The Ferrari 308 GTS is a TV and Movie Star, and an Icon that Helped Ferrari Go Mainstream

This was the Ferrari of my youth - moreso than the Daytona or BB512, and all because of its presence in popular culture. Like the 560SL for Mercedes-Benz, ask anyone of a certain age to think of a Ferrari, and this is the one they will picture. For a while in the 1980s, it was everywhere. For the most part, it's because of the bright red 308 GTS from Magnum P.I., being shuttled around Hawaii by Tom Selleck - and it was almost a Porsche!
Enzo Ferrari did not really want to make V6 and V8 Ferraris - to him, they should all have 12 cylinders. But Ferrari needed an entry-level car that a modestly wealthy person could afford, and one that could be produced in significant quantities. At first, this was the Dino, and then the 308.
Styled by Pininfarina, the lines of this car are classically Italian, and have retained their beauty to this day. Sumptuous curves and subtle lines come together in a wedge shape that just works perfectly - then and now. It's frankly difficult for me to review this car without being awed by the fact that I'm actually getting to play with one.
At first, the driving seemed unusually high effort. The steering is non-assisted, the clutch is stiff, and one has to put some muscle in to move it around a parking lot. But get it out on the road, and it all comes together - the steering feel is nothing short of awesome, the engine sounds aren't quite beautiful, but are very sufficient, and the gated shifter with the dog-leg pattern is something from a 50s race car. By the time I was finished with the car, I absolutely loved it - on a more personal level than I was able to as a kid.
Long story short, this car is all Ferrari, and an absolute hoot to drive. I didn't even mind the attention, of which it got plenty.
Full review and test drive by Bill of Curious Cars. Vehicle is for sale at Autohaus of Naples, on the web at www.AutohausNaples.com, or at [phone].

[@chips1a]

I bought a 308 GTB when I was 25, at 55 I still have it. I still love it.

[@rascal]

Bill, you have some of the most informative, entertaining, fun videos to watch. Your knowledge, wit, humor, phobias are totally entertaining. I am hopelessly addicted to your videos. They are a highlight of our week! Seriously! You could easily have a car show on radio or tv.

[@reginaldbowls7180]

Did you grow a stache for this one?

[@slumpbuster27]

No need to grow. The Stache comes standard.

[@reginaldbowls7180]

@@slumpbuster27 my kinda car.

[@shananagans5]

Back in the late 80s my uncle had a dealership that used to sell mostly 3 to 5yo Mercedes but, he got occasional Porsches and a very occasional Ferrari. Back then, I was a thin, good looking young woman. Now, I had grown up with Magnum PI and I loved these cars every bit as much as the guys did. In fact, I am humming the theme song to myself as I type this. Oops, wait, that's the Dallas theme. Okay, now I got Magnum. To make a long story short, my uncle let me drive it for a half hour or so before picking up lunch. It was a glorious drive but, afterwards, I was sitting there eating lunch with the front office staff and I noticed I had indeed grown a stash myself.

[@reginaldbowls7180]

@@shananagans5 a small price to pay, and the cost of doing business

[@smokesgtp]

I'd wager Bill has an excellent stache.

[@kana4114]

You crack me up…you’re talking about Ferrari and somehow you work a photo of Hitler in.

[@Paperbag-om6mh]

benito mussolini was just as bad, if not, WORSE!

[@timothythomas1737]

@@Paperbag-om6mh just hung with the wrong crowd. Lol

[@Guido.Fawkes.1]

@@Paperbag-om6mh there’s no way he was worse than Adolf.

[@benedictdonald4338]

Hitler’s love of Ferrari’s is well documented. Bastard loved his exotic cars.

[@skittykitty1000]

Somebody has to do it. 😂

[@leolyon2373]

Thank you. I had a 308 in 78. Went from a Vette 72 with a 454 to a Dino 246GTS to my 308. What a world. Spent my entire inheritance, but I would do it again to drive that 308 across the moon lighted Nevada Desert.

[@allans7281]

This car you can just stare at for hours And get mesmerized by all of its beautiful lines. Today’s super car just got too big -I like the compact size of that vintage 308. I love your candid review of the car, along with some design commentary. Like you said, you’re driving 308 that’s all that matters.

[@LD-ei8cj]

This car is the greatest icon of the 80's, A timeless design, if I could only have one, this is it.

[@tonydoherty2190]

I think testarossa is the iconic 80s car dont get me wrong the 308 is a lovely car

[@johnhinston958]

You are so lucky to fulfill the dreams of your youth. 308’s engine sounded like a Symphony. We all love your videos keep up the great work

[@Duxman2007]

This was my childhood favorite car from the 1980's. Magnum was also one of my favorite shows (Do not watch the remake its terrible) Your car reviews are fantastic and the comedy is top notch. It has me laughing like a madman. Keep it up.

[@dominickporrino4260]

the remake is terrible-but the car is fantistico

[@todd1524]

I grew up watching the Rockford files with my old man when I did not ha e control of the television. Later on , it was Magnum and Miami Vice through the adolescent years. Just a great time to grow up.

[@richardmorris7063]

Rockford was the man!

[@corghhh]

Used to laugh at how Tom Sellecks head stuck out the top lol

[@mercoid]

Not good in a roll over situation

[@billrichard4438]

Each new video I feel like I am meeting a longtime friend again .

[@nolarobert]

My wife and I were wondering when your latest video was going to drop. Glad to have you back and irascible about the world as ever. Roll the Magnum PI theme!

[@georgimihalkov4781]

Thank God that Bill is back! I was getting worried that those evil birds finally got him.

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

0:11 wow...there's no way the Florida Tourist Board will use that lol.

[@joec1774]

Literally did a spit take at the "599 Carly Fiorina" lmao

[@just4kicks950]

Wasn't that the car Christi Brinkley was driving in National lampoon's Vacation also lol. Still a Iconic beautiful ride 💯🚘👍

[@davidjames666]

it is mentioned with a photo @4:31

[@SaitoTetsuo]

He said,"Money'd elite" but it sounded like "money delete". And I thought to myself,"Yeah. Ferrari's do that don't they?"

[@MELLIEbevhills]

Did I also the "gays of Enzo"? 12:23 mark

[@jamiee9257]

I love these 308s. I didn't come from wealth, but growing up my dad had C3 Vettes, and my aunt had an AW11 MR2. So, of course I love pop up headlights! And, I really loved the manual steering and fun factor of the MR2.

[@paulfromcleveland5871]

Sammy Hagar featured his black 308 in the video for I Can’t Drive 55. He went with the black model because the waiting list for the red version was months long thanks to Magnum PI.

[@liveox9]

I believe is was a BB, not a 308

[@paulfromcleveland5871]

@@liveox9 Could be. I just remember Kurt Loder explaining on MTV how the waiting list for red Ferraris was very long because of that show.

[@trevorsutherland5263]

A guy running a pyramid scheme in my church rolled up one Sunday in 1984 in one of these. I was 14 and my jaw smacked the concrete. A year or so later he disappeared; my parents explained what a "pyramid scheme" was to me and my Dad said he'd gotten out early but a lot of people were looking for that guy to sue him. I never forgot the Ferrari. A few years later he showed up at our house to pick up some clothes my Mom had put aside for his family----he was driving a rusted out 1976 Corolla...

[@paulosicne8498]

Late 80s sci-fi thriller The Hidden has a great car chase scene in the beginning with a black 308 GTS. Then later they show a Mondial and a Porsche 928. The movie is entertaining.

[@craiglarge5925]

Was expecting Magnum to be jumping into that car with Zues and Appallo on his heels !

[@bws1971]

"I have my douchebag leather gloves." I'm dying.... 😂

[@MrBionicjim]

I love how the gloves are on in the finale! 🤣 haha

[@MassiveTrackHunter]

Greatest car of my childhood. Magnum PI was also my favorite show at that time. I ended up being one of many kids wearing Hawaiian shirts all the way to 10th grade. Guess that gives away my age...

[@joe08867]

Man you have a great job sometimes. What a beautiful and classic Italian exotic. Great review.

[@randybills3848]

Yeah now ya gotta tell us about Mary Ann if Peter is out sleezin around lmfao !!!!!!

[@Guido.Fawkes.1]

“Higgins, did you steam opened my mail?!?!”

[@anthonydibernardo5384]

Thank you Damon and all for the professional way in which you present my car. It looks outstanding. I love this video; It makes me very proud. I will miss that whine. Sad to see it go after 20+ years, but as for getting in and especially out, I'm not as spry as I once was.

[@Sheit69]

Anthony, I purchased this car. Would love to talk to you sometime.

[@ado3616]

Halfway through -- and you're on a roll -- fascinating, funny, insightful -- a classic Bill review. I hope you know how much we love what you do. Each one of your videos is a treasure. Thanks!

[@map3384]

My uncle purchased that car around 1985 and was always worried someone would purposely scratch or ding it. My cousin would actually take the car joy riding while he was in Switzerland and against his demand. A 18 wheeler sped through a red light and my cousin crashed into it totaling the car. He hid from my uncle at his friends house for a week. It wasn’t his fault for the accident and the insurance paid for the car. Later he said his 1976 Formula Firebird gave him more happiness. After that he purchased Mercedes sedans and said goodbye to those exotic cars.

[@effend446]

Another great review by Bill Question Didn’t this car inspire GM to make the Pontiac Fiero (aka the poor man’s Ferrari)?

[@bryanwarfield6873]

Pontiac dealers sold the factory option "Mera", a conversion of the V6 powered Fiero GT to look like the 308.

[@brentboswell1294]

The Fiat X1/9 was the prototype of the 1980's mid engine sports car. That said, as I recall, early 308's had the engine mounted transverse. Later iterations of the car had the engine mounted longitudinally. But you can tell by the enormous size of the Fiero engine bay that some GM engineers had grander plans 😀 (otherwise, some of the insane V8 engine swaps that people do to these cars wouldn't be possible!)

[@giorgiocisilino4874]

@@brentboswell1294 the fiero was a good idea, too bad gm killed it off as it was cheaper than the new c4 corvette.i first read about the fiero in road and track and had a lot of illustrations and cutway of the design.

[@brentboswell1294]

@@giorgiocisilino4874 I owned an '88 Fiero in college (the one and only year of the Lotus suspension). I had plans to do a Quad 4 swap on it after college ( it was a 4 cylinder car). Unfortunately, I was rear-ended by a guy driving a Crown Victoria one morning on my way to work my senior year...😥

[@karljaques744]

I noticed that just before I hit the like button that there were 308 likes!

[@2philly7venz]

Absolutely amazing video! I loved this car as a kid myself! I was also and remain till this day a #tomselleck fan! He drove a Cadillac Eldorado convertible coupe as Lance the do no wrong private investigator antithesis to Jim Rockford on the Rockford Files tv show. He characters seem to favor the coupe'! Lol! I digress. I believe he gifted one of these to all his cast mates on Magnum PI. I was soo jealous! I finally got to drive one a few years ago at a car dealership just outside of Philadelphia. (Algar Ferrari) I still want one to this very day and it will happen. Thanks again for the trip down memory lane as well. It was most appreciated by me.

[@chrisneumann4202]

I drove one in the very late '80's. Certainly not the fastest car I've driven but definitely one of the most fun.

[@davidfusco6600]

What a cool car! Thanks for the great ride, especially towards the end of the video, I love to hear that engine rev!

[@donmoore7785]

This car is so fast it goes 10mph standing still. According to the speedometer, anyway.

[@richmcintyre1178]

Italian electronics and mechanicals?? If you complain about maintenance costs you shouldn't be allowed to own it.

[@RossEnzo]

I’m young this is the Ferrari!

[@martinowings3597]

Awesome. One of the few movies I actually own is Cannonball Run and it still holds up today. I had the Magnum PI T-shirt when I was a kid with the 308 on it 😀

[@Gabesafish]

I hope you were also wearing short shorts and aviator glasses.

[@PartTimeLaowai]

Surely has to be in the all-time top 10 of sexiest cars. Who back then though would have predicted that within a few decades a cheap family car would match or surpass it in acceleration and top speed...

[@calmyoursoul3839]

Bill you’re hilarious! I love watching your videos, love the cars. If I’m feeling shitty in the morning, all I have to do is get on KZbin and listen to you talk about these fabulous cars.

[@jonwebb2300]

Really good video as always Bill. The tutorials you give on numerous cars are invluable.

[@stephendavidbailey2743]

There was also a Corvair Spyder.

[@brenyz5013]

I almost bough one in 1984 it was black on black with red piping on the seats it had 23k on it I was afrade the cops would pull a 21 year old kid over every 25 min and the money . Looking back I should have bought it .

[@RossEnzo]

You should’ve. I’m 25 and I wish I could get my dream car

[@dogsbark5750]

Drove a 82 and 84 in the early 2000s when i was 20 & 22. I thought wow this sucks. Had no appreciation, much like the delorean. They are hard to drive, rarely start without issues, terrible at stopping, and uncomfortable. But... they do look good.

[@scalecrawlnl]

Good Sir, an awesome dream car indeed and a great fun video, 45 plus minutes well spent so, thank you very much. Quite a 'revvy' sound for a V8, a bit of Italian 'VTEC Yo'.

[@the3hrdoption637]

Awesome video, loved the end. That's a great car 🚨

[@fooledman]

Wheeler Dealers fixed up a green Dino which was okay to watch. Very appreciative of your videos. Many thanks.

[@rtoma1974]

Love the way you described the humidity!

[@MrNew122]

Beautiful car, but like all 70's, 80's and 90's Ferraris; an absolute nightmare to maintain!!

[@giorgiocisilino4874]

I was i Italy back in 84 and we visited the Ferrari factory in Maranello, and saw the 84 testa rossa with that black shrink wrap, and the new 1984 Ferrari GTO without any camoflage wrap and was the most beautiful car i ever seen, and was based on the 308gts and i've been a Ferrari nut since i was a young kid and the 308 always looked so classy.Love yr videos so informative.

[@farber442]

Grew up seeing this car in Magnum P.I. to me that is a Ferrari! That style never gets old. I would have one in a heartbeat

[@bhlom4135]

Bill driving that thing around will definitely score a guy some serious gash!!!!

[@michaeldonaher2851]

Dang I could drive the hell out of this and never get bored. As a matter of fact I could watch you drive the hell out of it and never get bored. Great vid great car!

[@HypocriticYT]

As a teenager I liked the 68 Chargers and a 59 black Cadillac I saw every day walking to school. Years later when I was driving I saw the very same 68 Charger on someone’s front lawn after it jumped the ditch. That was in the mid 70’s. And the 69 orange Charger with the giant wing

[@crusader1572]

My # 1 favorite Ferrari of all time! Brings back great memories as a kid growing up!

[@savedin87ify]

In High School I had a teacher her husband had one in silver.

[@mercoid]

My High School teacher’s husband had one in silver.

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

Silver was nice, for some reason i love the yellow ones.

[@NicholasWarnertheFirst]

Jeez I love your weather information. Love from Tottenham London England

[@djndoe1ianrabbetts796]

I’m glad you’re Team kept the OG windshield wipers not the new ones. Nice attention to detail. 🏎

[@greghoo380]

This made me happy. Thanks bill. Takes me back to the greatest time ever.

[@drews80sgarage34]

One quirk (apologies to Doug) of the 308/328 is that second gear is not meant to be engaged before 10 miles of driving or thirty minutes or so. This is actually in the owners manual! That’s probably why your 1-2 shifts were so difficult. Once properly warmed up, the 1-2 and 3-2 shifts are much easier and smoother. Love the videos!

[@texasknight5175]

Hi Bill - have you thought about a headband mounted GoPro for the driving segments?

[@MrCarGuy]

The driving segment is bliss even through the screen

[@jackh5489]

Don't forget Against All Odds and To Live And Die In LA....

[@michaelwhite2823]

That race on Sunset was awesome.

[@troyvan6952]

The Hidden

[@faerieSAALE]

Something like every 5,000 miles the cam belts must be replaced and the engine given a thorough tuneup plus other things - costing $10 -15 K. It may look nice and shiny in red - but it is a nightmare to own!

[@ICECREAMAN1701]

The diecast ones are a breeze to own.

[@ulflei]

There is no belt service every 5000 miles also it don't requires and engine out so that saves a lot of money for a belt service

[@ODucks55]

Not if you do it yourself. I have a ‘78 gts, very easy to work on.

[@karrknutt3842]

One of the most beautiful Karrs ever made!! Thanks Bill.

[@sashimimann]

My favorite Ferrari! I need a 308 GTS! I rented a 328 GTS back in 2002. I loved the flat crank V8 sound. Happy Motoring!

[@rollotomassi8251]

288 GTO still my favorite F. this is so close.... Great Upload !!

[@gregoryswidnicki7581]

Thanks again for another awesome video Bill! This was also my dream car when I was in high school and Magnum P.I. came out. Everyone wanted to be a Tom Selleck type of dude and drive one of these and have a 9mm. The good old days before the Snowflake Gen! 🤣

[@tsehayelobe8692]

How is it possible that you only have 100k subscribers??? You’re a comedy genius.

[@anthonypsomas1183]

Love this video! Brought back memories of my childhood. Graduating high school in 1979 this was one of the exotics that all of my friends drooled over! Always wanted one of these but were always concerned about maintenance. Fast for its time and slow for today. Who cares! It’s a Ferrari with timeless style!

[@moistparsnip]

Your videos are a welcome treat. Thank you.

[@robmcgowan4034]

I think this car inspired much of the (then new) '84 Corvette's styling. In fact, probably the dramatically improved 3rd generation Camaro & Firebird that preceded it.

[@Bullseye120]

Bill, thanks for a great review. Lots of dreams about that car in my youth as well. Thanks for giving the Fiam air horns a toot....so classic Ferrari of the time.

[@GTStuning-]

I love how you properly rip each car at the end, the reward portion of the human brain thanks you.

[@johnhenrymcmahon6878]

What a thoroughly awesome review, Bill! WOW. I had at least half a bottle of this heavenly Cali Chardonnay whilst viewing it, man. Oh boy-Sister Helen Robert (the principal of St. Augustine's in New City, NY) would greatly approve. I hope ;). Iconic and soooooo lust-worthy.

[@KenVic02]

Totally right about what Magnum PI did for this car. Loved that show. When you said RIP Tawny Kitaen, I hadn't heard she passed...wow. No details on the cause of death on Wiki.. Still, her on the Jaguars is burned into all of our collective brains.

[@kamX-rz4uy]

The official cause of death is now listed as heart disease (dilated cardiomyopathy) no doubt brought on by, or made worse by all the drug use, legal and otherwise.

[@ask4george1]

I know this video is old, but I just seen it today 12/29/22. I like to research where you are coming from, and other KZbinr's based on the road signs & landmarks. I found the house you pulled out of. For me it's fun. When I find it, I say to my self, ( Gots Ya ! ) I'll just say it's at the end of the street by the canal.

[@HCScoville]

I love that car. I've driven one once. I could just have enjoyed listening to the engine and gear shifts with no commentary on this one. Although the commentary was great!

[@christhomas835]

They customized sellecks interior and seat so he'd fit

[@nomebear]

He was always leaning forward in photos of him sitting in the car.

[@briankorner750]

Ferrari 308GTS = Magnum P.I. Also, loved the Rush quote at the beginning. "Young skulls full of mush." Miss him.

[@ericbucci6325]

Bill, you almost like Magnum PI living at Robin Masters from the old TV show. The place looks almost the same. Love the driving gloves !!! Just like my friends father who ironically was a dentist and had a Ferrari.

[@be5952]

Could you please turn on the *automatic closed captions* like you have on your other videos? It's *_so_* helpful for many of us, even those who aren't hearing impaired (for instance, too much background noise to turn the volume up enough, etcetera). Thank you so much.

[@chrishawley4128]

Awesome review, love the 308.

[@nomebear]

A doctor colleague owned a 308 that never had a working reverse. He would have it repaired, and it would break again in no time. I can't tell you how many times I had to push the 308.

[@whitsundaydreaming]

Untouchable for style. One of my dreams since 1979.

[@HypocriticYT]

Im sharing Bills videos to friends. Entertaining stuff!!!

[@floridaproductions]

Did you find the hidden compartment with the leather jock strap ?

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

I remember this car doing a burnout in the dirt because it didn't have enough power to do one on the pavement. Still a really cool looking car and it sounds cool too

[@ssanford]

Bill, I love your videos but can you please consider a mount for the camera when you are driving? You are driving a 308 with one hand free!

[@thomas_2285]

Such a beautiful and iconic car. You can tell it really isn't very fast at all, though, which is fine and just a reflection of the times.

[@stevenporter6903]

“A skull full of mush”. Hmm, who is it that used to say that? Lol. Love your channel.

[@BR-ur2gk]

Fun fact, Tom Selleck bought his co-stars all 928 Porches so it did make a comeback, I bought exactly that one though a 77 carbureted euro spec, and still every time I look at it I can't believe it's mine after 15 years, still the prettiest Ferrari

[@ursusarktos5623]

Terrible inhuman humidity conditions, dangerous birds and deers in Naples uninhabitable danger zone and very good car reviews, yes, this must be YOUR YT channel!

[@frankpavan7865]

To me it is one of the most beautiful cars ever made ! It would be a dream for me to drive one.

[@Springbok314]

Great review of an icon. I always wondered how Selleck was able to fit into this car on Magnum.

[@giorgiocisilino4874]

always loved the 308 gts quattrovolvole model and even though im 6'3 i fit in one, too bad that car was sold or would of traded my 89 c4 convertible plus cash for it,as these cars are sexy.

[@johndrake2729]

Did away with the padding of the driver's seat so he could sit lower.

[@davidhunt3808]

Such a pretty car ! A thing of beauty !

[@gf4353]

A thing of beauty is a JOY forever.

[@KoldingDenmark]

I'll remember this quote "The Ferrari aged better than she did." 08:50 People buy signs with quotes like this at stores like Home Depot. :-)

[@gcoatsjr.8643]

Ohihi=51st state. Awesome, Bill!