1983 | Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole

Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole – Straight out of Magnum

Some cars come with a soundtrack. And when it’s a Ferrari 308 GTS, it’s not Vivaldi or Beethoven you hear – it’s the Magnum P.I. theme song, complete with helicopters, Hawaiian shirts and a growling V8. But behind the TV glamour lies far more than just cult status. This 308 GTS is a true piece of Ferrari history – restored, cared for, and ready to drive. And yes, it has matching numbers, for those who lean toward the concours crowd.

A Ferrari for people with taste – and tools

This example comes from the 1983–1985 Quattrovalvole era: four-valve heads, 179 kW (243 hp), 258 km/h top speed. No turbo gimmicks, no electronic nannies – just a naturally aspirated V8, 5-speed gearbox, and the smell of hot leather after a mountain blast.

The current owner isn’t a wealthy dentist with a polish fetish. He runs a restoration workshop specializing in DB4s, Maseratis, Ferraris – everything that smells good, sounds glorious and leaks oil. This 308 was completely stripped, sandblasted and rebuilt. Suspension, brakes, electrics – all new. Interior? Re-trimmed true to original specs, new carpets, new upholstery – exactly how Maranello intended. Even power mirrors, central locking and air conditioning work – no small feat in a 308.

Engine and gearbox? Fully rebuilt. Timing belts, bearings, seals – all fresh. Engine and gearbox numbers match the original factory records – true “matching numbers.” Ferrari even confirmed the first owner: one April Kelly from Canada. Whether she drove it to yoga or the shooting range is unclear. But it was hers.

Why sell it? A tale of 1.94 meters

So why part with such a classic? Well, the owner made the same mistake as Tom Selleck: he’s too tall. A Ferrari 308 GTS is a work of art – but not a stretch limo. And after years of admiration and the occasional crawl in and out, came the moment of truth: “I just don’t fit.” Fair enough.

Market & future outlook – A red thread in any investment portfolio

Ferrari 308s have stepped out of the shadow of their bigger brothers. Prices have stabilized – and solid examples like this one, fully restored and true to the original, are rare. The market is full of overpainted show ponies and amateur builds – this GTS is the opposite: substance, history and craftsmanship.

Conclusion – Targa roof off, Magnum theme on

What are you getting? A Ferrari ready to be driven, not just admired. Not a museum piece – a classy sports car that begs to be used. Open the targa top, turn the key, feel the V8 fire – and you’ll know why we love these cars.

Or as Magnum would say: Just another day in paradise.
So go on – place your bid and make the roads a little more Italian.