A Ferrari closely tied to one of television’s most recognizable series is preparing to go under the hammer in Florida, offering collectors a rare piece of entertainment and automotive history.
The 1979 Ferrari 308 GTS, famously driven by Tom Selleck in the early days of Magnum P.I., will be featured at Barrett-Jackson’s Palm Beach auction scheduled for April 16 through 18. The car stands out among the roughly 15 similar models used throughout the show’s eight-season run due to its prominent role in the pilot episode and the first season.
Set against the backdrop of Hawaii, Magnum P.I. became a defining show of the 1980s, with the red Ferrari serving as a central symbol of its style and appeal. This particular vehicle began its life in a yellow finish before being repainted in the signature red associated with the series. Evidence of that transformation remains visible through a factory color-change tag.
Beyond its television history, the car is believed to have been used in a cross-country road trip documented by writer P.J. O’Rourke for a 1980 automotive story. Its documented serial number further confirms its authenticity as one of the original carbureted models used during the show’s first season, before later versions were introduced in subsequent years.
Following its time on screen, the car was returned to Ferrari’s North American facility, where it underwent repairs and was restored to more standard specifications. Modifications made for filming, including adjustments to accommodate Selleck’s height, were reversed. While parts of the interior have since been returned to their original styling, the vehicle still carries visible signs of age and use.
The Ferrari retains its original V-8 engine paired with a manual transmission and shows more than 93,000 miles on the odometer. Though not fully restored, its worn details add to its authenticity.
The car has appeared at auction before, selling for $115,000 in 2025 and later failing to meet reserve at $120,000 earlier this year. Now offered without reserve, it presents a new opportunity for buyers seeking a tangible link to television history.
Shawn Henry