Magnum P.I.'s Ferrari! The 308 GTS Driven By Tom Selleck Was Sold Earlier This Year

December 4, 2022

Magnum P.I was a television show that aired from 1980-1988 based on the work of private investigator Thomas Magnum, played by Tom Selleck. The Ferrari 308 GTS was manufactured from 1975-1985 and became an iconic sports car due to its use in the show. The cars that Thomas Magnum drove in the show became a part of his image as a slick P.I. who needs a Ferrari to achieve his goals of capturing elite criminals. Although the Ferrari sold for $181,500 earlier this year, check out this fantastic vehicle that comes with the extra feature of telling people it used to be Magnum P. I.'s car.

The Ferrari 308 GTS

This vehicle, sold by Bonhams Auction House, auctioned the car in the January 2017 Scottsdale sale in Phoenix, Arizona. The regular appearance of the Ferrari in the show has given this particular vehicle instant recognizably from fans.

1980s Powerhouse

The Ferrari 308 GTS comes with a 2.9-litre V8 engine that pumps out approximately 232 horsepower through a rear-wheel-drive configuration. The vehicle was highly sought after in the 1980s due to its presence on the show.

Magnum P.I In Action

According to Bonhams Auction House, around five 308s were used per season of Magnum P.I. This image shows Selleck in one of his quintessential moments as Thomas Magnum while driving the revered Ferrari. This Ferrari captured the hearts of millions throughout the world during the 1980s as Tom Selleck piloted this car around the streets of Hawaii in the pursuit of justice.

Ferrari 308 GTS

Everything about this Ferrari 308 GTS is factory original besides the exhaust system which was added to give the vehicle a bit more grunt and presence on the road. The factory exhaust pipes came with the vehicle when it was sold, as well as the Ferrari warranty book and service receipts dating back to 1986.

When This Vehicle Was Used

Bonhams Auction House listed this vehicle as being used during season five of the show which took place between 1984-1985. Ferrari North America also certified that Tom Selleck drove the car during this time with a document that accompanied the sale of the vehicle.

Symbols Of The 1980s

Tom Selleck`s character in Magnum P.I had his signature mustache, Hawaiian shirt, and red Ferrari. The iconic soundtrack would undoubtedly be the first thing many would play in the stereo of the Ferrari if they ever had the opportunity to drive it.

The Multiple Ferraris In The Show Were Used For Different Purposes

During the filming of Magnum P.I, several Ferraris were used for different purposes. Some were used for high-speed chase scenes, and other were used for slow-moving scenes that required a close-up shot of the vehicle. This 308 GTS was used for the latter which contributes to the decent condition of the car today.

The Interior

After the wear and tear on the interior during filming it was replaced with a new tan interior that is reminiscent of the original interior of the Ferrari 308 GTS. The interior is tasteful, and the refurbishment does not overshadow any of the other features of the vehicle.

A Certified Television Prop

This image shows Tom Selleck driving the Ferrari during filming. The vehicle was sold in January 2017 with a certification from CBS that this car was indeed driven during filming by the main character himself. As mentioned earlier, this particular car was used for close-up shots that were usually slow-moving and focused on the vehicle.

Under The Hood

Although the V8 engine initially put out 232 horsepower, some of this power may have escaped in the 33 years since Season five of Magnum P.I. The nostalgia of this vehicle and who drove it surely makes up for any loss of power during this car's life.

MORE FROM AutoInfo