Help needed from an American Ferrari friend | FerrariChat

Help needed from an American Ferrari friend

Discussion in 'Mondial' started by phil the brit, Jun 8, 2016.

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  1. phil the brit

    phil the brit Formula 3

    Jul 7, 2013
    1,215
    Colchester+Clermont
    Full Name:
    Phil Taylor
    #1 phil the brit, Jun 8, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I am seriously considering in buying this car from California............

    1985 Ferrari Mondial Quattrovalvole Cabriolet - Santa Monica

    I am from England and cannot go to California to look at the car.

    This is what they say about it............

    •V-8 engine
    •Five-speed transmission
    •Quattrovalvole: four valves per cylinder
    •Approximately 11K possibly original miles
    •From long-term ownership
    •Books, tools, and jack included
    •Michelin TRX tires
    •Previous award winner
    •Exceptionally well-kept
    •A stunning example


    Here are a few pictures of it..........

    I will be bidding on it sight unseen and I need someone to go and look at it and give me an "enthusiasts view". I would be happy to pay for someones out of pocket expenses to look at it for me.
    I have the funds to buy it and ship it back to the UK.
    Does anyone have the time to view it and give me an honest personal view of what they think about it. the auction house says it has done approximately! 11.000 miles, do the seats bodywork support this. Also does the paperwork. (whatever is there) support this?
    I am not looking for an expert view just one of an enthusiast and I would truly be grateful for anyone who could help in any way.
    Many thanks in anticipation
    Phil
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  2. Mfoncerrada

    Mfoncerrada Formula Junior

    Dec 20, 2009
    414
    Monterey, CA
    Full Name:
    Miguel Foncerrada
    Unfortunately I am quite a ways from LA area...if you don't get a response in this forum you may want to post on 308 forum (as the cars are mechanically similar) and on the southern california forum where non-mondial owners could help... It looks great - beautiful color combination - just like mine :)
     
  3. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Mar 31, 2006
    32,793
    East Central, FL
    Full Name:
    Wade O.
    #3 Wade, Jun 8, 2016
    Last edited: Jun 8, 2016
    I love Mondials and, if it were in my vicinity, would gladly look at it for you.

    As is, it's looks really nice.

    Does this look like the VIN to you?

    ZFFUC15A9F0058173

    I'm not sure if that's a 56173 or 58173, but I think the latter.
     
  4. AUDIO RESEARCH

    AUDIO RESEARCH Formula Junior

    Feb 11, 2009
    350
    PHILIPPINES
    Full Name:
    LUIGI RAYMUND LIRA
    Is'nt this the same car featured in the Petrolicious article in this forum?

    audio research
     
  5. phil the brit

    phil the brit Formula 3

    Jul 7, 2013
    1,215
    Colchester+Clermont
    Full Name:
    Phil Taylor
    It is the car that appears in the Petrolicious article, seems there may be one digit out in the chassis number though. says this.............. ZFFUC15A9FOO56173
     
  6. MvT

    MvT F1 Rookie

    May 25, 2013
    4,248
    The Netherlands - NH
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    Tijn
  7. greyboxer

    greyboxer F1 World Champ

    Dec 8, 2004
    12,282
    South East
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    Jimmie
    With a plug like that I can see it not being a bargain at the end of the day after lots of less experienced potential buyers bid it up
     
  8. Todd308TR

    Todd308TR F1 World Champ

    Nov 25, 2010
    11,070
    LA
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    Todd
    Have you posted this in the California section?
     
  9. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Mar 31, 2006
    32,793
    East Central, FL
    Full Name:
    Wade O.
    #9 Wade, Jun 9, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Those would be zeros instead of capital "O"s.

    ZFFUC15A9F0056173

    I couldn't read it correctly from the photos, didn't know if it was a 56 or a 58

    But from a previous ad, clearly it's a "6".

    No other info comes up when searching the VIN. Carfax (or similar) could reveal more of its history.
    .
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  10. phil the brit

    phil the brit Formula 3

    Jul 7, 2013
    1,215
    Colchester+Clermont
    Full Name:
    Phil Taylor
    Many thanks for the info, it is appreciated
     
  11. David Lind

    David Lind Formula 3

    Nov 19, 2008
    2,248
    Full Name:
    David Lind
    I could be wrong, but the lip on those wheels looks like the dreaded TRX wheel. This wheel can only accept one type of tire (or tyre as Brits say), which is a Michelin TRX. This is a detriment, as the TRX is an expensive and seriously outdated tire.
     
  12. davemqv

    davemqv F1 Rookie

    Aug 28, 2014
    3,097
    USA
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    Dave
    With all due deference to David's experience, I disagree. TRX tires are expensive, but I think the car only looks right when it's wearing them.

    As for performance, there may be some better tires now by stats and even feel, but the TRX performed well in the 80's, and still performs well today, IMO.

    For me the TRX tires perform very well, and preserving the original shape/lines of the car is important to me.
     
  13. davemqv

    davemqv F1 Rookie

    Aug 28, 2014
    3,097
    USA
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    Dave
    I'm in LA around then, but can't be 100% sure I'll be there before the auction.

    If you're willing to pay for an inspection/looking over, call Craig at Fast Cars in Redondo Beach and ask them to go look at it for you. They'd likely give it a more reliable look than any of us.

    I discussed some issues with him long distance and he was very helpful.
     
  14. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Mar 31, 2006
    32,793
    East Central, FL
    Full Name:
    Wade O.
    +1

    I'm a big fan of the TRX, just not their price. Also, for show-worthy cars, OEM all the way for me. So, in this case, having a second set of wheels and tires (16" or 17") makes sense.

    Those Gottis with gold would be sweet on this black QV Cab.
     
  15. David Lind

    David Lind Formula 3

    Nov 19, 2008
    2,248
    Full Name:
    David Lind
    Wade's solution is the best. Have the TRX wheels & tires for originality and a normal set of Ferrari wheels (as on a 3.2) with modern tires to drive on.
     
  16. MvT

    MvT F1 Rookie

    May 25, 2013
    4,248
    The Netherlands - NH
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    Tijn
    Phil pays significantly less for TRX tires since he is in the UK ;)
     
  17. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    25,038
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
    Full Name:
    Steve Magnusson
    11K miles in 2016. 11K miles in 2019. What a waste...
     
  18. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
    Consultant

    Nov 29, 2001
    12,661
    San Carlos, CA
    Full Name:
    Mitchell Le
    So Phil did not buy it?
     

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