1984 Ferrari 308 GTS Review (Mustache Not Included)

[@dannynorman4666]

The Ferrari 308 is my all-time favorite exotic car. There are faster cars, more expensive cars, and cars that are far more luxurious, but the 308 is absolutely iconic. It's probably one of the most recognizable exotic cars ever made, and the first exotic I fell in love with. It'll always be my favorite.

[@doalwa]

Six Hundred Sixty Six very well said! I was raised on Magnum P.I. and this car was at least half of what made that show so great!

[@KingCast65]

Dig it. I stated -- I am a Porsche guy to my core. This is the *ONLY* car (along with the 246) that I would ever consider over the period 911. Also while I'm at it 288GT) > F40 > F50 you don't need all that shit.

[@chucknorris5141]

Loved this car growing up. Still do.

[@HeidiandFranny]

Hi Matt, Great review! Sounds like you had fun :) You can adjust the steering wheel height, but you have to loosen the mound and steering column. It only takes a few minutes, but not something that was done much. We lowered ours and it made a big difference. It shouldn't have any play in the center... Probably just age. Ours is a Euro so maybe a tad more power, but these make their power at the higher revs. The performance is similar to a 3.2 Carrera - just a very different experience. Weirdly, as you said, it is best at highway speed and the steering lightens up considerably. Actually very easy to drive over, say, 30mph. We love ours. Glad you got to experience one!! Franny

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks for the info and for stopping by Franny!

[@roycezaro1998]

6:30 I think the oven in the back is actually a nice touch. You can smoke a brisket on the track for lunch later on

[@PopularNation]

lol

[@ccroy2001]

Awww my Mom and I watched Magnum PI every week! My Dad never liked Tom Selleck, I think he was a bit jealous lol!

[@CeeStyleDj]

That's so funny. My mom always liked Tom Selleck too. But now, both my mom and my dad watch Blue Bloods together. Lol

[@captainfantastic5]

Wow I guess Moms having a crush on Tom Selleck is pretty common. So funny

[@CeeStyleDj]

@@captainfantastic5 😀

[@leugim8872]

We all are, and if you aren't then you are Tom Selleck.

[@mellowmortal]

I love watching videos when you're obviously excited about the car you're reviewing! Keep up the good work 👍

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Emily!

[@harrismi7]

I used to watch Magnum PI all the time as a kid. Back then I thought the 308 was the only model Ferrari made. Cool car, but that steering wheel angle is odd.

[@Wallyworld30]

This car is gorgeous. I remember these selling for under $30K in early 2000's. I considered buying one but I couldn't imagine how expensive maintenance would be.

[@geraldscott4302]

You think this car is gorgeous? Just look at a '78 308 GTS.

[@AIDANJERE]

@@geraldscott4302 that is the exact car he is talking about lol

[@jimd385]

That was my childhood dream car......still worth having in my 10 car fantasy garage. Makes me laugh that my Ford Focus has more horsepower than this Supercar.. Great video dude.

[@BobThe9534]

All his vids r great

[@jimd385]

Bob The ........ I completely agree. Been watching for years.

[@connannbarbarin3033]

so what are the other 9?

[@jimd385]

connann barbarin ..........thanks for asking. I think 2020 M/Y vehicles are awesome, up to the minute technologies, safe and fun to drive.....but they age badly, 12 months after you buy them, you want a newer one. So, all my fantasy cars are classics......also, I’m a massive pop culture nerd. Anyhoo, here’s the list: 67 Mustang GT500 (Eleanor!) 77 Lotus Esprit, 69 Aston Martin V8, 72 Porsche 911, 05 Tumbler (I know it’s fictional, but who doesn’t want a Batmobile?) 63 Aston Martin DB5, 88/89 Mercedes 560 SEC C126, 70’s DeTomaso Pantera, and a fully restored 60’s VW Beetle ‘Herbie’.

[@connannbarbarin3033]

@@jimd385 i am not really a petrolhead but here is my list: pagani huayra roadster, maserati quattroporte 1 generation, GAZ-13, Ford Edsel Pacer Convertible, Maybach SW-38 Spezial Roadster, Mercedes-Benz W31 type G4,1969 Plymouth Road Runner (Black Lagoon), Jaguar XJ220, Alfa Romeo 8C,Conquest Knight XV

[@matts6551]

Since 2005 I’ve put almost 15,000 miles on a 1987 Ferrari 328 GTS. They’re truly amazing driver focused works of art. No power steering, no airbags, no ABS, no sound-deadening, but incredibly engaging. One of the best qualities about it is The low center of gravity, there’s almost zero body roll. I took a modified STI owner for a spirited drive and terrified him with the acceleration. To be fair Matt was not driving this Ferrari correctly, you don’t need to baby these old Ferrari’s, plus his seating position was all wrong for his height. I’m 6’1 and my head is well within the cockpit and my shoe size is 13. It helps if you wear Piloti’s

[@darrellsimpson6966]

Good comments from a fellow 328 driver. Mines done 60 000 miles now. Nothing's fallen off. Goes like rocket.

[@sohailhines]

Been a fan of this and 328's for many years. In terms of maintenance, is it true that original design had a tendency towards head gasket cracks and if so, are there any aftermarket options to improve this?

[@dennissmith8947]

"The Ferraris used in the show had to be specially modified to accomodate Tom Selleck, who stands 6'4" tall. The padding was removed from the seats so he would sit lower in the car, and the seats were bolted as far away from the steering wheel as possible to maximize the leg room. Even with these modifications you can still see that Selleck's head is higher than the top of the front windshield frame! You very rarely saw Magnum drive with the top up."...…...quote from Magnum-Mania website

[@AutoSugar]

Fantastic video Matt!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Lotus!

[@AutoSugar]

@@MattMaranMotoring Maybe this coming Spring I can try to get you my Elise again on camera - sorry things didn't work out last year!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

No worries, yeah I'd love to set something up this year! Please send me another email this spring once the car is out of hibernation!

[@AutoSugar]

@@MattMaranMotoring Will do! Thanks Matt!

[@BobThe9534]

All his vids r fantastic

[@livingroomguitarist7]

The long throttle travel makes it an all time great backroad burner. It gives you the ability to rotate the car very easily. Not sure it translates well on the injected motor, but on the carb'd engines it is perfect for power delivery.

[@justaddafan]

This is what driving a car is supposed to feel like. Mechanical interaction, it takes effort to work the controls, you have to work for the speed, and the wonderful sounds. In the 80s, the FB Rx-7 was 2400 pounds, the Mk1 MR2 was 2300 pounds. Without all the safety gear, sports cars were much lighter in the 80s, not heavier. The 308 has been on it's appreciation curve for a while now. They bottomed out in the mid-$20s. They're now in the $50-$70s.

[@sbfhawk4343]

88 CRX 2000 LBS do not forget...Yeah those are the cars you want to have and own. The 308 Ferrari though also would like to have in my stable of cars.

[@alexsenin3632]

Cool to watch Matt geeking out. Reminds me of doug demuro lol. Yo give it a Matt score! Haha

[@BobThe9534]

Lol

[@Jonathan-mt9up]

And discuss all of its quirks and features!

[@WarriorsPhoto]

Took me a minute to get the mustache reference. Once I heard Magnum P.I. I understood all too well. Good review and thank you.

[@BobThe9534]

Hi Matt. Nice vid. Liked b4 watching since i knew it was goin to b good

[@renegadezen7841]

Yep i do that every vid

[@BobThe9534]

False

[@renegadezen7841]

@@BobThe9534 ye

[@96rasco]

This is the stuff man !! Love it

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Chris!

[@96rasco]

@@MattMaranMotoring no problem man I love the classic cars people that dont like them just dont understand. How they have so much character!

[@BobThe9534]

I love it more

[@cendris123]

I was cracking up the first couple minutes of him driving. All the play in the steering & smacking around the shifter.. the man is straight up terrified. Driving the most expensive death trap you can think of.

[@heithwatkins]

What a beautiful car. This is the classic example of Ferrari. Timeless design. Thanks Matt. Excellent review, as always. God bless you. 💯💯💯

[@Ziebenator63-jj9ej]

Matt. Your “Millennialness” is showing. 😂

[@nicholasmin2]

I just happened to look this up yesterday and then you post a video on it. Working mind games Matt

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Haha nice!

[@AnthonyCessor]

If you are ever in California during summer time hit me up, I would love to hand you the keys to my 1978 Datsun 280z to review

[@BobThe9534]

I would luv to watch a review of tht

[@Mar-yk6jp]

Yes.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks Anthony! If you don't mind sending me an email or Facebook message with more details, I'd definitely love to film your Z if I'm ever in your area!

[@ek8137]

Always hear this is a true divers car! Although I never drove one but this 6 foot 3'er did sit in one. Broke my heart. As like most people I always dreamed of having one but after getting in and out of the 308 that dream was over!

[@quattron-1126]

This is the only car that will forever be timeless.

[@MVF2024]

This ages me but I had a poster of this and the Countach in my room. 6.6 was about on pace for a mid 80’s V8 Camaro and Mustang. My 1992 Eclipse w turbo would do about 6.5 and I thought that was cooking back then...

[@jacquesraymond6892]

That 308 QV is flawless. Look the same it was in 1984 when it came out the Ferrari factory.

[@Maidoumurnot]

Matt, it’s OK to take a breath, it’s OK to speak a little bit slower. And I contact with the camera is very very important. I really like your video. The car is awesome. You covered everything very well.

[@nicholashylton6857]

Fell in love with it the first time I ever saw one as a Kid. (And I still have the Mattel Matchbox 308TS Ferrari I bought as a kid!)

[@reqqwrq24]

Crazy a Ferrari video review doesn't get more hits. Good review!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks! Yeah it seems only Doug's subscribers like unique stuff like this haha.

[@NewpsBeach22]

Yes, the steering wheel DOES adjust. You have to do it with a tool but you can pull that down significantly.

[@imarioiv]

This is my dream car. YES, I'd love to have an SF90, but 1984 308 just a classic.

[@gc461]

I would love to have a 308, I never watched the show as a kid but I used to see the car on the Magnum PI commercials. I love the interior The way the center consul looks, the seats and the gated shifter in that car, also the Targa top

[@fab4468]

my dad has one of these and hes been trying to get it out of this country and weve been waiting for 3 years i turn 16 in 2 months and hopefully ill be able to drive it

[@rickyprice7586]

Great car. I had a black GTB in the 90s. Really lovely car to play with

[@phantomlord3280]

In my top 3 Ferrari’s, great review on a not so great day. Thanks for this!!!

[@BobThe9534]

Have a great rest of ur day

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I'm glad you enjoyed it and hope the rest of your week is better! :)

[@TheGearShots]

Now I need to see you grow a mustache

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Hahaha my buddy keeps telling me I should.

[@BobThe9534]

@@MattMaranMotoring i don't think u shall

[@MarcSob22]

A curiosity, the European version of this car besides being lighter, had more than 40hps more than this American version !! Even today the European versions of sports cars are still lighter and have more power, but the difference is smaller!

[@4rephill]

"It's very 80's...."? - The 308 GTB was designed in 1975, and the GTS in 1976, so I struggle to see how it's: "very 80's" "It's probably not the prettiest Ferrari ever....."? : The 308 GTB/GTS is rated as one of the prettiest Ferrari's ever made! "a classic Daytona seat design...."? : Wrong! - Daytona seats have a straight bar pattern with eyelet holes in them. "Not much torque....." - Welcome to the World of flat plane cranks. Ferrari's are not meant to be driven at 2,500 rpm, they're designed like European race cars, to be driven with high revs, up around the red line. I owned a Ferrari 348 TS that can do 0 to 60mph in @ 5.4 seconds, and a BMW E46 330 ci that can do 0 to 60mph in @ 6.7 seconds, and due to the Ferrari's flat plane crank, the BMW "felt" the faster of the two, because it gave you a shove in the back with it's torque. The reality was though, the Ferrari was faster, you just didn't feel the speed building up in the same way. As for the slack in the steering, I'd say it's due to worn bushes - 308's were not noted for poor steering.

[@LuckyOctober]

Relax man....mr.www.facts.com over here.

[@miaouew]

TLDR.

[@aztcxt]

One question does it have a convertible roof or something like that because what if it rains and you can’t put it in anywhere

[@alvaro1728]

Great video. It's one of those "Don't meet your heroes" kind of car.

[@BobThe9534]

All his vids r great

[@KeenanStyles]

@@BobThe9534 so you're just going down the list, replying to everyone's comment with irrelevance and bad grammar?

[@BobThe9534]

Tokyo JZA80 maybe

[@taekwondotime]

Car manufacturers need to learn that "less is more". Simplified steering wheel, simplified gauges, less buttons and switches, less features, etc. The only thing you need in a modern car is the climate controls, a radio/music player, and I'll grant that a navigation screen is handy for maps. Everything else can go bye bye.

[@studio-flash]

One of my favourite cars. Great shape, especially in profile..great looking car, like a C4 Corvette or probably C5 Corvette coupe. Great design. Analogue, leather typical 80's sports car..yep ..do we need anything more?

[@tyronelagrant1169]

You didn’t cover the top is it a targa?on magnum pi they showed him sliding the top back as he drove off?

[@mr.philly1689]

got a 84 Ferrari 308....Cool car and when you look like Magnum its even cooler. I have the only one in town

[@billybob9961]

Super cool car,Thank you for sharing it with us

[@CliffordWitherspoon-ol3th]

Had the pleasure of driving one lax runway

[@carlmcnamara5396]

I really like the tan interior!

[@corrioliseffect]

Still my dream car! I wonder if this particular car has a modified throttle pedal, since you say it has an elongated steering wheel. I've never heard anyone comment on how LONG the pedal travel is. Perhaps some tall guy did something...

[@vincesettineri]

Wow this was a cool one, excellent work once again matt

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!

[@subvet3668]

I always thought this and the subsequent 328 were the most beautiful cars ever made.

[@GETUPANDGO]

Good, bad, fast, or not, I love these cars

[@BobThe9534]

I luv these cars more

[@GETUPANDGO]

@@BobThe9534 Damn, that's a lot

[@BobThe9534]

GETUP AND GO language

[@GETUPANDGO]

@@BobThe9534 phooey

[@XXISecolo]

italian is not french, you don't have to put the stress on the last syllable, like in Capri, which actually is Ca'pri not Capri', as in quattrovalvole which is quattrova'lvole (stress on the second a) not in the end.

[@adonellis6453]

So for everyone who is thinking how this is how every single 308 is like, that is very much not the case. My dad had a 1983 ferrari 308 guts QV and a lot of the problems he is talking about were completely eliminated with his car. The european edition which he had weighted 2550 lbs and with simple modifications a harmonic balancer and tensioners he was making 400 hp. Also he had Ferrari F355 wheels on his which were 17 in wheels and made the whole look of the car pop. Between that and the suspension setup on he had his car it was a completely different car then the one he drove in this video. I hope this shed's some light on the fact that even though they are not fast stock with some simple modifications, and not buying the american version you will have a much nicer car. None theses i love 308's alll of them.

[@AutoConceptionTV]

Gorgeous design, our favourite Ferrari. So underrated.

[@bronxpelham822]

I remember seeing on KZbin someone race one of these against a modern Camry and the Ferrari lost. Loved this car as a kid from the show. Cars have really changed.

[@BobThe9534]

But the Ferrari is probably louder

[@BobThe9534]

Backroad at 9:00

[@daverunner3397]

I drove one back in the day. Loved it.

[@daverunner3397]

Gorgeous...

[@daverunner3397]

Stupid expensive to maintain thus I have a BMW z4 3.0 6 speed.

[@timothythomas1626]

This is the Ferrari . If I had 100 million I would still buy one of these.

[@sergioandradeesquer8961]

Real campagnolo rims! Man! You are driving a real Jewel! What do You won't?? 😎👍😁👋

[@TheMullela]

It's so funny to see you smile like a child heading towards that T junction: Pedal to the metal boyyyyy

[@jasonjcr_cars819]

It is good to hear your enthusiasm for a car I assume you didn’t grow up with. I think when you take out a car with technology that’s actually closing in on 40 years old, you need to adjust your expectations or predictions. Even if you’ve never been in one, I wouldn’t be surprised about it’s lack of speed or precision. I would think that’s a given and nothing to compare with modern cars.. I was most surprised you’d say it’s not one of the prettiest Ferrari’s! What? 🤦‍♂️ Design is of course subjective, but I challenge you to find a better looking car, from any brand, for that money from then to now! Perhaps it’s an age thing but that comment - made no sense.

[@chefgromano5025]

This and the 80’s Lotus Esprit are the best lookin cars. My faves!

[@nicholashylton6857]

I love the Lotus! That it had the option to turn into a submarine and fire missiles was just icing on the cake! ;) It was a sad day when I read that the Lotus just wasn't as robust and reliable as it seemed.

[@skylerssupercarlife348]

Great review

[@sharonbraselton3135]

John. Stiles next door nabgghor own this car this year

[@mustangthrall5399]

Great video, I love when you review classics. I have a small suggestion... to drum up more conversation, rather than just asking for our thoughts, how about asking something specific like... “would you pay 70-80k for this? Do you feel that it’s worth the money” or something similar (especially if the question you ask is controversial). That might help to drive interest and increase comments / views. Either way though, it’s great to see a review on a car like this that I would otherwise likely never get details about.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks for the suggestion man, that's a good idea! And thanks for watching the video, I'm glad you liked it!

[@MichaelMyers-tg9uh]

Magnum.Pi looked big getting into his Ferrari on show 😂💯

[@frankpavan7865]

To me because I grew in the 80s perhaps, I find the 308 Ferrari to be one of the most beautiful cars ever made.

[@allans7281]

Just like a beautiful woman it’s got tons of quirks and curves! This is what makes this car so special!!! I love how you were for to “negatives” as “interesting” That model saved Ferrari from financial ruins, which adds to its iconic appeal. Compared to what was around in that day that car was about as exotic as it gets. The excitement is how you sit deep in the car which really makes it feel like an exotic race car

[@Topside27]

What about the targa top?

[@TheHomeExpert5]

Skewed pedals, non-adjustable steering wheel sticking out at a weird angle, clunky ergonomics, beautiful exterior design. This lady is temperamental.

[@alexrain1188]

My dream car. Going to get my GR86 in red. It’s no Ferrari for sure but it just runs.

[@AIKXXVII]

2:38 This Ferrari has abs?

[@supersingersoorya8183]

Matt Maran motoring:there is no such thing as a bad looking Ferrari Ferrari mondial: allow me to reintroduce myself

[@evansmith2279]

400, 412i & 612 Scaglietti as well!

[@fastboi8093]

@3:00 At Ferrari, Enzo does not adjust for you. You adjust for Enzo

[@csantoi]

1:48 this was one of the most beautiful designs, imo. This will be my first Ferrari if I ever have $90K to blow, haha.

[@NewpsBeach22]

More like 125K now for a good one.

[@studio-flash]

The sound can't compete with an awesome Corvette V8..but nice car.

[@BobThe9534]

Ya it can

[@terrortony7055]

Honestly I prefer the old model cars all’s this new modern stuff not for me

[@marcnobel3938]

This is my dream Ferrari! As a huge Magnum fan, I was growing up with this car on TV watching my most loved TV Series (when I behaved well and my parents allowed it). I always wanted to buy one and in 2011 I was close but missed the chance when I was traveling by a week when I came back. Never found one in this price range again which was in that useable condition. I also want the VW Bus of TC one day. I can`t believe that this car was today on the channel! Really, really great. I am surprised and happy to see something from my childhood in Action again! THX that made my Evening.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

That's awesome, I'm so glad you enjoyed it Marc!

[@marcnobel3938]

@@MattMaranMotoring That was a really nice and unexpected surprise. it was really a joy to watch. THX again

[@eldruidacosmico]

Back in the day these cars used to look futuristic, and based on the price tag, one would assume they were comfortable and smooth driving, but I've seen reviews on this car and the 80s Lambos and today's average middle class cars are more comfy.

[@laskos02]

The new F8 Tributo is 3.8 V8

[@brianredmond4919]

The most beautiful ferrari ever - curves form function perfection - later cars were either bland or tarted up drag queens.

[@SpaceCattttt]

It's obviously unfair to compare the 308 GTS with modern cars. 40 years of evolution is a LONG time in the world of cars. No, it's more about the look of the thing. In my mind, it's the most beautiful car ever built and if someone was to upgrade the engine in it, it would be the most perfect sports car of them all. I've actually sported a moustache for the last 20 years.....just in case I will ever own one!

[@antoine4172]

U should have worn a Hawaiian shirt for the review ;)

[@WomBaH9]

A high steering wheel is good for leg room

[@realdata1378]

F1 Exhaust note ? The Ferrari 348 is the single Biggest Bang for the Buck in Ferrari and exotic sports cars. Wait till you have an electrical gremlin with the 296. In Ferrari sports cars. Jeremy Clarkson declared the 355 “the greatest car in the world, ever.” But Less is More with the completely analog 348 as it doesn’t have the brass valve guide and/or electronic suspension issues the 355 has. Older is Easier as the 348 is the best “purely analog” Ferrari ever made according to Hoovies Garage, the Smoking Tire, Jay Emm, etc as the 348 comes without modern day features that actually detract from the experience of driving a Ferrari. Why drive a “fast” car “slow” when you can drive a slower car fast? Lastly, the 348’s 8,500 rpm flat plane crank shaft generates an Formula 1 exhaust note as F1 cars also use flat plane cranks to lower their center of gravity.

[@MrDNKYMN]

How much was this car new? Gorgeous car. Warped me as a teenager.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

They were about $45,000-50,000 back then, which is closer to $150,000 today with inflation.

[@Bojanmarsetic]

the sound

[@jedi.knight5859]

8:53

[@7viewerlogic670]

Great video!

[@RT_today]

Ummm, literally EVERY time I see one of these I immediately think of Christie Brinkley in National Lampoons vacation!!! A road trip isn't complete without being overtaken by one of these!!!

[@rattlesnakeesq]

Secret Brit Matt Maran talking about vents in the “bonnet” Great video!

[@AAZZBB100]

It's missing a tomato sauce gage and a pizza rack in the back ;)

[@gallyun1]

Either the Countach or the 308 were car posters from the 80's.

[@jamesgrant9317]

The uneven tail pipes are driving me crazy

[@daakrolb]

Timelessly BEAUTIFUL.

[@cryptoskywalker6000]

I almost bought one back in like 2004, but it was just too small. I'm 6' 3", and it just wasn't comfortable. And a bitch to get in and out of. Which is why Magnum always jumped in from the open top, and why his head always stuck out a few inches above the top of the windshield.

[@xXYannuschXx]

9.30 In what world is 6,1s for 0-100 and 255kmh top speed "slow"? I feel like people only want "POWER" these days, while all they do is accelerate in a straight line...

[@thepresident8427]

I had one in 1983 and I loved it. Wish I kept it. But, it was a time of my life when I went through cars like shi*t through a pig. LOl!

[@DaveA441]

When my 1986 Corvette C4 has more horsepower than Ferrari’s of its time. The C4 was very advanced for its time.

[@studio-flash]

Yes love the 308 and C4 and C5 in profile coupe with targa top off look similar to the 308. Corvettes are awesome and as good if not better than ferraris of the time. Money though influences people's minds.. as if they have to justify the cost. That's something you dont have to do with the Corvette.

[@dalemenna5653]

With the Ferrari interior materials being far superior to the Vette

[@chefgromano5025]

I bought an 85 C4 much cheaper and stress free easy maintenance. Lots of fun although not even close to as exotic as the 308. Still think about buying one though 😎