What Ferraris appeared on Magnum PI?

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What Ferraris appeared on Magnum PI?

The 1980s TV series Magnum P.I., starring Tom Selleck, took the already popular Ferrari 308 and turned it into an icon. The Magnum Ferraris are undoubtably responsible for much of the mystique and desire for Ferraris starting in the 80s. This is demonstrated by the fact that the Ferrari 308 (and its decendant, the 328) are still commonly referred to by casual admirers as "the Magnum P.I. car."

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. Universal Studios has a 308 GTS on their backlot that they claim was used on the series, but various sources claim that this example is actually one of the kit cars used for stunts. A picture of this car can be seen here and here (I have no idea who the lady in the picture is).

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.

Known serial numbers for cars used in the show are as follows:

#29109, 1979 308 GTS
#34567, 1981 308 GTSi
#57685, 1984 308 GTS QV

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.

Contributions to this FAQ by: Steve Jenkins

Copyright © 2006 NWRFCA. The NWRFCA is the Northwest Region Chapter of the Ferrari Club of America. All Rights Reserved. Ferrari and the Ferrari Logos are trademarks of Ferrari North America, Inc and/or Ferrari S.p.A. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.