Tom Selleck’s Iconic ‘Magnum P.I.’ Ferrari 308 GTS Heads to Auction — A Piece of TV History
An iconic Ferrari 308 GTS made famous by the classic TV show Magnum P.I. is heading to auction, giving collectors a rare chance to own a piece of television and automotive history.
The classic 1979 Ferrari 308 GTS Targa—similar to the cars driven by Tom Selleck’s character Thomas Magnum—is scheduled to be sold at the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction. The legendary sports car represents the unmistakable style of the 1980s and remains one of the most recognizable Ferraris ever featured on television.
Why This Ferrari Is So Special
The Ferrari 308 GTS became globally famous after appearing in the hit TV series Magnum P.I., which aired from 1980 to 1988.
During the show:
- Actor Tom Selleck drove the bright red Ferrari across Hawaii
- The car became one of the show’s most memorable elements
- Several versions of the 308 GTS were used throughout the series
The Ferrari quickly turned into a pop-culture icon and helped cement the 308 GTS as one of the most recognizable sports cars of the era.
Also Read: Oil Prices, EV Boom & Tariffs: How Global Shifts Are Reshaping the Auto Industry in 2026
Auction Details
The classic Ferrari will be offered at a Barrett-Jackson collector car auction, one of the world’s most well-known automotive auction events.
Key Auction Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | 1979 Ferrari 308 GTS Targa |
| Auction House | Barrett-Jackson |
| Auction Location | Palm Beach |
| Auction Type | No-reserve sale |
| Cultural Significance | Featured in Magnum P.I. |
The car is expected to attract serious attention from collectors and television memorabilia enthusiasts.
Ferrari 308 GTS: Performance and Specs
The Ferrari 308 GTS was a true performance car of its time, combining Italian design with powerful engineering.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.9-liter V8 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Body Style | Targa-top sports car |
| Layout | Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Production Years | 1975–1985 |
The 308 GTS was designed by Pininfarina designer Leonardo Fioravanti, making it one of Ferrari’s most stylish models of the 1970s and 1980s.
The “Magnum Effect”
Cars associated with popular movies or television shows often increase in value over time.
Reasons collectors want them:
- Strong pop culture history
- Limited availability
- Unique storytelling appeal
- Celebrity association
The Magnum P.I. Ferrari is a perfect example of this “Hollywood car effect,” where a vehicle becomes more valuable due to its cultural impact.
Why Collectors Love the Ferrari 308 GTS
Collectors continue to seek out the Ferrari 308 GTS for several reasons:
- Classic Italian sports car styling
- Strong connection to 1980s pop culture
- Mid-engine performance design
- Limited production numbers
Even decades after the show ended, the Ferrari remains one of the most recognizable cars ever featured on television.
The upcoming auction of the Magnum P.I. Ferrari 308 GTS is more than just another collector car sale. It represents a unique blend of television history, classic Ferrari engineering, and 1980s nostalgia.
For collectors and fans of the legendary TV series, this auction offers a rare opportunity to own one of the most iconic cars in television history.
