For Sale at Auction: 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS in Carmel, California

Chassis No. 25789

Introduced at the height of Ferrari's late-1970s design and engineering confidence, the 308 distilled the marque's mid-engine V8 formula into a form that was both accessible and unmistakably exotic. Penned by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, its sharply creased lines and removable targa roof offered open-air enjoyment without sacrificing structural rigidity, while its transverse-mounted 2.9-liter V8 delivered a characteristically high-revving and sonorous driving experience.

Over the course of production, the 308 GTS had matured into a well-sorted and highly usable sports car, benefiting from steady refinements to drivability and build quality. Its status as one of the defining Ferraris of its era was further reinforced by its starring role in Magnum, P.I., where it became synonymous with high-speed pursuits across Hawaii in the hands of Tom Selleck. Today, it stands as a lasting symbol of analog performance, timeless design, and the approachable side of Maranello's road car legacy.

This 308 GTS wears a particularly stunning color combination of Argento Auteuil over Nuvola leather, which is considerably lighter than the standard Blu available at the time and would very likely have been a special order. The car was originally acquired by Southwest Leasing in Beverly Hills, well known at the time for supplying exotic cars to celebrities in Southern California. By the turn of the century, the car was offered as the highlighted item in a raffle benefiting the Public Museum Foundation in Grand Rapids. The owner thereafter used and enjoyed the car in Michigan with extensive documentation on file for service work conducted at Prestige Imports of Grand Rapids. The car currently presents very well, joined by a secondary transparent targa top, a set of four wheels and tires, a tool roll, and service documentation. The odometer indicates 15,141 miles.

Blending one of Pininfarina's most iconic designs with this eye-catching color combination, a potent V8, and open-air motoring, the 308 GTS offers a distinctly engaging driving experience. Whether enjoyed on a winding back road or admired as one of the most recognizable Ferraris of its generation, it remains as compelling today as ever.