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Engine Out Service Done: 1983 Ferrari Mondial QV Coupe

This 1983 Ferrari Mondial QV coupe is a sharp example of one of the more unloved Ferrari cars, but that sentiment is changing as vehicles from the 80s become increasingly desirable. There was a time when you seemingly couldn’t give a Mondial away, but now collectors of the next generation are snatching them up while prices remain somewhat deflated. This example is also a nice change of pace from the usual red over tan, featuring a dark gray exterior over a gorgeous red leather cabin. Find it here on craigslist for $39,500 in Newport Beach, California, with 40,000 miles on the clock.

The Ferrari is appealing not only for its condition but also for the recent maintenance work the seller has tackled. In the world of exotic car ownership, it doesn’t matter how cheaply you buy it – an engine-out service is likely in your future to address timing belt replacements and other jobs. This owner has already gotten the heavy lifting out of the way for the next caretaker, noting that the Mondial benefits from replacement of the timing belt, tensioner, seals, drive belts, new coolant, engine oil, transmission oil, spark plugs, and more at just over 37,000 miles. That means the next owner will have lots of time in the driver’s seat before needing to cozy up to a Ferrari mechanic.

While the classic Ferrari look may call for a red exterior, I say red leather is where you should focus your attention if this shade of the color-wheel is a must-have for your garage. The Mondial has clearly been loved, as with even 40,000 miles on the clock, the cabin shows next to no signs of hard use. What’s incredible is that this is all original leather, and the seller notes that when it came time to reinforce the foam in the driver’s seat, the original leather was reused and pulled back over the seats cushions – that’s the kind of condition the interior was in, and the level of care previous owners have shown the Mondial. Most folks would have just thrown in an aftermarket leather kit at that point.

In addition to the engine work, the seller notes that the emission system is completely new including air injectors, lines, air pump, and catalytic converter. The Monidal easily passes California’s stringent emissions testing, which makes the car even more appealing to local buyers. To show the level of detail we’re working with here, the seller has even found wheels that look like the original but ditch the troublesome and expensive TRX tires, making future tire swaps a breeze. Overall, the listing reads like that of the type of owner you want to buy a maintenance-hungry car from, and an emerging classic like the Mondial is sure to pay you back down the road.

Comments

  1. Avatar Frank Sumatra

    It goes fast and should go quickly.

    Like 2
  2. Avatar Ken Jennings

    I do not understand the wheel change. Do you really think a Ferrari buyer cares about the cost of tires?

    Like 1
    • Avatar KEVIN L HARPER

      As a former 308 owner, “yes, I cared about the cost of tires” The TRX’s may have been good back in the day, but are pretty crappy compared to tires now, and they are expensive.
      Back when I changed mine I could get a set of 15″ wheels from a 328 and a new set of tires for about the same cost of a new set of TRX’s

      Like 8
    • Avatar John

      I suspect that regardless of cost, the availability of TRX type tires may be an issue. Some older Ford Mustangs had the same issue. In some cases, it resulted in owners mounting “New Old Stock” tires. In other cases, it precluded the owners from experimenting with tire size or section width.

      Like 1
  3. Avatar H5mind

    For the money you’re knocking on 308/328 territory, especially these days. But who buys a particular Ferrari for practical reasons anyway? Go with whatever quickens your pulse.

    Like 2
  4. Avatar John

    Engine-out service was 4 1/2 years ago, so maybe not as rosy a picture as presented…

    Like 8
  5. Avatar Bakyrdhero Member

    This is a dangerous car for a person like myself. I could conceivably afford the cost of entry, but I feel like I’d be married to the car after that. I can see the cost of maintenance ending a marriage!
    Sure looks nice though.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar araknid78

    nice

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Howie Mueler

    Way too much money for that year!!!

    Like 0

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