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Car Tales: Magnum Power, Ferrari 308 GTSi

The Ferrari 308 was made famous globally by the television series Magnum, P.I. in which for eight seasons while on his investigations the series’ lead character, Thomas Magnum, played by Tom Selleck, drove the car around Oahu, the third-largest and most populated of the Hawaiian Islands.

308 gtsi for sale

The Ferrari 308 was made famous globally by the television series Magnum, P.I. in which for eight seasons while on his investigations the series’ lead character, Thomas Magnum, played by Tom Selleck, drove the car around Oahu, the third-largest and most populated of the Hawaiian Islands.

The series ran from 1980 to 1988, and several 308 GTS cars were used, a new one for each season, most being auctioned off after filming and all with the license plate ‘ROBIN 1.’

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Although certainly not cheap, the Ferrari 308s were archetypal cultural magnets for their time. The Ferrari 308 GTB berlinetta and targa-topped 308 GTS are V8 mid-engined, two-seater sports cars manufactured by the Italian company Ferrari from 1975 until 1985.

1980 Ferrari 308 GTSI side view

The 308 replaced the Dino 246 GT and GTS in 1975 and was updated as the 328 GTB/GTS in 1985. The similar 208 GTB and GTS were equipped with a smaller, initially naturally aspirated and later turbocharged, two-liter engine, and were sold mainly in Italy.

The 308 replaced the Dino 246 GT and GTS in 1975 and was updated as the 328 GTB/GTS in 1985. The similar 208 GTB and GTS were equipped with a smaller, initially naturally aspirated and later turbocharged, two-liter engine, and were sold mainly in Italy.

It had a tube frame with a separate body. The 308 GTB/GTS and GT4 were mechanically similar, and also shared much with the original Dino. Both 308s sit on the same tube platform; however the GT4 – being a 2+2 – has a longer wheelbase. The engine was a V8 of a 90 degree configuration, with two belt-driven overhead camshafts per cylinder bank.

It was transversely mounted in unit with the transaxle transmission assembly, which was below and to the rear of the engine’s sump.

The body was designed by Pininfarina’s Leonardo Fioravanti, who had been responsible for some of Ferrari’s most celebrated shapes to date: for example, the Daytona, the Dino and the Berlinetta Boxer.

1980 Ferrari 308 GTSI rear view

The 308 used elements of these shapes to create something very much in contrast with the angular Bertone-designed GT4. GTS models featured a removable roof panel with grained satin black finish, which could be stowed in a vinyl cover behind the seats when not in use.

In 1980 Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection was offered, leading to the 308 GTBi and GTSi; emissions decreased, at the price of a power drop to 214 PS (157 kW; 211 bhp) on European models and 205 PS (151 kW; 202 bhp) on federalized models. The fuel injection was coupled to a Marelli MED 803A Digiplex electronic ignition, incorporating a coil, distributor, and ignition module for each bank of cylinders.

1980 Ferrari 308 GTSI interior

Outside, the car was identical to the 308 GTB/GTS, save for metric sized wheels of a slightly different design, fitted with Michelin TRX radial tyres – Michelin XWX on 16-inch wheels were optional. Inside, the clock and oil temperature gauge were moved to the centre console; there were also a new black steering wheel with three perforated spokes, and seats of a different pattern. 494 GTBis and 1743 GTSis were produced before the model was succeeded by the 308 Quattrovalvole in 1982.

We have one of those 1743 GTSis right now at Beverly Hills Car Club, a 1980 Ferrari 308 GTSi featured with a mere 27,927 miles on the odometer. This wonderful car is finished in its factory exterior color Grigio, gracefully complemented with a striking red interior.

To further enhance the exterior, this 308 GTSi comes with a removable roof panel, giving you the option to enjoy the open air on a sunny day.

Our Ferrari 308 GTSi comes equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox, fuel-injected V8 engine, Veglia instrumentation, four-wheel disc brakes, quad exhaust outlets, retractable headlights, Carello taillights, side air intakes, a Nardi steering wheel, slated grill, side marker lights, with 14-inch alloy wheels with Michelin tires, jack, tool roll, and a full-size spare tire.

1980 Ferrari 308 GTSI engine

Convenience features include air conditioning, a gated shifter, power windows, dual-side rearview mirrors, center console, toggle switches, Pioneer radio with JL amplifiers, and louvered rear quarter windows.

This particular example comes with an extensive history of care and maintenance. It includes a comprehensive collection of receipt copies, documenting over $35,000 invested in the vehicle from July 2002 through March 2024. This investment underscores the dedication to preserving the car’s performance and condition. Notably, a clutch and brake service was completed in 2023 at a cost of $5,329.06, ensuring that this Ferrari is in optimal mechanical condition.

This iconic sports car boasts a timeless design and a rich history that is sure to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Italian sports cars are constantly rising in value, this is an excellent opportunity to acquire one.

-Alex Manos, Owner

1980 Ferrari 308 GTSI buyer Alex Manos

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