A Ferrari 308 GTS, which appeared in the pilot episode of the iconic 1980s series "Magnum, P.I." (Magnum, P.I.), has been put up for auction at Barrett-Jackson in Palm Beach.
This 1979 car is a true time capsule with documentary confirmation of its television career. It appeared in the episode "Don't Eat the Snow in Hawaii," igniting a long-lasting audience love for red sports cars from Maranello. Although Thomas Magnum, played by Tom Selleck, later switched to several cars, this version with the carburetor engine is considered the most interesting among fans.
Technical Setup and "Height Problem"
It features a 2.9-liter V8 with twin camshafts and four Weber carburetors. This combination produces 230 hp (169 kW), transferred to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission with a signature open-gate shifter and distinctive metal "click" when shifting. The car is equipped with a limited-slip differential and disc brakes on all wheels, hidden behind 15-inch Cromodora wheels.
Ferrari 38 GTS 1979
An interesting detail: since Tom Selleck is 193 cm tall, the standard Ferrari seats were too small for him. For filming, the interior had to be slightly modified so that the actor could at least fit behind the wheel without his knees hitting his chin. The interior is finished in Crema, creating a perfect contrast with the Rosso Corsa body. Despite its age, the car has a decent list of options: air conditioning, electric windows, and a removable targa-type roof.
The Price Question
The most interesting part of this story is the expected price. The Barrett-Jackson auction house is offering the lot without a reserve price, meaning the car will sell for any final bid. Market experts, based on Hagerty data, predict a price of around $100,000. For comparison, that's about how much a new BMW 4 Series in good configuration with a 3.0-liter diesel is selling for today.
