Back from Cavallino, not a single Mondial | FerrariChat
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Back from Cavallino, not a single Mondial

Discussion in 'Mondial' started by mondialfan, Jan 24, 2009.

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  1. mondialfan

    mondialfan Karting

    Jan 1, 2007
    53
    Gainesville, FL
    Full Name:
    Rick
    #1 mondialfan, Jan 24, 2009
    Just got back from Palm Beach, it was a great day, pure sunshine, about 78 degrees, and a heck of a lot of F-cars. Haven't been in 3 years so I was due for a jolt of Ferrari-ness and having that many cars around from all eras is true car nut heaven. My wife and daughter stayed home in Gainesville as I am the only one in the family that thinks driving 5 hours down, spending a few hours on the green, and driving 5 hours back in one day is a great way to spend a Saturday.

    I'll post some pics tomorrow, a real treat was that Ferrari Classiche was there with a 288 GTO on a car lift with the wheels off. That is my favorite F-car so that was a mental image I'll always associate with all-time highlights of the Classic.

    The only down side was that I didn't see a single Mondial (modern) either entered or in the car parks. That was a bummer as I always have seen a few each year.
     
  2. 4REGT4

    4REGT4 Karting

    Aug 25, 2006
    124
    #2 4REGT4, Jan 25, 2009
    Last edited: Jan 25, 2009
    There was quite a bit missing this year, and your post also made me realize I saw none in the valet lot or otherwise (yet being my least favorite to drive, I wasn't specifically looking for any, but it is certainly desireable to have the model represented at such a show). Though there were several 288 GTOs (3 or 4 including the one in the air). Only one 250 GTO, though I've seen at least 3 once before at the show. And at least one time they had some of the older race cars along the side. Nor did I see the white Bertone car with the 3 front seats and middle position driver (allows for photos of a girl on each side ;)) I believe there was only 1 F50 this time as well (yellow no less)--often there have been several red ones I believe.
     
  3. effer

    effer Formula Junior

    Jan 6, 2004
    814
    near Montréal
    Full Name:
    François R.
    #3 effer, Jan 25, 2009
    Really? Why?
     
  4. 4REGT4

    4REGT4 Karting

    Aug 25, 2006
    124
    #4 4REGT4, Jan 25, 2009
    Last edited: Jan 25, 2009
    [based on a 3.2 cab] Compared to others in the 308/328/GT4/Mondial class, it gives the least feeling of being in control, the steering is awkward and feels as though it would benefit from power steering (I don't think this of the other models), the handling does not even remotely compete with the earlier 4 seater (the GT4 handles the best of any of them), and the overall feel is a bit clunky (though I've only driven the one, so this may be atypical). This is my opinion based on just one Mondial, though I've driven all of the models this forum covers in typical daily driving extensively (I currently own a 328 GTS). However, if one were to choose a more family oriented Ferrari in this price range, then compared to the GT4, it is more reliable, and the better rust-proofing lends it to be a better daily driver if needed (though the cab leaks). I have nothing against the car otherwise, so "least favorite" wasn't to suggest I thought it was a bad car.
     
  5. judge4re

    judge4re F1 World Champ

    Apr 26, 2003
    13,477
    Never home
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    Dr. Dumb Ass
    #5 judge4re, Jan 25, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Saw one out my front window this morning, I guess I didn't need to spend the time hiking it all the way down to Palm Beach to see them...
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  6. snj5

    snj5 F1 World Champ

    Feb 22, 2003
    10,213
    San Antonio
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    Russ Turner
    #6 snj5, Jan 25, 2009
    looks like a rough neighborhood...is that near Opelika?
    :)
     
  7. JF308

    JF308 Formula 3

    Jan 17, 2007
    1,263
    Boulder, CO
    Full Name:
    John Feeney
    #7 JF308, Jan 25, 2009
    The owners were all out DRIVING THEM with THREE OF THEIR FRIENDS !!
     
  8. BT

    BT F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Mar 21, 2005
    15,291
    FL / GA
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    Bill Tracy
    #8 BT, Jan 25, 2009
    I saw one black Mondial T on the highway and at the Jet reception on Thursday night. I was not looking, but it is surprising to find that there were none on the lawn. There has never been more than one 348 at any Cavallino concours that I have been to.
    :)
    BT
     
  9. effer

    effer Formula Junior

    Jan 6, 2004
    814
    near Montréal
    Full Name:
    François R.
    #9 effer, Jan 25, 2009
    Maybe, maybe not! Tell us if you drive another Mondial!


    Different quality of steel?



    Of course, and we don't have to be ashamed of our opinion, thanks for sharing and explaining! I would like one day to drive a GT4 even though I much prefer the Pininfarina design.
     
  10. snj5

    snj5 F1 World Champ

    Feb 22, 2003
    10,213
    San Antonio
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    Russ Turner
    #10 snj5, Jan 25, 2009
    What he is refering to is that with the Mondial series, for the first time Ferrari bodies recieved a rust-preventive coating prior to assembly, like a zinc dip used on the post 74 Porsche 911s. while not perfectly effective, it was light-years ahead of previous efforts and did a very good job of preventing rust.
     
  11. snj5

    snj5 F1 World Champ

    Feb 22, 2003
    10,213
    San Antonio
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    Russ Turner
    #11 snj5, Jan 25, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    It would have been nice to have a Mondial on the yard, but it is not surprising. As implied here many times, the demographic of most Mondial owners is not that of a collector that carts his car around to show at high end affairs. Many are owned by work-a-day enthusiasts that split into a couple of groups. There are folks who see the Mondial as an short-term entry level car (I've never really been sure what that is, as the Bugatti Type 40, 246 Dino and Porsche Speedster were the least expensive 'entry level' cars in their day), and the quiet enlightened few who keep, drive and pamper their Mondial, appreciating it for what it is.

    I think the number of really good and cared for Mondials of all series will unfortunately continue to diminish at a rapid rate. If you want to get one, now is the time.

    JMHO
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  12. judge4re

    judge4re F1 World Champ

    Apr 26, 2003
    13,477
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    Dr. Dumb Ass
    #12 judge4re, Jan 25, 2009
    A bit north of there.

    It is rough, the neighbors on the right are Bama fans. Neighbor on the left is a retired dean from MSU...
     
  13. mondialfan

    mondialfan Karting

    Jan 1, 2007
    53
    Gainesville, FL
    Full Name:
    Rick
    #13 mondialfan, Jan 25, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Here are some pics from Cavallino, the 288 GTO was one of the highlights, God I love that car!!

    BTW: If you have never driven one of the 1989-93 Mondial T's, especially the Coupes (USA 1989 only) what you THINK you know about Mondials is throroughly incomplete. I won't get into it here but you can search on this subject. But once you find out what a gem it is, SSHHHHHH, they won't be selling for the bit more than Mondial QV Coupe or 3.2 Coupe money as they are now. An FYI, 1980 Mondial 8 0-100MPH 28.8 seconds, 1989 Mondial T Coupe 0-100MPH 13.9 seconds, which made it the fastest 8 cylinder Ferrari ever made when it was introduced except for the F40 and 288, yes faster than the 328. I've owned a 1983 308GTSi QV and yes my T is a more rewarding (for me) drive. To me, it is the best overall handling/braking/accelerating/everything 8 cylinder made (except the F40 and 288 as mentioned) until the 355. And if I'm spending 355 money, I'm thinking Testarossa, sorry I'm an 80's/early 90's type of F-Chatter, I tuned out after 1994 (although I did almost pull the trigger once on a 456).
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  14. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Mar 31, 2006
    32,793
    East Central, FL
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    Wade O.
    #14 Wade, Jan 25, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Yes, only this really old Mondial ;)
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  15. mondialfan

    mondialfan Karting

    Jan 1, 2007
    53
    Gainesville, FL
    Full Name:
    Rick
    #15 mondialfan, Jan 25, 2009
    Last edited: Jan 25, 2009
    Ooh, do you think I could get one for a tad more than Mondial 3.2 money? I'll take two!
     
  16. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Mar 31, 2006
    32,793
    East Central, FL
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    Wade O.
    #16 Wade, Jan 25, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Okay, here's the other? Just kick the decimal point over to the right a few times. ;)
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  17. hank sound

    hank sound F1 Veteran

    Jan 31, 2004
    5,953
    Burbank, CA
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    Hank Garfield
    #17 hank sound, Jan 25, 2009
    My Grandma would say, upon viewing the above pic - - - "such a beautiful punim":)

    Cheers, all,

    Hank
     
  18. maurice70

    maurice70 F1 Rookie

    Jan 25, 2004
    4,334
    Sydney
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    maurice T
    #18 maurice70, Jan 26, 2009
    Sorry for the hijack but can someone give me more information on the lift that the 288GTO is sitting on?Thanks
     
  19. 4REGT4

    4REGT4 Karting

    Aug 25, 2006
    124
    #19 4REGT4, Jan 26, 2009

    I noted I wasn't referring to a "t"--I have no doubt they have superior performance, though I also view them to be more in the 348 class for obvious reasons (what I "think" I know was based merely off the 3.2 cab I drove off and on for a couple years). Perhaps I'll have the opportunity to drive a t one day and see the difference for myself.
     
  20. mondialfan

    mondialfan Karting

    Jan 1, 2007
    53
    Gainesville, FL
    Full Name:
    Rick
    #20 mondialfan, Jan 26, 2009
    If you ever get near the Gainesville, FL area you're welcome to stop by and check out my T Coupe. I think the main difference you'll feel compared to the 3.2 is that the T was the first non-supercar 8 cylinder F-car to utilize the longitudinal engine layout with T gearbox layout like the F1 cars. This meant they could drop the engine/gearbox much lower in the chassis, lowering the center of gravity significantly, thereby improving handling quite a bit over the transverse engined cars, both Mondial and 308/328. Also, my 308 QV was seriously lacking in the braking department, up to that point I had been spoiled by 911 brakes from my 1982 SC Targa. The T had excellent brakes as did the late 328s. You had mentioned also power steering being absent on the earlier cars, the T was the first to get it and I think they did it right IMHO.
     
  21. ggjjr

    ggjjr Formula Junior

    Nov 11, 2003
    928
    Detroit
    Full Name:
    George
    #21 ggjjr, Jan 26, 2009
    As someone who judges the 8 cylinders at Cavallino, there have been very few over the last 6 years, or so. Very few. In fact I can't remember the last time I have seen one on the judging field at Cavallino. Those that own them, please bring them out.
     
  22. MikeF

    MikeF Karting

    Nov 4, 2003
    130
    Bloomington IN
    Full Name:
    Mike Fisher
    #22 MikeF, Jan 27, 2009
    Thought it was odd that there were no carbed 308's either. I was looking forward to inspecting a real high scoring car to get some feedback on what I need to do to mine to get it in better "originality".
     
  23. miked

    miked Formula Junior

    Feb 7, 2001
    897
    Cincinnati, Ohio
    #23 miked, Jan 27, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I was at Cavallino and Palm Beach Raceway Park on Friday. There were several 250 GTOs, 250 TRs and many other older Fcars that were not at the show. After attending Cavallino several times I have found that by going to track day I see many more cars, can get a better look at them and best of all, hear/see them run. The best approach is to wait around until after the last race when the "owners" are off tasting wine and the transport crews are loading the cars. I found myself standing alone among 3 GTOs, a 412, a SWB, 3 250TRs and a couple of 512BBLMs. The photo oppertunities are much better than at Cavallino.

    It seems that this year there were many more 6/8 cyl. cars at Cavallino than in past years. I guess that those in power have finally figured out that these cars are the heart of today's Ferrari experience. It seemed to me that there were significantly less cars than usual at the track this year.
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  24. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Mar 31, 2006
    32,793
    East Central, FL
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    Wade O.
    #24 Wade, Jan 27, 2009
    The first non-red, U.S. spec Mondial t Coupe that qualifies to enter will win the LA COPPA PER OTTO CILINDRI or the 2+2 CUP, guaranteed!
     
  25. Michael B

    Michael B F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Apr 28, 2004
    3,762
    US of A
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    Michael
    #25 Michael B, Jan 27, 2009
    With that kind of guarantee I may toss mine on a truck & ship it down in 2010. I nearly shipped a 612 down this year but was told at the last minute that cars entered were to remain non-modified (its a modified 612). So I did not go after all. Is that requirement actually true?
     

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