Magnum 308 on BAT

First post, joined in 2013 ???

Color me skeptical, for the reasons you note. Seats shown are from the 2Vi or QV iterations.

And what's with the DIY rear valence.?

 

Several Fiero's were re-bodied? Why? Seems like it would be cheaper just to use a 308.

 

It's one of the chassis numbers that has been generally accepted for years. No question about that.

 

Obscure Magnum trivia: During the opening credits of the first episode the instruments show 5800 rpm and 110 mph. Has anyone ever wondered how they did that?

 

Look at the water temps too.

 

I'm thinking they did it on jack stands. The speed/rpm seem right for 5th gear but the camera position and the way he is quickly jerking the wheel back and forth ala classic Hollywood style is a giveaway that they aren't actually on the road at 110.

 

There were no re-bodied Fiero's used on the Tom Selleck Magnum p.i series (nor were there any Pontiac Mera's used either)

A FIAT X1/9 was used as a stand-in car that was blown up in a beach bar car park, and for the last couple of series, the production company had a one-off replica stunt car built, based around a spaceframe chassis, not a Fiero, for stunts where the Ferrari could have been seriously damaged, because the value of the cars went ballistic mid to late '80's.

When Magnum p.i finished, the stunt car sat outside at Universal Orlando for many years: https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/original-magnum-pi-308-displayed-at-universal-studios-florida.374906/

 

Not to deviate too much, but the late '80's bubble was more for classics - it would be interesting to get a range of 308 prices around that era. Not to say the 308 weren't an expensive car (let alone a fleet) for a TV show.

 

Enzo’s death in ‘88 is what triggered the rapid rise in values at the time. I remember it well as I was holding a rare American muscle car, waiting for the appreciation wave of European classics to sweep-up the American classics as well….which, unfortunately, took longer than I had the patience for, but that’s another story for another day.
With the exception of the glass cars - which have always been valued more highly - I don’t recall 308 prices going through the roof. They were simply used cars in the late ‘80’s and not Ferrari’s requisite entry point to the brand that used Ferraris are today.
- Dave

 

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1979-ferrari-308-gts-31/
So 28251 went for $115,000 before BAT fees.
I can't find much that confirms that 28251 was an actual Magnum PI prop.
If it can be confirmed, I think the price is justified.
Otherwise, props to the seller.

 

So much is wrong, which would be OK if it can be proven to be a real TV car at the price paid. BUT, why would anyone knowing they had a genuine Magnum Ferrari redo the interior in black? Maybe I could understand in 1982, when it was "just a used car" a crew or cast member could have gotten relatively cheap when they traded for newer models. They were never inexpensive rides, although they weren't terribly expensive either. But in the last 20 years why would it have not been returned to original if you are going to pass it as a Magnum car?

 

Didn't you question it a few years ago. Always appreciate your input on all things Magnum, Tommy.

 

If this is the first 308 GTS used for the serie, the new owner should restore it to the original condition.
He won the jackpot!

 

Oh I have and I did.

But that number has always circulated.

A lot of owners have swapped oval mirrors for flag mirrors so they can actually see and it was unusual for a passenger side to have a mirror until the QV (most didn't). This car has two mirrors. One of the three 308's used in the pilot had a passenger side oval mirror. The other two did not.

Who knows

 

The buyer commented something like, “Relax guys, I swapped the interior.” I think he had owned the car before. Sounds like he knew what he was getting.

 

In the end, does it really matter? One party sold the car and another willingly bought it, no gun to their head......that we know of anyway.
Maybe someday definitive proof will emerge, but until then, que sera, sera....
- Dave