Car Driven by History's Most Famous Moocher Goes on the Block
No, not Kato Kaelin. (That’s two OJ references on one day. We’re done. – Ed.)
Mouth-watering classics hit the block at Bonhams’ Scottsdale auction house all the time, but few were ever driven by the embodiment of 1980s masculinity. Well, today’s your chance to clear out your retirement funds and make a bid on one of the most recognizable vehicles in all of TV Land.
The 1980s was far from rough for Thomas Magnum. Fit, mustachioed, and more or less recovered from the horrors of Vietnam, Magnum’s life consisted of living for free on novelist Robin Masters’ Hawaii estate, where he indulged in opulent, seaside surroundings, a wine cellar that Higgins forbid him from entering, free helicopter rides from an overly generous fellow vet, jeans, and a red Ferrari 308 GTS.
A private investigator never had it so good. Well, there were some hardships — especially in those serious episodes. Ivan never saw that bullet coming.
Yes, Magnum P.I. (1980-1988) was the perfect premise for TV audiences in the heady 1980s, and the 308 GTS proved the perfect vehicle for escaping hitmen in Ford Fairmonts. Well, one of the Ferraris used on the show — a 1984 Ferrari GTS Quattrovalvole — can now be yours. It hits the block today in Scottsdale.
The vehicle, which arrived midway through the fourth season, replaced a 1980 308 GTSi and carried Magnum through 1985.
According to Bonhams:
It is believed that there were about five cars of each series used. The cars were destined to be used for one of two distinct purposes: action shots and light action/close-ups, the latter of which were kept in pristine condition. All of the cars used on the show were provided by Ferrari North America. Once a car was no longer in service, Ferrari North America would take the car back, give it a fresh paint job and servicing, and sell it to its “first” owner.
With a detailed ownership history, a 3.0-liter DOHC V8 and just 36,000 miles on the odometer, this model carries an estimated value of $150,000 to $250,000. And yes, there’s no chance that Tom Selleck didn’t drive this car.
Unlike the Testarossa, which added to Miami Vice‘s helping of ’80s excess, the 308 GTS is arguably the last “classic” Ferrari to roll out of Maranello. Grab your Hawaiian shirt, Colt 1911, and checkbook.
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Sit Ubu, Sit... Good Dog Woof Thats about all i remember
I'm surprised that Tom Selleck could even fit into the 308. A friend of of mine has one that he bought slightly used back in the late 80's, and it's got one of those old fashioned long arms/short legs Italian car seating positions, with the steering wheel slightly horizontal and bus-like. Not comfortable at all. But damn, is it pretty!