Mondial reputation

Every time we'd visit the 'big city' when I was a kid we would always drive by the Ferrari dealership and I would beg my mom to take me in and she never did or if we did go it was at night and I could only peer into the showroom windows to catch a glimpse of the legend I only saw on tv and in magazines. One day she actually took me during working hours and we walked in and right there on the showroom floor was a gorgeous Mondial... So The Mondial was the first Ferrari that I ever came into physical contact with. It was slightly used, the year was 1995 and I was 10 years old. I'm guessing it was an early 90's model. Red/tan cabriolet. Absolutley gourgeous and I've been in love with the car ever since.

Theres a point to this story, I swear...

I'm thinking about getting rid of my Harley to take the plunge and buy my first Ferrari. I have a son and another on the way...Ferrari seems safer than Harley...go figure. Much to my surprise the Mondial is the one and only Ferrari that falls into my price range (I dont make alot of money by any stretch of the imagination).

The only problem is that when I do research on Ferrari forums, people seem to talk down on them all the time. Why is that? The cars are crazy good looking! They may not be the fastest but they are stunning and affordable. Whats the problem? Is that why people dont consider them "real Ferraris"? Because they are more affordable? Reading this particular forum, it seems as though this community is more accepting of the model. I would just like to read ya'lls opinions. Thanks! and thanks for reading my childhood Ferrari story lol.

 

The mondials were I believe actuall more expensive new than there 2 seat counterparts. The stigma Im guessing is that they are actually practical and dont follow traditional ferrari curves and have four sorta practical seats? Now they are the most inexpensive (except 308 gt4?) and non "rich" people can afford them who perhaps dont deserve to be in the "Ferrari Club"? Or its the "red-headed" step-child syndrome ( ironically enough...)

I totally disagree ofcourse and have not found anyone with that attitude on here but it could be subconscience?

But if you want one of the best driving Ferraris the mondial is it! The longer wheelbase and 2 sorta usable seats and trunk make it almost an everyday car.

 

There are no Ferrari forums but F-chat. Many imitate, but none can duplicate.

There are two groups of people. Those who love Mondials, and those who've yet to experience a Mondial.

Don't give any merit to the arguments of those who talk trash. I'd bet money that those who do haven't even been inside a Mondial...

 

The Modial was the first Ferrari I ever drove and one of two I have owned. I too have kids and a black on black T-Cab on is the shopping list for next summer. I think they are incredible and practical. Of course they are not as fast as a lot of cars but they are faster than 98% of cars on the road and they look and sound amazing. Like all Ferraris, when you see them in the flesh out in the wild, they are awesome.

Personally, I think the front end of the Modial screams Ferrari. It is so wedgy and blunt I love it. Get one!!

 

A lot of your endless searches would have found no true value to diss'n Mondials. Same as any other Ferrari, or car for that matter. People get bit, as you, and that's it. I have a couple in the garage, and I'm still nursing that bite: Gleefully[?]

They are true Ferraris...don't know a single Ferrari made that cannot sport the sticker nor be called 'not a true Ferrari'. They are what they are and for the era produced were more than likely the upper end of their series.

Let the chatter just fall by the way-side, and love what you have. More importantly to me, is your desire to enter that 'special world' and then you can talk with certainly about your experience, unlike many who

a. bought the example they never liked to just try it: Many cases of Mondial and 456 stories there, but hey, they wanted the 2-seater anyway.

b. those that bought the example, because that was something that got them: they are happy

some are half full some fully full, and you'll know where you fit when you have done it.

good luck.

PS: I'm gathering from the statement of age and era that it was a T series? If so, that is the more [but of course you have done your searches ] expensive of models to maintain, minus older model body work etc. [thinking rust and ball joints etc. here....the ol' paperweight solution etc. IF you need to ask on this one, search paperweight I'm thinking.].

So, IF you want a more definitive answer, to the [sorry endless postings/requests] of how much truly and can I afford etc. THEN post specifics.

I hear mid 20's, a Harley and children starting out: not sure what else to say on that but my first response when coupled with "I don't make a lot..." is not to enter the exotic market: and I'm not trying to jump in your 'stuff' here but there are better priorities with young children than getting an exotic.

But post a 'more specific' questions and at least you'll get, more than likely, a straight answer.

 

Yes indeed. It was a T series Cab.

LOL I say I dont make alot because I'm sure to some of the other members on this forum I dont. Thats not to say that I dont make enough to have my hobbies. 'Preciate the concern though. And the model that I'd probably be the most interested in because of my price bracket would probably be a 3.2.

 

Wanabe - if you are anywhere near NJ you can drive my 3.2 and see for yourself. I promise you, she's every bit a Ferrari. A few weeks ago, I had a kid stop short - back his car up, and ask what model Ferrari as he's never seen it before. My passenger couldn't believe the attention. She sounds amazing - is a blast with the top down, and without power steering, you really feel like your driving the car.

Erik

 

Wanabe, you just got the FChat red carpet with that offer to drive. In order to perpetuate the harmony and generosity of that offer, I will echo it ... if you are anywhere near central Louisiana, come drive mine. 88 1/2 coupe; daily driver; Stebro exhaust. You will love it!!!!!

 

Right on!
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Michael, you're teasing us - - aren't you........!

H

 

WOW! Thanks guys! I really appreciate the offers but unfortunately I'm not near either of you. I'm in deep south Texas, about 5 miles from the Tex/Mex border. Although I think a trip to where either of you are would be worth it for the the experience alone!!

 

Obviously the OP had no way of knowing this, but this topic has been beaten to death, than raised from the dead, beaten to death again, and than raised one more time for good measure.

Here are some other threads which may be useful on this topic, all within the last year. Ironically, I started two of them in response to threads that I perceived as misrepresenting the breed:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=313490

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=313815

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=293744

The Mondial is among my favorite Ferraris and there are only a handful of Ferraris I would rather have. On a spring day, on a winding road, with sun beating down on you and the engine singing behind you...there are few things on this earth that are more intoxicating.
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I love the Mondial. I have a 355. The Mondial looks great. Do it!

There's a guy up here that drives one and it looks great on the road. This one is a spider.

I've been on this forum for a few years and I don't hear any negatives about the Mondial.

Be sure and check FerrariAds. When I was new to the forum I didn't realize that a lot of the owners here post their cars to FerrariAds. So I was looking elsewhere, including Hemmings etc.

 

Hi,

I just want to say after the drive I had today I had to have been in a real Ferrari.
I must of got more than a few stares and the sweet sound of the Tubi's turned a few heads.

 

The Mondial is saddled with the 'red headed step-child' syndrome for several reasons. It's an 8 cyl car and only 'real' Ferraris have 12. It has rear seats. The first iteration was kinda slow. Now, the price reflects the lack of respect the model gets.

I bought one real cheap. I've driven the heck out of it and I consider it a joy. If you want to buy a Ferrari for the benefit of others, the Mondial is not for you. If you like a Ferrari that drives like a go-kart, stops great(bigger 328 brakes), and comes in the cabrio body so you can scoot with the top down, then go drive and buy a Mondial for yourself.

I used to take my kids around often, and they liked it when I would drop them off at school in the car. I'll never buy a 12cyl Ferrari, and maybe never trade up. The speeds of the 3.0 and the 3.2 are almost identical, but the t model is somewhat faster. If you can't afford the t, you'll be happy with anything from 83-88. They are also one of the last true DIY cars which can keep running costs down if you want to do your own work.

 

Haha - don't worry, you make up for it with the great weather you have!

Erik

 

lol, its a little warm here today...I think we'll be at 104 with 35mph winds out of Mexico...

 

you could get a contact high out of those numbers

 

This is a fairly common theme : look up the really long thread a couple of months ago for example

 

Wanabe
Mondials are great cars love the lines of the 1989 Mondial Cab t fun to drive sound great and is very rare to see so it draws some attention occasionally. I have one by the way. If you choose to buy one all the best to you but there is one thing that is for sure there is no such thing as an cheep Ferrari. Your Harley will require less maintenace than a Mondial and will be far cheaper to run everyday of the week. I had to buy a new gearbox that cost me more than a new Harley soft tail custom. You most have some reserve cash to pay for unexpected repairs and services. I just got mine back from the shop yesterday from having the AC repaired, oil change, change switch for the antena, and 2 exhaust sensors replaced. $2600.

Just be careful on finding a car do not look for the cheapest price because it will cost you later. You are better to look for a 1988 or later as these will have less maintenace cost.

Good luck in what ever you do its ok to be a wanabe Ferrari owner I was for a long time.

 

HOLY COW!!! The gearbox cost $18k? I can get a Mondial 8 for the cost of its replacement gearbox?

I realize they are not cheap cars to maintain regardless of what year or model (although it is pretty obvious that Mondial is cheaper to maintain than a 355) seems like the rule of thumb just for service on any model is about $5k. Of course budgeting for this would be imperative..

I still have a long road ahead of me before I go from Wanabe to actual owner. Thanks again everyone for all of your kind comments and encouraging words!

 

As posted, the styling was conservative; "too many seats for a Ferrari"; relatively slow; difficult convertible top. Probably the biggest strike against it was being produced alongside the 308 GTS, which was an iconic design (and looks better than anything the came along after 1990).

If you like the looks of the Mondial and can live with modest performance, I don't see any reason not to buy one. They are something of a bargain.

If I see a Mondial parked in a row of modern Toyotas/VWs, I think it looks great. If I see a Mondial near a 308/328 or 550/575, it doesn't quite get my attention. Probably quite a few people feel that way, but ultimately you have to decide what you like.

 

BULL[fighter]: He is talking T here, regardless of the older Mondial he mentioned. Instead of downplaying or posting the negatives of a car, try the good side. Every Ferrari has 'issues'.

- conservative is in some eyes, not mine, for the T. He likes it.

- quoting a 308 OLD gen against a 348 isn't making much sense to me.

- I know you are stuck in the 30/28 world, but the Mondial IS a Ferrari for some. As for 1990+ era vs stuck in the old school time, I know of a few who don't go beyond 60's, 'just becuase'. Kind of throws out the entire 3x8 series.

- Power: Um, I'm somewhat thinking my 300HP might have kept up with your 308...I know I had almost no problems against 360's 550 on the coast highway sometime back.....And they were pumping.

-- I understand the OP's trying to break into the door of discussion, but [nothing against you OP, but it does bring up the age old subject and constant chatter] of personal view and what is an not, and [of course] only I am the authority that matters here. [lastly] IF you bring up belt changes, I'm personally going to sic BigTex on you ... you'll be sorry when the 8x10 glossies come out [hey, who likes you BigTex ]

This isn't science. It's passion. If Ferrari made a breadvan I might be interested. I'm even warming up to the [non- ] Ferrari CA, Italia, 430, 599, and [shudder] FF. Only because they are Ferraris and exist. They eveolved and that must be accepted, if only because they are Ferraris. Many hate the P4, P4/5 or whatever, and many can't get enough.

It's about a five year old boy, FINALLY dragging the mother into a dealership and melting on the first Ferrari he saw and now discussing [what are those things?] kids , toasting the Bike, and considering how much gold one can melt to get it.

passion passion passion.

ok, I'm now, Officially on the wagon AGAIN from Fchat. I'm just re-reading my above and now I'm spinning........geesch is there a clinic for this or something.

 

+1 The Mondial is not unique in stirring controversy, the 348/400i/456/550/TR/360/599/612/California all have their fair share of haters...and those are just some of the models I can think of off the top of my head. By their very nature, Ferraris of all stripes stir strong emotional responses. The only thing that matters is what it stirs in you.


FWIW, I have taken my Mondial to a few events loaded with everything from Scuds to 308s and been approached by more than a few people telling me my Mondial was their favorite car there. I have had numerous opportunities to buy everything from 355's and TRs to 550s and 360s. I have not. For my money, there are very few Ferraris I rather own, and none with a pricetag less than a nice home. On its own merits, the Mondial does not play second to any other Ferrari.

People have stigmas against 4 seat Ferraris---its not just the Mondial. That is their problem. Mondials are sophisticated, elegant, traditional sports cars following a long line of wonderful four seat GT's from Maranello.

 

Last FCA show attended friends and I joked how my lone Mondial was more rare than the 2 F40's in attendance. The only place the Mondial gets less respect is oddly at FCar events. The others are more glam.

On the streets around here its a Ferrari first and foremost. Most dont know one model from the next.