As an enthusiast with gasoline coursing through my veins, I clearly remember the Ferrari 308 GTS driven by Tom Selleck’s character in the 1980s TV Series, Magnum, P.I. The car used during the first season was a 1979 model, making it identical to our featured Ferrari. This classic doesn’t just look superb; it’s been meticulously maintained, with Service Records dating back to Day One. Its next journey could be to a new home, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Barney for spotting this Italian exotic listed here on Craigslist in Scottsdale, Arizona, for $98,000.
Released in 1975, the Ferrari GTB was penned by Leonardo Fioravanti during his twenty-four-year tenure at Pininfarina. The 308 GTS followed in 1977, featuring a Targa top for genuine open-air motoring. Our featured GTS left the Maranello factory in 1979, ordered in traditional Rosso Red. The seller provides some excellent close-up images, confirming that this Italian classic has no cosmetic shortcomings. The paint shines nicely, and the panels are spotless. Rust won’t be a concern since the Ferrari has spent its days in a dry climate. The panel gaps are as tight and consistent as you would rightly expect from a hand-built exotic in this price range. The top fits snugly, the glass is clear, and the beautiful 14″ alloy wheels present at their elegant best.
In keeping with its sporting credentials, this Ferrari’s interior features body-hugging bucket seats in hand-stitched Black leather, a range of gauges clearly visible to the driver through the beautiful three-spoke, leather-wrapped wheel, and a gated shifter, a hallmark of many Italian exotics. The front section of the console looks patchy in some shots, but that may be due to the lighting. The upholstery shows no significant wear, and the carpet looks excellent. The seats are particularly noteworthy for their lack of visible wear. Entering and exiting a 308 is not an elegant process, and sliding across the outer seat bolsters is almost inevitable. However, these seats look excellent, suggesting the seller has always been particularly careful to avoid damage.
In typical Ferrari fashion, this car’s model designation derives from its engine configuration. It features a 3.0-liter mid-mounted V8, sending power to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transaxle. Cars sold in North America were slightly detuned compared to their European counterparts, delivering 240hp and a factory-declared top speed of 156mph. European buyers received 255hp, although the extra ponies only raised top speed to 159mph. The seller indicates this GTS has an odometer reading of 51,200 miles, and the figure is probably verifiable through the extensive collection of included Service Records. It has been meticulously maintained and is ready for action with its next owner behind the wheel.
If you gave me a choice between any modern Ferrari and this 1979 308 GTS to park in my garage, I would choose this car in a heartbeat. Admittedly, the latest model would be more refined, user-friendly, and loaded with modern creature comforts. This 308 could be cantankerous, require more maintenance, and be less comfortable. However, it will provide a pure driving experience, with the driver’s pleasure not spoiled by interfering electronic “nannies.” The person behind the wheel would have total control of their speed and destiny, which is how it should be with any exotic of this type. The seller’s price looks realistic, and though they probably won’t have potential buyers beating down their door, I believe it will find a new home. I only wish that it were mine.
Because of Magnum PI, this was THE Ferrari that a lot of kids like me dreamed about. In fact, I actually have a remote controlled one from about 1977 that my Grandpa bought me when I was a kid. This has to be the nicest looking, most maintained 308 we’ve ever seen here. It’s a lot of money, but where would you find one that’s nicer? And, not only from first seeing the opening picture, but also because of Adam, I now have the theme song from Magnum PI going through my head. ( Not an entirely bad thing). Maybe it’s because of my childhood memories and connections, but the Ferrari 308 is my absolute favorite. Once again, thank you Adam, I really enjoyed this, and the great memories too. And of course to Barney for finding this beauty. It’s just stunning in those photos. I really hope it finds a good new home and receives the same care its received all these decades.