The Ferrari Mondial used to be a bit of a loser in the vintage and sports car market. Long considered the bottom of the barrel of the 1980s lineup, that sentiment has changed dramatically in recent years. The Mondial still remains affordable compared to other models, but it’s not the steal it once was. The good news is you can still get into one of these for under six-figures, complete with the classic gated Ferrari shifter. Find this Mondial cabriolet here on eBay with bids to $27,100 and the reserve unmet.
Of course, Ferrari purists likely also derided the Mondial for having four seats, which was a common complaint about the 2+2 models from the 70s as well. So, the poor Mondial just took a ton of flack despite being a pretty sweet setup with a mid-engined V8 and 300 horsepower. I’ve never considered it a bad thing to have seating for four occupants, especially if you’ve got some kiddos in tow.
Interestingly, the seller is offering this Mondial with a bevy of high-dollar maintenance done before the new owner takes delivery. The work isn’t done – and that includes an engine-out service to replace the clutch and I’m assuming all belts – but the seller promises you’ll have a freshly-serviced Mondial within about two weeks after purchase.
The Mondial is described as a driver, with scratches and rock chips commiserate with use. The seller is brokering the sale, and notes that the current owner used the Mondial as recently as during the 2023 Pebble Beach Car Week and even entered in into the Concorso Italiano. The color combo is more attractive than red and black, in my opinion, and the car presents well overall. Assuming the reserve price is under $40K, this looks like a great entry into Ferrari ownership with the pricey maintenance already done by the time delivery takes place.
I am sure it will make a fine purchase for someone, and I am not deriding the car. It’s only that I personally am not swept away by the humdrum looks and would continue saving up to get a nice 308 GTS. The Mondial is a bargain-priced Ferrari but when you eventually have to start doing maintenance and repairs (just a matter of time, even if the car comes nicely serviced), this bargain-priced prancing horse will cost as much to keep up as its far more valuable brethren.
Unlike earlier Mondials mechanically related to the 308/328 series that are all fairly easy to DIY maintain, the “T” has a different powertrain that I gather requires engine-out servicing even for any routine maintenance aside from oil/filter changes.
The last car i sold was my 92 Mondial T, i had lots of fun and did many car shows with it, but i wanted to sell it while my head was still above water. This has pretty high mileage. I clicked on see sellers other items, very close to 2,000 came up.
Jeff, that engine shot doesn’t appear in the eBay ad. Do you have some “secret source”? The intakes look all oxidized and fuzzy, bad pic? Who knows? But unless I’m missing something, it’s not from the ad.
Euromoto, yes that nasty looking engine is in the FeeBay ad, just scroll down.
The only people that deride these cars are people that have never owned one.
I never owned a Mondial, but owned the same year 348ts (2 seats, same V8 engine). It needed the same engine out belt and clutch service as this example when I bought it. But after treating it to proper service, I enjoyed 2 years of trouble-free driving. And given that a well bought and properly maintained Ferrari is an appreciating asset, I also made a few bucks while enjoying wonderful driving experiences and those beautiful noises coming from the exhaust! I doubt that a Mondial has the same appreciation curve as the 2 seat mid-engine V8s, but the price of entry is a lot less.
Located in: Mesa, Arizona
Not sure on what planet this car’s looks are “humdrum” lol
There is an old saying, David: beauty is in the eye of the beholder”.
Went to $44,700. 53 bids, but only 8 bidders.
Ended:
Oct 10, 2023 16:25:58 PDT
Current bid:
US $44,700.00
Reserve not met
[ 53 bids ]
The public is more familiar with bad design than good design. It is, in effect, conditioned to prefer bad design because that is what it lives with. The new becomes threatening, the old reassuring.
As far as Ferraris go it’s still a dog
Mondials are still at the bottom of the barrel, only the bottom of the barrel has moved up.