Description

By the time Ferrari revealed the 3.2-litre version of the Mondial in 1985, the model had been in production under various guises since 1980. As a result, the manufacturer had resolved many of the performance and practical shortcomings of earlier Mondial models, and the later versions are generally considered to be the pick of the range.

The four-seat Mondial cabriolet is long, low, and sleek with period Ferrari styling cues like the side vents with horizontal slats, folding headlights, and, of course, the round taillights that are still in use today. By 1987, Ferrari's quality control had improved to ensure world-class paint and bodywork that has withstood the past two decades reasonably well thanks to the ministrations of an attentive owner and very careful use on sunny days. A black strip along the rockers enhances the long, low look and the chin spoiler hasn't been destroyed by parking curbs or steep driveways.

You can see the race-bred hardware under the rear deck lid, tightly packed into the engine bay for maximum efficiency. The suspension has razor-sharp reflexes and you already know that the brakes are insanely powerful. Gorgeous 5-spoke seventeen-inch wheels have the classic Ferrari look and wear high-performance Michelin Super Sport Pilot radials.

Supple Crema leather is the Ferrari way and the seats are both supportive and comfortable enough for a cross-continent sprint. They've got a very pleasing broken-in look, again indicative of outstanding care and conscientious ownership. The big analog gauges with bright yellow markings are highly legible and there's simply no other gearshift on earth like Ferrari's chrome gate that rewards deliberate actions. An original Blaupunkt stereo provides music for touring. Front and rear trunks are a nice benefit of the mid-engine design. The black canvas top is cleverly designed to mimic the hard top's profile, flying buttresses included.

The 3.2 Mondial in coupé form-and Cabriolet sister model-benefitted from a more powerful V-8 engine compared to the earlier 2.9-litre car, which featured Marelli Multiplex electronic fuel injection. It howls to redline with the most wonderful soundtrack this side of LeMans and moves the Mondial with cat-like ease. The robust mid-engine 3.2L version was only produced from 1986-1988 and is essentially identical to that used in the 308/328/348 series vehicles. This example starts, runs and drives well. The engine runs smoothly and burns clean. The braking and suspension are responsive and the shifting is excellent. Regular maintenance has been recorded in the service book that comes with the car.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Powered by a Transverse-Mounted, 3.2-litre V-8 Engine
• One of 810 Examples Produced of the Mondial 3.2 Cabriolet Made Between 1985 and 1988
• 5-Speed Manual Gearbox
• 41,577 Miles
• Rosso Corsa Paint
• Crema Leather Interior
• Factory Installed Blaupunkt Stereo
• 17-Inch Wheels with Michelin Tires
• Marelli Multiplex Electronic Fuel Injection
• Factory Ferrari Tool Kit
• Owner' Manual, Warranty Book and Service Manual
• Regular Maintenance Recorded in Service Book

With the Mondial still far under-valued, this example presents an excellent opportunity to buy an entry-level, Pininfarina designed mid-engine Ferrari while the prices are still low. Call today!