Ferrari 308 GTS

The Ferrari 308 GTB (B for berlinetta or coupe) and targa topped 308 GTS (S for spider or roadster) are V8 mid-engined, two-seater sports cars manufactured by Ferrari from 1975 to 1985.

Two new Corgi Toys models of the car were launched in May 1982, the Ferrari 308 GTS and the Ferrari 308 GTS Magnum PI car as a TV tie in. Both cars were identical, only the boxes were different. I remember Magnum PI - a TV detective series - wasn't it based on Hawaii and the hero had a rich pal who was never seen but let Magnum use his posh house and swanky car? Magnum was played by one of the 'Three men and a Baby' actors Tom Selleck? The one identified as a Magnum car below has two clues to its identity. The model number on the box is different and if you look closely at the rear edge of the box you can see a slot where there was once a header card, now lost, with the Magnum graphics on it.

This model has sadly been killed off really as a collectors piece though by it being given away free with petrol. I think there was one in my kids' toybox, fill your car up three times at Mobil and you got a Corgi sports car. Ferrari, E-Type, Bugatti, Porsche etc. The good features are pop-up headlights and a nice detailed engine. The contrasting tan seats work very well too

The car continued to be produced in the post-Mettoy era in yellow, red and black.

The wooden diemaker's blank below was acquired from an ex-employee of Corgi Toys