This 1981 Ferrari 308 GTSi is a quintessential example of vintage Italian design, performance, and pop culture legacy. Finished in Rosso Corsa, Ferrari's unmistakable red, over a black leather interior, this targa-top convertible pairs exotic aesthetics with open-air driving.
Power comes from a 2.9L V8 (Tipo F106 BB) mounted mid-ship, sending power to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission. This year marked a notable change in the 308's evolution, as Ferrari moved from carburetion to Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection, giving the i in GTSi its name.
The dog-leg gated shifter - with first gear down and to the left - is a hallmark of Ferrari's race-bred transmissions and remains one of the most tactile and engaging elements of driving a 308. The 308 also features pop-up headlights, classic analog gauges, and a compact chassis that feels nimble and direct, especially by modern standards. The connection between driver and machine is pure and mechanical.
Perhaps most famously, the Ferrari 308 GTS became a pop culture icon as the hero car of the hit TV show Magnum P.I. starring Tom Selleck. The sleek lines, targa roof, and laid-back yet athletic persona perfectly suited Magnum's Hawaiian adventures, and the show's early seasons featured the very same GTSi generation seen here.
Today, the 1981 308 GTSi offers a rare blend of approachable vintage Ferrari ownership and nostalgic charm. It's not just an exotic - it's a time capsule of early '80s style, mechanical purity, and Hollywood fame.
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