Magnum Mover: 1977 Ferrari 308 GTS 26K – SOLD!

August 7, 2023, Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

July 23, 2023 Update – The seller of this ’77 Ferrari 308 GTS replaced their original two-week-old Craigslist ad with a fresh listing. The most noticeable difference was changing the asking price from a silly “$123,456” to a much more market-appropriate $79,500.

While hardly the fastest or best-handling Ferrari ever produced, the company’s 308 line of mid-engined, two-seat sports is one of the marque’s most iconic and easily recognizable models.  The television series Magnum PI gets all of the credit for making the 308 the most recognizable Ferrari ever made, even by non-Tifosi. While a modern Toyota Corolla can best the Ferrari 308 Malaise-era level performance, the latter still turns heads just about anywhere a driver takes one.

This red-over-black 1977 Ferrari 308 GTS for sale, first spotted on Craigslist in Scottsdale, Arizona, in July 2023, is a 26K-mile example that benefits from an engine-out service completed just one thousand miles ago.  We’re not up to speed on the Ferrari 308 maintenance schedule, but our assumption is there is a combination of mileage or time, whichever occurs first, service interval.  If that is the case, you’ll need to confirm with the seller how long ago the 1,000-mile-old major service was completed.  Fun fact: early 1977 Ferrari 308s, such as this example, featured a fiberglass body before the engineers in Maranello decided it was a good idea to convert the car to a steel body a few model years later.

Lastoffered for $79,500 (the seller originally asked for an odd $123,456), Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is well above this guide’s one-year results summary. In the seller’s defense, however, the asking price is a bit arbitrary as they are open to offers or even possible trades.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can get a sense of what comparable examples sold for in the past rolling twelve months:

As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls above this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $115,000.

The 1977 Ferrari 308 GTS is a classic sports car that was produced by the Italian automaker Ferrari from 1975 to 1985. The two-seat, mid-engine model became highly popular due to its striking design, exhilarating performance, and prominent appearance in the television series “Magnum P.I.”

The 308 GTS features a timeless and iconic design that epitomizes the aesthetics of a classic Ferrari. It has a low, sleek profile with clean lines and a wedge-shaped body, which was a popular design trend during that era. The car’s body panels are made of lightweight materials such as fiberglass or, later models, steel, helping to enhance its agility and performance. The front end showcases a prominent grille flanked by rectangular headlights and aerodynamic air intakes. The car’s mid-engine layout allows for a long, sweeping hood emphasizing its performance capabilities. The car’s profile is characterized by its aggressive, flared wheel arches and sleek side air vents. At the rear, you’ll find a distinctive black engine cover with slatted ventilation, quad taillights, and an integrated spoiler, giving the car a dynamic and purposeful appearance.

The 1977 Ferrari 308 GTS interior is designed to provide a driver-focused and luxurious experience. It features a minimalist yet elegant cabin with high-quality materials and attention to detail. The two-seat layout provides a cozy and intimate setting, with the driver-oriented cockpit emphasizing the car’s performance-oriented nature. The dashboard is clean and uncluttered, housing a set of classic analog gauges, including a prominent central tachometer, speedometer, and auxiliary gauges, providing the driver with essential information at a glance. The steering wheel is a three-spoke design, wrapped in leather, and feels sporty in hand. The seats are typically upholstered in plush leather, offering excellent support and comfort during spirited drives.

The 1977 Ferrari 308 GTS is powered by a mid-mounted V8 engine, which is a defining characteristic of the car. The engine is a 2.9-liter, fuel-injected V8 that produces around 240 horsepower, depending on the variant. This power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox, offering a highly engaging driving experience. The 308 GTS is known for its lively and agile handling, thanks to its mid-engine configuration, balanced weight distribution, and precise steering. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately six seconds and has a top speed of approximately 155 mph. These performance figures were impressive for its time and contribute to the car’s enduring appeal among automotive enthusiasts.

The Ferrari 308 GTS gained significant recognition through its appearance in the television series “Magnum, P.I.,” where it was driven by the titular character, Thomas Magnum, portrayed by Tom Selleck. The car’s on-screen presence contributed to its popularity and made it an iconic symbol of the 1980s. Beyond its television fame, the 308 GTS holds a special place in automotive history as one of Ferrari’s most successful and recognizable models. It showcased Ferrari’s ability to produce a well-balanced and accessible sports car, appealing to a broader audience and solidifying its reputation for building exciting and desirable vehicles.

Overall, the 1977 Ferrari 308 GTS is a classic sports car that embodies the spirit of Ferrari. Its striking design, thrilling performance, and cultural significance have cemented its status as an automotive legend that continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The Petrolicious YouTube Channel provides a nice overview of what it’s like to drive a similar spec 1977 Ferrari 308GTS:

Given their desirability and, candidly, their fragility, it’s quite common to come across low-mileage Ferraris such as this 1977 Ferrari 308 GTS for sale.  The key differentiator is how well-maintained each example is.  A full service on 308s like this example requires engine removal, so knowing that the seller had their Ferrari 308’s maintenance completed just one thousand miles ago can give potential buyers some piece of mind they can enjoy the car for a bit before having to start opening their wallet again.

If you are serious about buying this 1977 308 GTS for sale, you can start the conversation by using the contact information provided by the seller in their Craigslist ad.  When you connect, please mention that you saw their Ferrari featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

Show or go: What would you do with this 1977 Ferrari 308 GTS for sale? Please comment below and let us know!