| Ferrari 308 (Magnum PI) |
The 1980s TV series Magnum P.I., starring Tom
Selleck, took the already popular Ferrari 308 and
turned it into an icon. Throughout its history, the show
featured three distinct types of Ferrari 308:
1979 308 GTS
1981 308 GTSi
1984 308 GTS QV
Between 3-5 examples of each car were used during
filming, employing different cars for various types of
shots. Cars in pristine condition were used for
close-ups, and less cared for cars were used for
action scenes and stunts. Some sources claim that the
car used for stunts was not a real Ferrari, but a kit
car.
Because of Tom Selleck's large stature, certain
modifications were made to the cars for the show.
Padding was removed from the seat so that he would
sit lower in the car, the seat was bolted in the
furthest position possible from the steering wheel to
provide maximum room, and rarely (if ever) was Tom
seen driving the car with the roof on.
Selleck, took the already popular Ferrari 308 and
turned it into an icon. Throughout its history, the show
featured three distinct types of Ferrari 308:
1979 308 GTS
1981 308 GTSi
1984 308 GTS QV
Between 3-5 examples of each car were used during
filming, employing different cars for various types of
shots. Cars in pristine condition were used for
close-ups, and less cared for cars were used for
action scenes and stunts. Some sources claim that the
car used for stunts was not a real Ferrari, but a kit
car.
Because of Tom Selleck's large stature, certain
modifications were made to the cars for the show.
Padding was removed from the seat so that he would
sit lower in the car, the seat was bolted in the
furthest position possible from the steering wheel to
provide maximum room, and rarely (if ever) was Tom
seen driving the car with the roof on.
On an interview on the Late Show with David Letterman in
1997, Tom Selleck talked about the cars used in the series.
He claimed that 5 different cars were used, and that they
were all auctioned off at the end of the series for outrageous
prices. Selleck stated that the first car used on the series
had a modified racing clutch, which described as very stiff.
He said that when he released the clutch, the camera crew
almost got run over a few times!
From time to time, the cars that were used in the series are
offered for sale. Larry Manetti, who played Rick "Orville"
Wright on the show, bought one of the early cars from
Universal at the end of one of the seasons and later sold it.
In August of 1996, S/N 57685 was offered for sale by Algar
Ferrari of Philadephia for $53,000. The Ferrari 308 GTS
was a very impressive car in the 80's and still competes with
many of the cars of today with style and performance!
1997, Tom Selleck talked about the cars used in the series.
He claimed that 5 different cars were used, and that they
were all auctioned off at the end of the series for outrageous
prices. Selleck stated that the first car used on the series
had a modified racing clutch, which described as very stiff.
He said that when he released the clutch, the camera crew
almost got run over a few times!
From time to time, the cars that were used in the series are
offered for sale. Larry Manetti, who played Rick "Orville"
Wright on the show, bought one of the early cars from
Universal at the end of one of the seasons and later sold it.
In August of 1996, S/N 57685 was offered for sale by Algar
Ferrari of Philadephia for $53,000. The Ferrari 308 GTS
was a very impressive car in the 80's and still competes with
many of the cars of today with style and performance!
308 GTS
Engine:
Transverse, mid-mounted 90° V8, light alloy cylinder block and head
Unitary and Total Displacement: 365.86/2,926.90 cc
Max. Power Output:
255 bhp at 7,700 rpm; 85 bhp/litre
Fuel Feed:
4 Weber 40 DCNF carburetors
Transmission:
Dry single-plate clutch, 5-speed gearbox + reverse,
ZF limited-slip differential
Front Suspension:
Independent, double wishbones, coil springs
Rear Suspension:
Independent, double wishbones, coil springs
Brakes:
Ventilated discs
Steering:
Rack and pinion
Dry Weight:
1,380 kg
Tires:
205/70 VR 14
Fuel Tank:
Two 70-80 litre tanks
Top Speed:
252 km/h
Versions:
308 GTS, GTS/ i (1981), 308 GTS QV
Engine:
Transverse, mid-mounted 90° V8, light alloy cylinder block and head
Unitary and Total Displacement: 365.86/2,926.90 cc
Max. Power Output:
255 bhp at 7,700 rpm; 85 bhp/litre
Fuel Feed:
4 Weber 40 DCNF carburetors
Transmission:
Dry single-plate clutch, 5-speed gearbox + reverse,
ZF limited-slip differential
Front Suspension:
Independent, double wishbones, coil springs
Rear Suspension:
Independent, double wishbones, coil springs
Brakes:
Ventilated discs
Steering:
Rack and pinion
Dry Weight:
1,380 kg
Tires:
205/70 VR 14
Fuel Tank:
Two 70-80 litre tanks
Top Speed:
252 km/h
Versions:
308 GTS, GTS/ i (1981), 308 GTS QV
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