My humble addition to the legacy of the Mondial...

A+++ Great Job Dave!!! I LOVE THIS ARTICLE

my only constructive feedback is I believe the Scent of a Women was a 't'

Cheers

 

Excellent article - I can't say it enough- thank for this writeup. Honest, and a great introduction to the model.

(clapping)

 

Really well written Dave.

 

Very nice!

Regarding the "proportional aesthetics", maybe the Mondial was the inspiration for the Lamborghini Portofino and the subsequent design trend at Chrysler (cab forward)?

That Time Lamborghini Made A Sedan That Became A Chrysler

Makes me wonder and would be an interesting question for the designer, Kevin Verduyn.

 

Sorry to be the grammar police, but I think that should read "(now an accepted fact)".


Also, I don't think the later models had the metric wheels.

 

This was a design concept before the 348 came out. You can see the similarity to the Mondial. The actual 348 looks a little more stout, but I still think the 348 looks more like a Mondial, than it does a 308.

The Mondial was also the first Ferrari designed with a split frame, for easy power unit removal. This design also carried forward to the 348.
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Very nice article!

Just a few comments:

Did I miss you mention a real trunk/boot that can actually hold enough luggage for a week long trip or two sets of clubs for the a golf outing? And the interior room is very generous, especially the headroom.

I tried to buy a 308/328 in 2000 and had to pass because my 6'4"/200 lb frame would not fit comfortably in the car. I actually raised the seats in mine 1" for easier ingress/egress. This also improved my view of the instruments and outward visibility.

You dissed the 3.2 because of the bumper re-design? I think it looks more integrated, well thought out and modern.

Don't forget about improved rust proofing post '85 and the availability of ABS on the '88 models. Also, a re-design of the clutch geometry made it less truck like and easier to use, they did the same thing on the 328, IIRC.

I did a lot of research before I chose which Mondial to buy and the '88 3.2 Cabriolet came up on top due to all the improvements incorporated by that time and the economy of service.

The "T" lost out in my competition because of the need to drop the engine for service and expensive add ons like power steering and adjustable shocks, more computer modules too, resulting in more difficult and costly repair when those (unnecessary?) features fail.

I guess I am a true "analog man."

Then it took me 3 YEARS to find one that I would be willing to purchase and I could not be happier.

In person, everyone loves the car, especially the gals. It really is a beautiful, sexy and appealing design, just retro enough to be classic, but modern too so that some folks think it is much newer model.

And everyone knows it is a Ferrari! The McDonuts being made today are sometimes identified by non-car folks as everything from Mustangs to Lambos.
Alden

 

Great article. Although, I wish you hadn't rated them. To really know each model you probably have to own one. I would put the t first and you would in no way be able to change my mind. I know a few 3.2 owners who would argue all day that the 3.2 is the best. There is a lot to these cars that doesn't translate well in specs and photographs. There are a few owners on FChat who have owned all of them. Maybe to quote a collector as such would be more fair to the uninformed reader.

I mean last place and worst value for a Mondial t? Them's fightin' words!

Dave

 

Well done, thank you.

Please show me the door handle that is also to be found on the Daytona ;-)

(I scrolled through some Daytona images and could not locate it)

cheers

braq

 

The Superformance wheels are Standard gauge I believe - which is the key aspect - if I'm not mistaken.

A VERY professional article!

 

MONDIAL is a beautiful car but under appreciated. Your article is spot on. Great job.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Dave,
thanks for outing our big secret....it's a great, practical car.
You love it or hate it, but those that love it go to great lenghts to get the best out of it.
After all, it's a Ferrari, with all it's quirks and attitudes from an era I grew up in. Then I knew I had to have one....
Best
Jurgen

 

Nice Thread!

However, the 3.4s are an entirely different animal for maintenance. Engine out for a water pump, for instance. The 3.2s are IMHO, the best of the lot. They are easily maintainable, and about as fast as the 3.4s. At least mine is. Consistently 115 mph in actual 1/2 mile speed trials. [And the best time shifted at 6,000 rpms!) So forget about the 8,000 rpm theatrics.

My 1986 3.2 Prugna Metallica scampers around my N. Georgia mountains with just about as much power that is useful. After about 15,000 miles I will shortly be on my third set of tires. I have had three supercharged Mark VII 5.0 in the same environment and while they MIGHT be faster in an actual 1/4 mile drag I am not entirely convinced.

Now I have contracted to buy a 2014 Cadillac CTS Vsport, 3.6 twin trubo with 420 hp and will get back to report on it in a week or two after delivery.