Channel Magnum PI With This 1980 Ferrari 308 GTSi
Today on Bring a Trailer.
Whether you were an '80s kid or a classic television junkie, Tom Selleck and his Ferrari 308 go together like peanut butter and jelly. Serving as one of the most dynamic duos of the decade, they have a certain resonance that's still relevant in today's automotive culture. You used to be able to pick up a car like his for $30,000 or so, but prices have since gone up, making it harder to own one yourself. But if you can pick up an example with a few miles on it and some small blemishes, expect to knock off a big premium. If you're looking for something like that, your search could end here, with this model found today on bringatrailer.com.
Aside from its symbolism, the Ferrari 308 was still a respectable choice for high-end buyers. It ticks all the boxes for Ferraris of the era with a mid-mounted engine, gated manual gearbox, and an exotic look. 1980 was the first year of Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, doing away with the Weber side draft carburetors of old. It wasn't the most powerful car, but it still supplied the sought-after exhaust music that you look for in an Italian V8.
The 2.9L lump produced 205 horsepower in GTSi trim. It sported a "quattrovalvole" design with dual overhead camshafts and a flat plane crank, so it still has its racing heritage intact. The car had a major service done in 2016 totaling up to $7,000—maintenance which included a new window regulator motor, new A/C compressor hardware, a new secondary air pump, new brake pads and rotors, and a rebuild of the steering rack. The timing belt and water pump were also replaced last year. Total mileage reads 37,000 on the odometer, making it a driver's choice for occasional use.
As for the interior, this 308 is in exceptional condition. There are some signs of wear on the chromed surfaces including switch faceplates and AC controls. The black-knob shifter remains the major draw of attention for the driver-focused cabin, and it pairs nicely with the gated five speed pattern. Its black leather seats seem to be in tip-top shape with the dashboard being free of cracks, completing the car's interior package.
It was repainted with beautiful Rosso Corsa in 2012, and the exterior looks to be in good shape. Minor imperfections are present, but nothing more than you'd expect from a 37-year-old car. The undercarriage is pictured in the ad with small spots of corrosion, though it doesn't look to be anything serious.
The original owner's manual and tool kit are included in the sale, along with maintenance receipts from recent services. Current bidding at the time of posting is $20,250, and the auction ends on April 24th. Expect to see that number climb, though, as it is a significant model for collectors.
