Scott M.

Read an excerpt about the Magnum P.I. show and saw that Tom Selleck bought each of his three co-stars 928's during the 5th season of the show. One each for Larry mannetti, Roger Mosely (OJ Simpsons golfing buddy) and John Hillerman. I assume these cars are 1985 or 86 models as the show started in 1980.
Anybody ever run across these names as PO's?
According to the article the choice to use the Ferrari was made well before Selleck was cast.

At the end of production he bought all the crew Rolex watches, gold ones for the directors and writers, over 200 pieces totaling almost $500,000. Instead of buying them in bulk he went to all the watch stores in Honolulu and paid full price. His way of giving back to the community. He single handedly inflated the price of Rolexes'.

Andrew Schauer

Scott-
I heard the same information about the Tom Selleck 928's a couple years ago, but never knew where it was from. Did you read this recently, or in a past article? I would love to see the whole story.

Roger

Selleck asked to use a 928, but the producers wanted a convertible or targa. They approached Porsche, but Porsche refused to customize a 928 to that extent...thus, the 308 was used.

Roger 87s4

JimBob951

My fav. episode was the one where these mob types were chasing Magnum's 308 in a black 928. The 308 was nearly spining out in every turn during the high speed chase, but the 928 was like it was riding on rails! Impressed the heck out of me! That's when I first wanted one

tdelarm

Tom was given a bonus and used a lot of that to buy the gifts so I hear. It was one of my all time fav shows.

Crisis

I also recall an episode where Magnum was having trouble trying to outrun a mid-70s Challenger on the twisty roads of Hawaii. Maybe Magnum wasn't the best of 308 drivers.

Scott M.

Andrew;

I was at a buddies house and he had a book written by Larry Manetti (Rick). He had to show me the part about the 928.

Supposedly Larry did a commercial for a Porsche dealer in Honolulu and they loaned him a 944 for a few weeks. Selleck saw the car and went crazy for it. He asked why they didn't loan him a 928 saying "it's bigger and faster... top of the line". Later another cast member totaled the 944.

killingmoon65

I had read some time ago that the original 308 was owned by Larry Manetti of the show. Just fun trivia.

Scott M.

According to his book, he bought the closeup car. The one they used to tow behind a truck for speaking lines. The car was like 2-3 years old and never serviced. He bought it and had it shipped to LA and wanted to do some racing (like Paul Newman). Car arrived not running so he sold it 3 weeks later.

Nice piece of useless trivia...

tv

I remember seeing/reading this story in print when it happened, as I was already into the 928 and liked the show . Long time ago. I believe it was not really a bonus but a resigning, when actors contracts run out and the show is hot. He was in a strong position, got what he wanted, and showed himself to be a decent guy in sharing with his fellow cast members.

Crazy Canuck

I always liked Magnum PI. I have the theme song as my ringtone on my phone.

Andrew Schauer

Scott-
Thanks for the information, I'll be looking for that book. This looks like a probable candidate: Aloha Magnum: Larry Manetti's Magnum, P.I. Memories

I've also got the theme as a ringtone, Chris.

Scott M.

Andrew;
That's the book. I hope to read it after my bud is finished with it. Looks interesting, compared to all the boring medical journals I get stuck reading.

IcemanG17

I did hear that the 928 was originally slated for that series....but the targa was required....so thats how the 308 got the nod.....

Another bit of trivia....my sister dated the production managers son many years ago.....nice guy.....back when he was in grade school in Hawaii his dad would often pick him up in the 308 or the Audi from school.... He mentioned that Tom Selleck DID NOT like the 308.....mostly since he didn't fit in it

DonS

This was on last night! I was clicking through and just happened to catch it on the Sleuth Channel. Of course, too many shots of the Ferrari and not the 928 but you could hear that V8!