The Show:  Magnum P.I.
The Cast:  Tom Selleck, John Hillerman
Number Of Episodes:  162
Years It Aired:  1980 to 1988

"If basketball was all there was to life, you'd be set." — Magnum

Handsome star, exotic locale, sleek car — Magnum P.I. packaged these elements into a humor-infused detective drama that scored high with viewers for years. Framed against gorgeous scenery, the equally gorgeous Ferrari 308 GTS gets plenty of screen time, taking Magnum (Tom Selleck) on adventures all over the island of Oahu. The top is always down,  to accommodate Selleck's height.

The series reportedly used three versions of the flashy red sports car during its lengthy run: a 1979 308 GTS, a 1981 308 GTSi, and a 1984 308 GTSqv.

Some Ferrari enthusiasts credit the show with contributing to a buying frenzy in the '80s. But this car had a powerful position in the Ferrari legacy all on its own. Its highly praised style left a lasting imprint on the design of exotic cars, and contemporary Ferraris such as the F430 still bear a resemblance.

Sleek and speedy, it certainly elevated Magnum's sex appeal, with the car winning fans of its own along the way and contributing to the popularity that kept the show on the air for eight seasons — a rare achievement in television. And by that measure, this TV car leaves the competition in its dust.

Image © Everette Collection

Next: The General Lee
Return to: Introduction

Page: 1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11