[SpudRacer]

I was driving back from a run today in the S2000 with the top down. It was only 55 degrees but sunny with no wind. After a week of dismal gray skies and rain, I was taking advantage of the last shred of good weather. Anyway, as I'm gaining on a car about a half mile in front of me, I begin to recognize a familiar shape. Low, red, two pair of round tailights. Magnum PI! I close the gap and sure enough, it's a 1981-2 Ferrari 308GTBi. It was in beautiful shape with an "antique" plate on it. I'm sure it was an investment piece and the two guys inside were just out enjoying the weather like me.

When I got home, I Googled up the specs on it. According to the Ferrari website, the little 3.0L V8 only made 205HP and 179 Ft/Lbs in U.S. spec. to haul around 3,317 lbs of Italian sex machine. It's published 0-62 MPH time was 6.5 seconds. My how times have changed. My little 2008 S2000 (itself a 10 year old design) with 237HP and 168 Ft/Lbs hauling 2,856 Lbs of Japanese goodness could likely whup the Ferrari's butt in braking, handling, and acceleration but not in chick magnetism. The Ferrari still has the name and the looks. And that 308GTBi was one of only 494 produced. The lowest year ever for 308 production. That was a pretty cool sighting IMHO.

A G sedan or coupe would likewise whup the little Stallion from Maranello like a rented mule but it's still a head turner after almost 30 years and that's no small accomplishment.