1984 Ferrari 308 GTS QV
Vehicle Specifications
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The Ferrari 308 GTS QV: The Most Desirable 308 Ever Built
The Ferrari 308 GTS QV (Quattrovalvole) represents the pinnacle of the 308 series — one of the most beloved Ferraris of all time. Made famous by the television show Magnum P.I., where Tom Selleck's character drove a red 308 GTS, this car captured the imagination of a generation and remains one of the most iconic supercars ever created.
The Quattrovalvole Difference
The "QV" designation stands for Quattrovalvole — Italian for "four valves" — referring to the four-valve-per-cylinder cylinder head design introduced in 1982. This upgrade increased power from 214 hp to 240 hp, making the QV significantly faster than earlier 308s. The engine revs more freely and produces a glorious howl as it approaches its 7,700 rpm redline.
The 308's transverse V8 configuration was revolutionary when introduced. By mounting the engine and transmission transversely (sideways), Ferrari achieved a mid-engine layout with excellent weight distribution while keeping the wheelbase short. The result is a car that handles with remarkable balance and agility.
The GTS Experience
The GTS (Gran Turismo Spyder) features a removable targa top, offering the best of both worlds: coupe-like rigidity with the top on, and open-air excitement with the top off. The targa panel stores neatly behind the seats, allowing for spontaneous top-down driving. The rear window also removes, creating a true open-air experience.
The interior is pure 1980s Italian exotic — a mix of leather, carpet, and the iconic gated shifter that has become a Ferrari trademark. The open-gate design exposes the shift linkage, creating a visceral mechanical connection between driver and machine. Slotting the lever into gear produces a satisfying metallic click that no modern car can replicate.
About This Specific 308 GTS QV
This 1984 Ferrari 308 GTS QV is finished in the quintessential Rosso Corsa (Ferrari Red) over a Tan leather interior. With just 48,000 original miles, this example has been driven regularly but carefully, maintaining excellent mechanical condition while avoiding the issues that plague low-mileage garage queens.
The car was originally delivered to California and has spent its entire life in a dry climate. It comes with a complete service history, including the all-important timing belt service performed at 45,000 miles. The current owner has spared no expense, with recent service records totaling over $20,000.
Recent Maintenance & Service History
- ✅ Major engine service (45k miles) — Timing belts, tensioners, water pump, cam seals, valve adjustment
- ✅ Fuel system — Four Weber carburetors professionally rebuilt and synchronized
- ✅ Cooling system — New radiator, coolant hoses, thermostat
- ✅ Brake system — New brake pads, rotors, caliper rebuilds, stainless steel brake lines
- ✅ Suspension — New shocks, control arm bushings, tie rod ends
- ✅ Clutch — New clutch assembly at 42,000 miles
- ✅ Tires — New Pirelli P Zero tires (less than 1,000 miles)
- ✅ Air conditioning — Fully serviced, blows cold
- ✅ Electrical — All systems functional
- ✅ Paint — Original paint, professionally polished and ceramic coated
The 308 Market: Soaring Values
The Ferrari 308 market has seen explosive growth over the past decade. According to auction data from RM Sotheby's, Gooding & Company, and Bring a Trailer:
- 📊 Average 308 GTS QV sale price in 2024: $95,000 (up 140% from 2014)
- 📊 Low-mileage, well-documented QVs have sold for $150,000+
- 📊 The QV commands a 20-30% premium over earlier 2-valve 308s
- 📊 Magnum P.I. nostalgia continues to drive demand among Gen X collectors
- 📊 The 308 is widely considered the entry point to classic Ferrari ownership
At $89,900, this 308 GTS QV is priced below current market average for a well-documented, 48k-mile example. This represents an excellent entry point into classic Ferrari ownership.
Driving the 308 GTS QV
The 308 is surprisingly usable for a 1980s supercar. The cabin is comfortable, the controls are well-weighted, and visibility is excellent. The gated shifter takes some getting used to — you need to be deliberate with your shifts — but the mechanical engagement is immensely satisfying.
On a twisty road, the 308 comes alive. The mid-engine layout provides neutral handling with mild understeer at the limit. The steering is precise and communicative, telling you exactly what the front tires are doing. The V8 sounds incredible as it approaches redline — a metallic howl that builds to a crescendo.
This is not a modern supercar. It has no power steering, no ABS, no traction control. It requires driver engagement and skill. But that's exactly why people love it.
What to Look For When Buying a 308
As experts in classic Ferraris, here's what we inspect on every 308:
- 🔧 Timing belt service — The belts must be changed every 3-5 years or 30,000 miles. This car's belts were done at 45k miles.
- 🔧 Weber carburetors — The four carburetors require synchronization. This car's carbs have been professionally rebuilt.
- 🔧 Rust — Check the floor pans, rocker panels, and around the windshield. This car has zero rust.
- 🔧 Air conditioning — Original systems often fail. This car's AC blows cold.
- 🔧 Electrical systems — Test all switches, lights, and gauges. All function on this car.
- 🔧 Documentation — We have original owner's manual, tool kit, service records, and window sticker.
Shipping This Ferrari 308 GTS QV to Your State
We offer enclosed transport to anywhere in the United States and worldwide. Here are estimated shipping costs to popular locations:
📞 Call +1 201-285-2590 for an exact quote. Worldwide shipping available — we've shipped Ferraris to the UK, Germany, Japan, UAE, and Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Ferrari 308 GTS QV
Everything you need to know before buying a classic Ferrari
