If you read with any regularity, you likely see me talk about cars that represent excellent values in the current moment, but that likely show strong potential to not be cheap much longer. The Ferrari Mondial was once the “cheap” Ferrari, the one that no one wanted because it was born as the entry level model. These days, the Mondial is still not likely to threaten the F40 for family tree supremacy, but it is worth more than it used to be. Still, this European-market example listed here on Hemmings.com looks like a fair deal at $42,500 and features a desirable sunroof delete configuration.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader PRA4SNW for the tip. The Mondial has earned some respect in enthusiast circles as of late, especially as prices for other gated-shifter Ferraris continue to soar. You can’t touch a 348 for much less than $50K these days (and that’s a very needy car) and the F355 has left the barn and is never coming back. If you want a Ferrari with a stick, the Mondial is one of the best choices left and despite the renewed interest in the model, it’s not hard to find a decent driver for the same price as this car. I’d give this example a bit of an edge not only because of the clean condition but also because of the European-market specifications.
Now, the Mondial came in a few different flavors, and much of the initial distaste for the model was due to the original engine offering. A fairly lethargic 2.9L engine was only good for a run to 60 in the 8 second range, but subsequent engine offerings improved performance significantly. The 3.0L and 3.2L cars could make the run to 60 in the low 6 second range, while the newest Mondials with the 3.4L V8 could clear this performance benchmark in under 6 seconds. The seller notes several improvements in the cabin, including lower seat cushions and a dash pad that were previously refurbished, along with Hill Engineering pedals, shift gate, and shift knob.
Now, here’s something I didn’t know until just recently: not every Mondial engine requires removal to perform a belt service. The 2.9L and 3.2L cars apparently do not need the engine dropped to service the belt, but the late 3.4Ls does require the standard engine-out service. The seller notes that service records that accompany his car show a belt service was last performed in 2018, and while the belt itself is still in excellent condition, the next owner may want the peace of mind that comes with replacement. Still, this is a lot of car for the money, and there’s no way they won’t become more expensive over the long term.
Lovely car but the new owner is in for several thousand dollars of immediate service/repair costs. That belt must be done, and the seller refers to fuse box and switch repair. He has spent plenty over his three years of ownership – a credit to the car since the suspension and other working parts have been improved for the next owner, but a reminder that Ferrari ownership is a wallet-wide-open experience.
About as cheap as you’re going to find a Ferrari with a gated shifter. Won’t ever be worth less I suspect.
Great looking shifter James. 1st appears to be down and left. 💁♂️
VEHICLE LOCATION
De Pere, WI
t-bone thank you for the quick location information.
The last car i sold was my 92 Mondial T, my first and last Ferrari. Shure i had fun and did many car shows, but never again, and that was at least 5 years ago. I sold it while my head was still above water.
Does that price include the therapist that you’ll
surely need?
Looks like one of my least favorite Ferraris is trying to make a comeback but I’m not surprised after all it is a Ferrari.
sure looks 80’s/90s Japanese to me (inc the, what appears to B, xross-flow motor)
If a cross-flow cylinder head makes you think ‘80s-90s Japanese, I dare say you need to broaden your horizons (to include, for example, performance-oriented engines beginning in the 1910s, to every single IC engines car sold today).
The Mondial 8, QV and 3.2 can all have belt services done with the engine in-situ because those are basically the same transverse powertrain as the 308/328 variants, which can also be serviced that way. All have a shroud in the rear wheel well to remove for belt access.
The later Mondial t (3.4L) requires engine-out servicing because that’s basically the same powertrain as the 348, having a longitudinal engine with a transverse gearbox like most later Ferrari V8s as well.
Umm, is no one going to point out that the Mondial was never the entry-level model? Every year, every variant, always priced ~5% above 308/328 (which should be obvious if you think about it being essentially the same car but with more equipment, none of which is inexpensive to manufacture).