Channel your inner Thomas Magnum
OK, so it’s not red, or in Hawaii. But just look at it. Those of a certain age will remember Tom Selleck pulling away in the opening credits to Magnum PI in a similar Ferrari 308 GTS, and for them there’s a good chance that’s where their love affair with the Prancing Horse began. Later this week Silverstone Auctions will be offering this beautiful 1984 Ferrari 308 GTS QV at their upcoming Ferrari and Porsche sale.
So, a bit of background, October 1975 saw the debut at the Paris Motor Show of one of the most successful shapes ever to wear the Cavallino Rampante emblem, the Ferrari 308 and during its comparatively, long production run from 1975-89, over 20,000 examples of all engine types and sizes were produced. This new car was constructed on a traditional steel tube chassis, but its beautiful bodywork was initially manufactured in GRP and then, after two years, Scaglietti started making GTBs in steel.
The 3-litre, four-cam V8 was more or less unchanged until March 1981 when Bosch fuel injection was added in place of the 4 double-choke Webers, reducing the engine's power output significantly, although the final drive was altered on these cars to give similar acceleration to a carburettor car. Two years later, the 4-valve per cylinder Quattrovalvole or 'QV' model pushed output back up to 240 bhp restoring the status quo. European spec cars boasted higher horsepower than cars built for the American market and were lighter. Only 748 308 GTB/S QV models were produced and they are considered by many to be the most desirable of all the 308 variations as they are the fastest and most subtly styled with a deep front valance, racing mirrors and short lightweight bumpers.
This Ferrari 308 GTS QV is stunning in the rare colour combination of Argento Silver with cream leather seats, setting the car apart from the usual red/cream, red/black Ferrari standard.
One of only 233 right-hand drive examples produced, the 308 GTS QV with its timeless lines, rewarding handling, removable roof panel, and that raspy V8 engine. For more information on this and other vehicles at the sale, click on the link below. Photos © Silverstone Auctions