There are several iconic vehicles from 
1980’s television, the A-Team van, K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider and of course the Ferrari 308 GTS from Magnum P.I. Thomas Sullivan Magnum was the coolest private investigator in Hawaii and, between the amazing mustache and the car, women couldn’t resist him. Magnum P.I. lasted 8 seasons and has even spawned a modern re-boot.
Magnum worked as private security for a reclusive author, Robin Masters, who’s Ferrari Magnum drove solving crimes in paradise. He along with his friends, Rick and T.C., used their military training to bring criminals to justice.
Playmobil’s version of this iconic vehicle is so much more than just a kid’s toy. The Ferrari 308 GTS is highly detailed; something you wouldn’t expect from a toy that is for “Children ages 5 and up.” The 308 GTS Quattrovalvole is a beautiful vehicle both in the real world and in toy form. The Playmobil version is a bit smaller, measuring (LxWxH) in: 9.8 x 4.3 x 2.5 according to the Playmobil website.
The 308GT has non-functional headlights that pop up when the button on the undercarriage is pressed. This car also has a removable sunroof and a functioning “frunk” which is a portmanteau of the words “front” and “trunk”. The “bonnet” or hood does not open and neither do the doors. The car is free rolling on almost silent rubber tires for hours of play.
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- Real thing!
Magnum’s Ferrari (or should I say Robin Master’s Ferrari?) has room for 2 action figures and the playset comes with 4 characters from Magnum P.I. First, there is Jonathan Quail Higgins who is Robin Master’s majordomo. Higgins comes with the accessory of a parrot, which is fine but I am wonder why the Dobermans Zeus and Apollo were not included. Those dogs were very prominent background players. Next up is Theodore T.C. Calvin. On the show, T.C. ran his own sightseeing operation called, “Island Hoppers” a phrase that graces the figure’s baseball cap. Then we have Orville Wilbur Richard Wright or Rick as he was more commonly known. Rick was manager of the King Kamehameha club and had connections to the shadier side of paradise. One of his more prominent connections was an old school hood known only as “Icepick.” The last figure included is of course, Thomas Sullivan Magnum. Magnum was the epitome of cool with his Hawai’ian shirts and Detroit Tiger’s ball cap. The cap the figure comes with does have a “D” emblazoned on the front. Each figure is the standard Playmobil action figure size of 7.5 cm (3.0 in) tall. These figures also come with some accessories. Included with the 308GTS are a camera, walkie-talkie, wristwatch, parrot, parrot perch, 2 ball caps, a set of arm cuffs and binoculars. Also included in the set is palm tree. The tree works great when you are displaying your Ferrari on the shelf.
I have to say that I do love this car. I have always had a soft spot for the Ferrari 308GTS from the first time I laid eyes on one. I can say without a doubt that this is closest I will ever get to owing a real Ferrari. Playmobil produces some very cool vehicles and playsets. I must say that I found it funny when I looked up the most iconic cars of 1980’s television and what came up was K.I.T.T., the A-Team van and Magnum’s 308GT Ferrari…all 3 have been reproduced by Playmobil. I reviewed K.I.T.T. last year and it did not disappoint. All I need is the A-Team van to complete the pop culture car trifecta.
I do recommend Playmobil’s Magnum P.I.’s Ferrari 308GTS not just for children but for adults who appreciate nostalgia. Magnum ran for 8 seasons and it has a very large fan base. Since the show is being rerun on various cable and satellite networks the show gains new fans every day.
Playmobil’s Magnum P.I. Ferrari 308GTS Quattrovalvole retails for $79.99 and is available now. As I said, this makes the perfect gift for the child in all of us!
