Mondial 3.2s and ABS?

Brand new to the forum, don't know if this has been discussed elsewhere. Do all Mondial 3.2s come equipped with ABS? Wikipedia seems to say that ABS was standard on all the 1988 3.2s. I asked a knowledgeable Ferrari mechanic (since I'm researching a car for possible purchase) and he wasn't certain. It seems it was optional in 1987. I ask, because I can't reach the current owner for a while. Lastly do fellow owners of the 3.2 think it matters whether it does or doesn't have 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.

 

Many thanks for the info. Got a followup question. Does anyone know the VIN range on the 88 3.2---Wondering if this 88 was a very early production and actually should have been an 87---heard tell that sometimes Ferrari might have sat on some car and then simply tagged it with the current year (what I just wrote might be a total myth by the guy that spun this story). Thanks to my newfound friends, I'll know soon about the ABS when I get to see the car's dash. If all goes well, I will have solved what to get my wife for Christmas! As it will be hers. I've had a 550 for six years but we've always liked the Mondial Cabriolet. Just hadn't been able to find the right one, and we were caught between choosing a 3.2 and a T.

 

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

 

Thanks again--I am stunned over have fast the group has responded to my questions. So glad I joined.

 

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