Mondial 3.2s and ABS?

Hi and welcome to the Mondial group. My 88 3.2 has ABS, it works great. What you stated is correct, 87 was optional but ABS was standard on 88 however still no power steering if that is important to you.

 

I had always thought that ABS was standard on 1988.5 models. I didn't know it was available as early as 1987...
I'd like to know what makes the 1988.5 different.

 

ABS was standard on all 1988 Mondials, I do not know of any changes to the 88.5. It has the same specs as any other 88. What makes you think there's a difference?

As for ABS, you can check the instrument panel for the ABS light to verify that your 3.2 does have it.
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Maybe the confusion lies in references in Wikipedia which states the following:

Ferrari Mondial
The 3.2 also boasted a major interior update, with a more ergonomic layout & a more rounded instrument binnacle, later cars sported ABS (1987 onwards). -From what I read 87 was optional and ABS became standard on all 88.


Ferrari 328
In the middle of 1988 ABS brakes were made available as an option, which necessitated a redesign of the suspension geometry to provide negative offset. This in turn meant that the road wheel design was changed to accommodate this feature. The original flat spoke "star" wheels became a convex design, in the style as fitted to the 3.2 Mondial models, whether ABS was fitted or not.

 

Matters? I'd say "not really". Performance-wise there isn't much difference between the two, especially for a 25+ year old car. One thing to consider, the ABS cars come with more complexity (i.e. maintenance and $$$) because of it.

 

As Mike mentioned... no power steering on the 3.2. So, low speed maneuvering (tight parking lots) may be a concern. However, the t does have P/S.

Regarding the year, just check the data plate inside the drivers' door frame.
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May want to read the thread 3.2 vs T
http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=391298
Some stats:

3.2 Mondial Coupe
Production started: 1985.
Production ended: 1988.
Total production: 987, 91.
First serial number: 59165.
Last serial number: 79671.

3.2 Mondial Cabriolet
Production started: 1985.
Production ended: 1988.
Total production: 810, 57 RHD.
First serial number: 59393.
Last serial number: 78895.

Tipo Model Year First # Last # #Cars
Mondial 3.2 Coupe 1988 74455 78666 35
Mondial 3.2 Cabriolet 1988 74407 78772 178

 

Wade,
Where did you find that plate? Doesn't seem all that American!

 

Welcome! Now post some pics already! We all like to oodle over the Mondial!

For the record, my 87 is not ABS and the brakes are perfect! Really perfect. I don't bring her out in bad weather anyway and I generally don't drive too aggressively so it's essentially not an issue.

 

Yes, Jay, that's the one on my Saudia Arabian spec car. We're both survivors of the Gulf War (90/91) and currently residing in Florida (it was believed to be in Dubai while I was at Tabuk, S.A.).

 

Very cool. Is the owner's manual also in arabic?

 

I only have a standard US spec manual. I've searched high and low for an arabic version but, ultimately, they may never have been available.

 

The dealer, Ferrari of New England made a special point of mentioning in the advertising and in discussion that this was a rare car as it was an 1988 1/2 model year. I never really understood the difference between this year and the 1988 model. My car was built December 1988. It has ABS.
Maybe this was marketing ploy for them? I seem to recall that they told me that the 1988 1/2 included ABS, different wheels and some of the new engineering from the upcoming "t" model.
Thanks
Ron Frohock

 

Maybe a little "mental model confusion" on their part -- "1988 1/2" has more meaning for 328 and TR.

 

That sounds more like a sales job to me, especially ,"...new engineering from the upcoming "t" model".

Can you post some interior pics and engine bay of your car. I'll compare any differences to mine.

 

He was confusing the Countach with the prancing horse.

 

Unfortunately, my cars are stored in a facility till spring. - And I miss them.......
Ron