The car was used in the pilot season of the iconic television series
With initial plans to use a Porsche 928 scuppered by that brand’s local importer, the decision to have Tom Selleck’s leading character in the hit 80’s TV show Magnum P.I. pilot a Ferrari 308 GTS proved as iconic as the Hawaiian-based show itself. The only caveat was that several modifications to the car’s interior were made to accommodate Selleck’s 193 cm frame. This included removing all padding from a driver’s seat remounted as low to the floor as possible. Being a Gran Turismo Spider (GTS), the car’s detachable roof was stowed away for most of the filming.
Sporting its “Robin 1” number plate, because, after all, in the show the car belonged to Magnum’s boss, Robin Masters, the 308 GTS was repainted from its original Fly Yellow to Rosso Corsa red for the show. The interior colour is called Creama.
Styled by Pininfarina and unveiled at the 1975 Paris Motor Show, the Ferrari 308 GTB was fitted with a 2.9-litre V8 engine and five-speed manual transmission. By the time this particular car was used in the pilot episode of Magnum P.I. in 1980, the 308 had adopted a steel body to accommodate a GTS (removable roof) derivative, which would soon become the most popular configuration.
Interestingly, while this car was used in the pilot episode, titled “Don’t Eat the Snow in Hawaii,” it’s estimated that up to 15 examples of the 308 were used during the show’s 163-episode run, which ended in 1988.
Set to be auctioned in Palm Beach by Barrett-Jackson, this car is noteworthy both for its documented appearance in the famous television show and for keeping its cabin modification made for its leading man. With no reserve (the minimum price a seller is willing to accept), this iconic 308 GTS is expected to fetch well over $100 000.
Ian McLaren has more than 25 years of experience as a motoring journalist. Here, he will be compiling a series of articles documenting his learning curve when it comes to all things auction. Find him on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok at @IanMcLaren76.
These articles aim to offer insights only and in no way encourage reckless or hit-and-miss purchasing decisions.