I.” is parked on a street in Honolulu in 1988.
Ferrari North America lent CBS a variety of automobiles for use on “Magnum P.I.” during the 1980s season’s filming. In 1988, this one was put up for sale at $100,000. This week’s sale of another Ferrari that was utilized on the program is anticipated to attract bids of at least $250,000.
One of the original Ferraris driven by actor Tom Selleck during the 1980s television series “Magnum P.I.,” which was filmed in Hawaii, sold today for $181,500.
One of the approximately 15 vehicles the business claims CBS utilized on the show while it was in production on Oahu from 1980 through 1988, the 1984 Ferrari 308 GTS was sold by the British auction house Bonhams. The car was used in three separate model years (1978, 1980, and 1984), some for driving scenes and others for close-up views. CBS received the automobiles from Ferrari North America, which then took them back to paint and sell to new owners when the filming was finished.
It is confirmed that Selleck himself drove the Ferrari being offered today, which was purchased by an unnamed bidder at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona, during the 1984–85 season of “Magnum P.I.” Along with an enhanced exhaust system (the factory stock exhaust parts are also included in the sale), it has a 2,926cc V8 engine, a 5-speed manual transmission, and a refurbished interior.
The vehicle was sold to a person in California in 1985 after it was returned to the manufacturer. With only 12,800 miles on the odometer when they sold it to the present owner (who will remain unknown), that person added fewer than 25,000 miles to the engine during the following more than 30 years.
An emergency tool box and magnetic trouble light that arrived with the car — in the original bag, no less — were also included in the sale along with other spare parts, in addition to a “history file” that also includes a note from Ferrari attesting to the vehicle’s provenance.
In Arizona, an auction with more than 100 vehicles was scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. local time. The business anticipated that the Ferrari would sell for between $150,000 and $250,000.
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In This Article...
Magnum PI had excellent choice in vehicles
Eight seasons of the action-packed TV show Magnum, P.I. aired on CBS from 1980 to 1988. Tom Selleck, a mustachioed actor, played Thomas Magnum, a private investigator who traveled to nearby crime scenes in his Ferrari.
The most popular private eye in America was behind the wheel of a bright red 1984 Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole. Three automobiles were used by the producers to film. Ferrari North America “supplied CBS with the automobiles and retrieved them once they were finished with filming to repaint and sell to new owners,” according to Star Adviser.
One of the supercars used in the 1984–1985 campaign was auctioned off in 2017 at Bonhams in Scottsdale, Arizona. According to Motor 1, the original 3.0-liter V8 is still in use, producing 232 horsepower when mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The vehicle brought in $181,500.
The original Rosso Corsa red paint job on the Ferrari was still in flawless shape, and it had only 36,000 kilometers on it.
The New York Post reported about the auction’s listing, “This Ferrari won the hearts of millions throughout the 1980s in living rooms throughout America as Tom Selleck drove this very car around the streets of Hawaii in the pursuit of justice.”
Mustache and Hawaiian shirt not included.
Two of the most renowned Ferraris to have been on television in the late 1980s are being put up for auction. The 1986 Testarossa from Miami Vice, which will be the center of attention at Barrett-Scottsdale Jackson’s auction, has already been shown to you. As part of the Bonhams Scottsdale sale, the 1984 308 GTS Quattrovalvole from Magnum P.I. will now also be offered for sale.
The only known owners of this exquisite 308 GTS since new, aside from its evident TV celebrity and the time Tom Selleck and his gorgeous mustache spent behind the wheel. The original 3.0-liter V8 engine is still in use, producing 232 horsepower when mated to a five-speed manual transmission (173 kilowatts). From 1980 to 1988, just three Ferrari 308s were utilized on the program.
Ferrari acquired the automobile after the 1988 cancellation of the show, and they repainted and serviced it there. Before being sold once more to the current consigner in 1989, it was first sold to its first real owner in Walnut Creek, California. Its current mileage of just 36,000 miles (57,936 kilometers) indicates that it spent the majority of its broadcast career being utilized solely for close-ups and mild action.
The original leather interior has been re-dyed in the proper shade of brown, while the exterior’s original Rosso Corsa red paint is still present. Less than 2,000 miles (3,218 kilometers) ago, the car received a $5,000 major service that included replacing the factory exhaust with a Tubi one.
Despite its celebrity connections, it is in flawless condition. It will be put up for auction as a part of the Bonhams sale starting on January 19 in Scottsdale. Early estimates indicate that it might cost between $150,000 and $250,000 (PS120,000 – 210,000).
Tom Selleck: What is the Present Value of the Vintage “Magnum P.I.” Ferrari 308 GTS?
You may recall “Magnum P.I.” star Tom Selleck and his red sports car if you have ever watched the show. The Ferrari 308 GTS is more than just a fast car. This Italian luxury automobile became a part of popular culture because to appearances in films and television shows.
Ferrari produced a number of iconic cars throughout the 1970s. The Italian luxury automobile company was in its heyday at the time, and they are still highly sought for today.
The Ferrari 308 GTS, which featured its distinctive two-seater design, became an instant classic. Its semi-convertible body style and detachable roof piece won over car fans as well. This sports automobile created history the moment it rolled onto the showroom floors.
However, the 308 GTS kept making much more of an impact in Hollywood. It made an eight-season run on the well-known TV series “Magnum, P.I.” as Tom Selleck’s primary vehicle. Every season, the program bought a brand-new model. The majority of vehicles, however, had “ROBIN1” license plates when they were eventually auctioned off.
The iconic Ferrari made another appearance in the 1981 film “The Cannonball Run.” Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. acted in it. They leave the scene driving a striking, vintage red 1979 model while costumed as Catholic priests.
‘National Lampoon’s Vacation’ also included the famous vehicle. Chevy Chase’s character drives a 1981 Ferrari 308 GTSi with a “LUV ME” license plate while being preoccupied by Christie Brinkley.
Like other sports cars, the 308 GTS is very expensive. A classic Ferrari 308 model (GTS, GB, GTM, or GT4) would cost you at least $50,000, according to Hot Cars, which detailed just how much this beauty would cost you today. You may need to spend at least $100,000 if you want to purchase a Ferrari 308 in pristine condition.
Therefore, the 308 GTS would be a terrific choice if a Ferrari happens to be your ideal vehicle. It’s worth the premium because of its heritage and timeless appearance.
Bid on this two-owner, classic Ferrari with only 19,175 kilometers on the odometer and make Tom Selleck proud.
In the past, Tom Selleck played Thomas Sullivan Magnum IV in the iconic television series Magum P.I., which aired from 1980 to 1988. Magnum was a private detective in Hawaii who drove a brilliant red Ferrari. This 1982 Ferrari 308 GTSi, which has only had two owners and very few miles, is available for purchase at Frazier Motorcar Company.
This Pininfarina-designed 308 GTSi has a targa top and is painted Rosso Corsa red, the traditional national racing color of Italy. The body panel gaps are described as being “Ferrari factory perfect” while the exterior paint is described as being “very good.” This 308 model even has the proper rims and tires, and it only has 19,175 kilometers on the odometer.
A naturally aspirated 2.9-liter V8 engine situated in the middle of the vehicle drives the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission. The engine produces 192 lb/ft of torque at 5,000 rpm and 237 brake horsepower at 7,000 rpm. With the exception of the rumbling of those Italian eight cylinders, the car drives quite tightly and responsively thanks to a recent complete timing belt service.
Open the doors to reveal a spotless brown inside with excellently kept upholstery and carpets. Furthermore, the dashboard is in excellent condition and demonstrates that the vehicle was garage-kept and well-maintained.
The paperwork for the belt service, as well as the original instructions, books, tool roll, and jack, are included in the sale of the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle has a clear Carfax report that displays the accurate mileage as well as the two-owner history.
If you’re looking for a magnificent 1982 Ferrari 308 GTSi with little mileage, Frazier Motorcar Company is selling it.
How the season-opening use of the iconic red Ferrari in the Magnum P.I. reboot
Traditions are made to be broken, and in the new season of Magnum P.I., it seems rather literally.
While Tom Selleck’s trademark mustache was absent from Monday’s revival starring Jay Hernandez, the red Ferrari was present, and it was a resounding success. If you missed the debut on Monday, here’s how Magnum’s distinctive wheels were utilized (and abused).
The relationship Magnum (Hernandez) has with the elusive and extremely wealthy novelist Robin Masters, who he tries to safeguard, includes Magnum receiving free use of the guest home and the Ferrari 488 Spider, just like in the original. Within 11 minutes of the reboot’s premiere, a couple of men who have abducted one of Magnum’s former military friends shoot at and broadside the red Ferrari. This shows that there are no strict guidelines on what constitutes regular wear and tear on Robin’s vehicle fleet.
So, no more Ferraris, am I correct? Not quite. When Magnum gets back home, he asks Juliet Higgins, the property manager, whether he can use Masters’ other red Ferrari, a GTS Quattrovalvole that Selleck used to drive (just the same model, not the same car). Higgins reluctantly consents, but not before cautioning him to preserve the integrity of the vehicle. She seems to be able to read his mind, wow! Magnum makes the bizarre, only-in-a-CBS-procedure decision to pull the Ferrari in front of the bad guys and push them off the road shortly after starting down a beautiful tropical highway. Magnum miraculously pulls off the life-threatening stunt (jumping to his friend’s helicopter), but the Ferrari, tragically, does not. The crimson sports automobile of a thousand dreams is leaving.
So, no more Ferraris, am I correct? Not quite. At the conclusion of the episode, Higgins makes an appearance with a black Ferrari California T and demands that she take Magnum to his location instead. Sooner than you may expect, he’ll be back behind the wheel of a red Ferrari, according to a drama spokesman, who describes the red Ferrari as the “seventh series regular.”
What is the new Ferrari Magnum P.I.?
A carbon-bodied Ferrari 308 GTS is the first invention of Italian restomod firm Maggiore.
Gianluca Maggiore, the company’s founder, claims he wanted to drive a symbol from his youth with the safety features and solutions offered by contemporary technology. He also claims that the work done by his Tuscany-based company was done “with profound respect, creating a historic harmony with the original parts while at the same time breathing new life into its general appearance.”
The car’s famous pop-up headlamps have been replaced with short LED strips, which is the biggest change to the front of the vehicle. The new bodywork is wider to accommodate an extended track. Below, additional projector lenses are almost invisible until they are turned on. The slightly fiddly straked air intakes have been replaced with more straightforward gloss carbon ones, giving the 308M a very clean look. Aerodynamics are improved by a subdued roof spoiler, an enhanced lip spoiler, and a rear diffuser.
The Quattrovalvole V-8 was rebored to 3146 cc, nodular cast iron liners were installed, forged pistons with a graphite coating, and larger valves were among the mechanical improvements. A race clutch and light-weight flywheel have also been added, along with a whole new stainless steel exhaust system. At 7000 rpm, there is up to 300 horsepower.
New four-piston Brembo calipers, racing pads, and vented 280-mm discs are installed for improved stopping power, and the track is 50 millimeters wider at the front and 100 millimeters wider at the back. Adjustable coaxial springs and Koni racing shocks are used for the suspension.
With materials provided by American textile specialists Maharam, the interior makes use of carbon fiber, leather, and even marble. A head-up display and a hi-res sound system from Delta Sigma bring the car’s technology up to current. If you’d like, Maggiore will supply a set of baggage that matches the automobile, as well as a leather jacket.
The first 308M was developed by Maggiore in a year, and the company estimates that the conversion cost about EUR500,000 ($594,000). Oh, and you’ll need to start by giving them a 308, so allocate an extra $50,000 to pick a good one.