Newbie to this forum ISO guidance: Looking to purchase my first Ferrari, a 1990 Mondial T Cab with 22k miles. This is the pic of the undercarriage. Looking at where the engine meets the rest of the car and the 3-four sided shapes. What exactly are those and why would the middle one look like it's cut up, dented and should I have any concerns? Also, the pictures shows some oil/grease. I know it's not going to be pristine with use but should it be this gunky? There is very little service records but the interior is almost pristine, along with the bodywork. Is there telltale noises I should be looking for? I know that timing belt service is coming up very quickly and I am planning for it ( Image Unavailable, Please Login ) but please point me to what I should be looking at. Looking for your wisdom to see if I should take the plunge on this one. Thank you in advance! Image Unavailable, Please Login
That's the alternator gaurd, very common to see it torn up like that due to road debris and low clearance, not an issue and you can probably get it refurnished. As far as the oil leaks, yes that is a concern. Probably has loose hoses, and cracked gaskets as well. The best thing to do is replace everything with the engine out. I would buget 20k for that at least.
Thanks Paul. I figured. The top of the engine is very clean and what seems like fresh hoses. These forums are a godsend and have been a member of many, given my car history (2005 Volvo V8 XC90, 2007 Audi S8 (miss my V10), 2016 M750Li (prefer the Audi) and my current (when I say "my" I mean wife's) 2019 Tesla S (Dual Motor, Ludicrous, etc, etc.). I need a real driver's car as I am not getting any younger and fear I won't be able to drive it like it needs to be driven, so now seems like the right time. Thanks again to you Paul (excellent website mondialt.com) and all the members and hope to share my experience, if and when I take the plunge!
I appreciate the kind words. Keep in mind my 20K quote is due to the fact the car seems like it may have been sitting for a while. Things will naturally just need replacing. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have more questions. Cheers
Ah, the famous place ... that sells mostly junk. I wonder where they are actually located? the East side of LA?
Actually, yes they are located in East LA (seriously) anyways, here is the car. https://www.beverlyhillscarclub.com/1990-ferrari-mondial-t-cabriolet-c-11071.htm
Keep in mind the 20k number I throw out is not just the 30k only, but for things that should probably be replaced if the car is in the condition I suspect it’s in. Fusebox, light motors, shocks, actuators, fuel pumps, hoses and pipes, etc... adds up quick!
It is East LA, and not the nice side... (you can literally dump a body across the street and it would not be noticed). I passed on the car as once it started, it would not stop smoking. I ran out of there.
For the right person that wants the car and knows how to wrench on it, it might possibly present a great opportunity. Just wanted to explain the context behind my '20k' quote which I think has been fully illuminated in the last few posts.
The incessant smoking was only the beginning. Dead A/C, suspension, top would not go up, broken latches and side intake grills, seat belt mice frozen, etc...