To date, I've owned two 308's, a 348 and an F1 360. The 360 did not do it for me, nor did the 348. Something about the Mondial I seem to like. I'll be looking at an '88 coupe the end of next week that is local and has been gone through to the T. What would I really like? Well, a gated 360 but since I'm paying cash, my CFO (wife) says nada on turning $135-$150K loose. Maybe it's just the older school Ferrari's that I like. Thoughts?
I wonder what comments you have regarding the 308s in your life. Also, dealing with 30+ year old systems (fuel, electrical, brake, water, leather, metals/finishes) is a major aspect of “older school” Ferrari ($$) life. However, a well kept, properly maintained and properly driven Mondial displays an understanding of what once was; and (rarely) still is! It ain’t got much plastic, computers, computer chips, batteries, sealed access (though clearances are tight), or cutting edge technology “spin.” BUT - at an intersection there ain’t gonna be three other cars just like mine! As you know, The Internet and YouTube make having and keeping our vehicles possible. SG Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat.com mobile app
It will be quite a revelation for you. Drives like a perfect cruiser. Better handling than 308/328. Better weight distribution and larger wheelbase. Some luxurious attributes as a plus. Adjustable steering, electric openers for boot, trunk and fuel flap. Is more comfortable to sit and more spacious inside.
I had one and loved it. Great cars ! People don't know them and ask you what it is. I would own one again anytime.
Gated? (Check) Open air motoring? (Yup) Mid engine (YES!) 5-10x rarer (you bet) Pininfarina (uh huh) No Robot copilot (careful) what’s not to like!?
The Mondial 3.2 is basically a 328 mechanically. These cars are bulletproof and very easy to maintain. Try to stay away from the dealer finding a GOOD independant Ferrari mechanic and you will be a happy owner for sure.
I have a red/beige '89 t that will go on the market shortly. 38000+ miles, 2000 on the belt service done in 2019. It's a great car with the classic Ferrari feel. Handles like a go cart, precise goes where you point it. Space for three adults or two kids, baggage, picnic etc. Just as I get older (88 with bad knees) I wanted a car with more ease in and out of and modern accessories and got a California, so the Mondial needs a new home.
I think Mondials have a cool thing going for them. Many owners say it’s their favorite Ferrari. It’s an 80’s car that looks cool and owns the era it’s from. It still feels sporty and drives like a Ferrari (because it is one), and I always liked them. I bought mine 2 years ago and I’m happy to own it.
For most, here are the 3 big reasons for 'I'll pass.' The Mondial is slow. It can feel fast, but you'll get beat in most races (if that's your thing). You have to like how it looks, honestly. If not, you'll feel like you've married someone you 'sort of' found attractive. If you get the 't' - expect 348esqu maintenance costs. Otherwise, 308/328 costs. 3 BIG REASONS FOR YES. Gated V8 Mid Engine Ferrari, IMHO, only the 355 sounds better. Handling In other words, the biggest thing going for the Mondial, is how it drives. The exact opposite of what makes a car milquetoast.
PeterS, Would you like a Mondial? Absolutely !!!!!!!!! Well, maybe. In 2004 I bought a 1982 Mondial that lived in LA (I live in NC). Flew to LA and drove it back to NC. On the whole I had a great time with the exception of a weeks layover in Grants, NM. ( A diary of that drive is available upon request). When it is working more or less right the Mondial is a true kick to drive. That makes the time it is not working right more or less worth it. Buy the best one you can find !!!!!!!! I did not do that and really paid the price. Paul PS: Do Not Get Rid Of The Jag
Haven’t driven my 348, 612, or Mondial t coupe in a month. When I go out to the garage the Mondial is the one I am most excited to drive first.
The above says it all. I owned a '86 Mondial 3.2 and an '87 Porsche 3.2 Carrera at the same time. I never drove the Porsche, almost ever. When I did, the 911 felt boring. I daily drove both for a while, the Mondial was the even the better daily driver (despite being a lot more visceral). Semi-modern Italian A/C beats air-cooled German A/C, though neither imposes significant frostbite risk. In terms of performance, the Mondial 3.2 felt a lot faster and more responsive than the 3.2 Carrera. Only the Mondial 8 had performance issues -- the later three models (QV, 3.2, t) have nothing to apologize for performance-wise (from an "in period" perspective).
The 360 has a bloated melted bar of soap style, and the engine does not sound very appealing, more of a drone at lower rpm's. Oversteers too easily and is too heavy to drive and respond like a sports car, nor does it have a GT cruiser like ride quality. I see the 360 as a transitional car to the modern era, and not necessarily bringing the benefits of old or new school to the table. The Mondial t was itself a type of transitional car straddling the older "hand built" era, and leading into the longitudinal engine mount and subsequent unibody era. The 1988 Mondial 3.2 is the last of the old school Ferrari's. The Mondial is useable as a daily driver, assuming it has been rolling restored to deal with the age factor of hoses, bushings, and oil seals, which there are quite a few of. It is comparatively easy to get in and out of, and drives/tracks well on a highway run. It is also quite heavy, but the manual steering turn in and feel is excellent. It tends to understeer. The shifter throws are quite long, and a bit agricultural, but with the gate does give mechanical feel missing on more modern cars. It rides ok, but is not a luxury car. The interior is somewhat spartan and functional, but the reach to pedals, adjustable steering wheel and shifter may not fit everyone, you need to sit in it and see if the ergonomics work. The wedge styling is more Bertone like than Pininfarina, but makes it really stand out and looks truely exotic. The committment to own and run a Mondial will be greater than eg. a Porsche of the same era.
Sentiments pendulum from austerity to conspicuous consumption. I've seen current trends frown on the latter. The Mondial is at an exciting impasse in today's cultural era factor.' It's becoming the head-nodding choice with some for its automatic is no 'snob' factor approachability. The key is well-maintained and presentable, which allows you to separate yourself from the legion of ratted-out ones; while admittedly superficial, it makes all the difference between prejudices on whether you're a legit enthusiast or a poseur.
I should clarify that the 360 is likely a great track car, for a driver experienced with mid engined cars. The engine scream at very high rpm is F1 like, which some people enjoy. But it is not uncommon for good track cars to be less enjoyable on the street.
Well, the Mondial offers a truly GREAT driving experience, superb handling, wonderful sound. My daily driver on the other hand, a 2013 Jag XK, does not handle QUITE as well, does not sound QUITE as good, but, every morning when I get in it STARTS, gets me where I am going, and puts smile on my face, all the while asking VERY little in return. The Jag gives me the care free freedom to get in and go from NC to Maine, to Key West, and DC several times. Enjoy the Mondial, keep the Jag to drive while the Mondial is in the shop. Paul
This is the first time in history that somebody is using a Jaguar as the safety/reliability car!! I totally know what you are saying though, the mid 2000's and 2010 Jags are very reliable cars. My mom had an old 1971 XJ6 that she LOVED, but it was constantly breaking and the A/C was marginal, if it it worked at all -- and she was selling real estate at the time in a hot climate. She replaced the XJ6 with a BMW, which was fine, but she always talked about the XJ6. A few years ago we looked into getting her another Jag, and only then learned that the XJ8's (mid-2000's) are pretty damn reliable, so we got her and 2005 XJ8L and it has been an incredible car (save for air suspension needing to be addressed, but we knew that was the vulnerability). My Mondial 3.2 was also very reliable. I really didn't have to do anything to it mechanically except for standard maintenance (and the occasional financially painful timing belt change).
I was unsure about the Mondial as well. I have it for couple of months and I don’t think I’m ever giving that car away. Post some pics after you get one.
I did not expect the positive inspiration from most of the posts here, as if the Modial is the red-haired stepchild that only the smart guys will ask out on a date!
I have an 83 Mondial QV I love driving it and wouldn’t give it up at all. It’s not the fastest Ferrari but when you start shifting through the gears and hitting the rpm sweet spot the car comes alive. Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
Almost forgot to mention - the Mondial series from start to finish is about a touring machine, not a racing machine. That fact is a key point and remembering it is very important to owner satisfaction with the Mondial. If properly maintained it will cruise a very long way at a quick rate of speed - and look nice at the same time. (Stopping for fuel as necessary, of course!) If I were to believe my M is a racing ride or a speed skirmish monster I will disappoint myself, look foolish, and perhaps break something; or lose my license. All we have to do is be cool and enjoy our circumstances and situation in literally a class of our own. Enjoy what the car is intended to do and convey in public. It has become a rare sight indeed on the road, in car magazines and on-line. SG Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat.com mobile app
An interesting video from a French owner who restaurated a mondial since 2014. His total cost (his words) is 20.000 euro included buying the car. He edited that the car is a 1981. Interior of a mondial 8, engine apartently a QV and bumpers of a 3.2.
