Musician and Former Sound Engineer Oscar Xavier Verdugo Owns a Very Special Ferrari
Oscar Xavier Verdugo is a car enthusiast who owns a Ferrari that has often been featured onscreen. He is involved with Star Car Central, a group of owners and builders of movie- and TV- inspired vehicles. This group is a big part of the annual Hollywood Christmas Parade, which car fans look forward to all year long.
Tell us about yourself.
I have been a core member of Start Car Central almost from the start and have been in the parade starting from the second time we were invited to appear.
I’m a retired general contractor based in Pasadena, California. Before that, I was a professional musician and also worked as a recording engineer in the Los Angeles area. Currently I design and build instruments called Diamante Wind Vox Melodicas. I am a collector of melodicas. My work and collection can be seen on the International Melodica Museum website, at https://www.themelodicamuseum.com . Also, my “Monsters of Melodica” music videos can be viewed on YouTube, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=monsters%20of%20melodica .
What type of car do you own and what makes it special?
It’s a sports car, a Ferrari 308GTSI from 1981.
Where has it been featured?
In the 1980s television show Magnum P.I., which aired from 1980 to 1988, starring Tom Selleck as Thomas Magnum. The car also appeared in the 1983 film National Lampoon's Vacation. It was driven by Christie Brinkley, who reprised her role as “The Ferrari Girl” in the 1997 movie Vegas Vacation.
Briefly, what steps are required for the maintenance of your car?
The car is normally serviced every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. It receives major service every 9 to 10 years, depending on its use.
What celebrities have been inside your car?
The car was used on the Jimmy Kimmel show. The episode featured Rapper T.I. in a skit, playing the role of "Magnum T.I." The skit mimicked the original opening of the Magnum P.I. TV series.
John Schneider from the TV show The Dukes of Hazzard has also been in the car. The vehicle was used in an episode of the short-lived Hollywood Treasure Show as well.
Where do you show your car?
The car has been showcased on several occasions, from Ferrari Concourse events to parades in Las Vegas and different cities in Southern California.
What is a memorable experience you’ve had with your car?
My most memorable experience with my car was driving to Palm Springs with my wife for the day and turning it into a long weekend. We put almost a thousand miles on the car that time. No suitcase packed. We just bought what we needed every day and enjoyed each other’s company.
What is your message to our Heart Of Hollywood Magazine readers?
Work hard to live your dream and let others live theirs in peace.
CONTACT
FB: https://www.facebook.com/oscar.verdugo.50?ref=tn_tnmn and https://www.facebook.com/MonstersOfMelodica
