OK found it: http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=222065&postcount=9 "From Ferrari308.com: 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."
The last car used in the series was a pair of QV's. A woman in Reno NV had written FNA and requested to buy the Magnum car when the show was done with it. Ferrari retrieved the better of the two (one was usually modified somewhat and beat up by the stunt driver) took it to their Cypress location and performed a major service, replaced the clutch, repainted it and sold it with a full warranty. It used to come to our store for warranty work. Our service region included Hawaii and Reno so our service rep oversaw the shows cars and that one when it went to Reno.
No wonder that show tanked. They didn't even use a current model in the last few seasons. FAIL! Plus the fact that Don Johnson took over from Thomas by then.
Indeed, Magnum never drove a 328. I watched the series from beginning to end, and wondered why he didn't switch to a 328 in 1986... Guess it would be too much of a visual switch from the 308 standard Magnum held throughout the series.. Greg
I guess I'm the opposite of most folks here. It doesn't bother me at all if somebody hollers "hey Magnum" or whatever at me. When someone looks at my 328 and says to his/her friends, "That's the car that Magnum drove," I just say, "Yeah." I don't see any reason to "correct" them since doing so just creates hard feelings. Who cares? A 328 DOES pretty much look like Magnum's car! Now if I only looked like Magnum...
The visual switch did not bother the makers of "Beverly Hills Cop ll" too much. As you all know they switch them in the opening scenes.