One of the most recognizable cars in television history—the Ferrari driven by Tom Selleck in Magnum P.I.—is heading to auction. A 1979 Ferrari 308 GTS used during the show’s pilot episode and first season is set to cross the block at a Barrett-Jackson sale in Palm Beach, Florida, scheduled for April 16 through 18.
According to Robb Report, the vehicle is one of approximately 15 Ferrari 308 models used throughout the show’s eight-season run, but this particular example carries added significance. It was driven by Selleck in the pilot episode, titled “Don’t Eat the Snow in Hawaii,” and remained in use during the first season.
The car was originally supplied in Fly Yellow before being repainted in Ferrari’s signature Rosso Corsa for filming.
The Ferrari 308 GTS became inseparable from the identity of Magnum P.I., which aired from 1980 to 1988 and followed a private investigator navigating life in Hawaii.
Interestingly, the now-iconic pairing almost never happened.
Selleck initially pushed for his character to drive a Porsche 928, but the automaker declined production modifications. Ferrari stepped in, customizing the 308 GTS to fit Selleck’s 6-foot-4 frame by adjusting the seat height and positioning.
“This is one of the most iconic cars in both cinema and automotive history,” Barrett-Jackson chairman Craig Jackson said, noting the vehicle’s lasting cultural impact.
The car’s provenance extends beyond television. It is also believed to have been used by author and satirist P. J. O'Rourke for a cross-country road trip documented in Car and Driver in 1980.
After production, the Ferrari was returned to Ferrari North America in New Jersey, where it was serviced, repainted, and eventually sold. Over time, certain elements were restored, including a return to its original Crema leather interior.
The car remains largely unrestored, showing signs of age, including minor dashboard wear and aftermarket modifications. It currently has just over 93,000 miles on the odometer and retains its original 2.9-liter V-8 engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission.
While this car previously sold for $115,000 in 2025 and later failed to meet the $120,000 reserve earlier this year, it will now be offered without reserve—opening the door for collectors and fans alike.
Notably, more pristine examples tied to the show have commanded higher prices, including a later model that sold for over $180,000 in 2017.
