Any Mondial Coupe owners in Nassau County (or nearby to Long Island)?

I'm just getting into the market for a Mondial, though my longer term goal is a 308QV. The Mondial is a better choice for now as I would be able to take the whole family along for a ride at the same time!

Anyway, never having owned one before, my knowledge of them is based on many years of reading, studying the Fchat forums, going to shows and meeting some owners along the way. I've already investigated a couple of cars, but there were some issues with each that I didn't want to deal with (i.e.: a salvaged/rebuilt car, or a car that was in need of a major plus cosmetics due to an unknown service history). This would be my first F-car, and I wouldn't want a sour experience to make it my last.

While my preference is with locating a coupe (3.2 1st choice, or QV 2nd), I know there are several cab (and "t") owners here on the Island and I wouldn't mind checking out those Mondials too!

So I was wondering if there are any local owners who might be interested in showing and discussing their Mondials with me on a Sunday morning/afternoon? I'm interested in the "look out for this", "beware of that" kind of info plus any other tips and/or pointers, servicing info and preferred mechanics, etc. Book knowledge won't get me very far without seeing the cars in person, as I need to get the hands-on experience with them. I know the Mondial "brotherhood" is tight-nit and I think I'd enjoy being a part of it.

Of course, if anyone knows of an available coupe in good shape, that info would be appreciated as well. I'd much prefer to keep my search local (i.e.: within a 4 hour drive radius), if at all possible. Are there any around?

Thanks!

 

Great choice, the 3.2 Coupe, as there aren't many "look out for this", "beware of that" type of concerns inherent to this model.

However, there is one issue that will eventually come about that can cause problems with the starter, A/C and/or other - the right side fusebox connecter. It's easy to look for:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/mondial/397125-starting-problems-dreaded-melted-fuel-pump-connection.html

Also, you may want to consider cars needing a major if everything else checks out. Completing the major upon purchase establishes a baseline and gives 3 to 5 years peace of mind.

 

Thanks for the info and tips, Wade.
It seems like there are very few 3.2 coupes that come up for sale here in the Northeast. Is this a regional situation or is that the case nationally as well?

As an aside, while I wouldn't say no to a cab, I'd feel happier with a coupe. Yeah, I'm probably in the minority there!

 

David,

There were about 35 coupes made in 88. Your welcome to see mine anytime. Im in Fairfield county, CT. Have owned mine for 10 years now.

 

Yes, as Dave mentioned, they're numbers are very low to begin with. Good, surviving examples even more so. Then, if you're looking for a specific color like I was, well...

You should absolutely go for a nice drive into the Connecticut country for a visit with Dave.

 

Dave, thanks for the offer! My wife has family in the Hartford area so it would be a great stopover point on our next visit up there. Would definitely like to see your 3.2 coupe in person.

Yes, I saw the '88 production stat somewhere here. Surprising that it was so low. Even lower than the t Coupe numbers. I wouldn't be picky about the production year as long as the hypothetical 3.2 in question is a good, well kept example.

Quite an exclusive club you guys are in - Nice!

 

Excellent choice. I was in the same position, initially wanted a 308/328, but bought a Mondial (and later 330 GT) to take the family out. After owning the Mondial, though, my desire for a 308/328 quickly faded because the 3.2 was such a perfectly balanced car. Sounds like you've done enough research to know what you're getting into. They are very reliable as long as they have been maintained and the 3.2 IMO is a great choice (worth the wait to find one).

 

DJS,
I live on LI and could show you my '84 Mondial Cab. I have had it since new and can tell you it has been pretty much problem free. The only problem I have had was when it was about 4 years old and a friend wanted to surprise me by washing the car. He got the wires wet and the car wouldn't start. Since, I have sprayed the wires with silicone and have never had another problem. The '84 is nice because you don't have to remove the engine to change the belts.

 

I see a few floating around... I saw a yellow Mondial coupe last Sunday around Huntington.

 

That would be very nice, thank you. I'd definitely enjoy having a look at it. Where on LI are you?

 

Wow, a yellow coupe!? I don't think I've seen a yellow coupe before, much less right here on LI. I know yello T has a great looking yellow t cab, but never seen a coupe in yellow.

 

Manhasset

 

Want to offer a big thank you to Dave M. I was able to meet up with him today and got to have a look at his beautiful 3.2 coupe. The car looks really sharp. A quick ride in the car was the icing on the cake.

So, for my "hunt", this visit gave me a benchmark idea of what a great Mondial looks like and feels like in person, while on the road.

So again, thank you to Dave for very generously taking the time to meet up with me and let me check out his Mondial.
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Very glad to see the community coming together this way! This is what it's all about.

 

David,

Your Welcome. It was nice meeting you and your family. Wish we had more time.
Hope your drive home was uneventful.

Dave

 

I want to give a big thank you to John, who graciously allowed me to check out his Mondial QV cabriolet (and 430!). Both were fine looking and sounding examples!

My 4 year old son thoroughly enjoyed buckling up in both cars and then pressing the "Big Red Button" in the 430. He knew exactly what it was for! That's when the magic happens!

Thanks again, very much appreciated.
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It was a pleasure David. Your 4 year old has obviously caught the bug already! Good luck with your search.

 

I have among the rarest Ferraris ever - a 1989 Mondial t coupe. Only 43 were brought into the United States, and only in 1989.

I am proud to own one! Have had it well over 7 years now.

It is not for sale. However, I would be happy to advise on cars like this one or previous Mondial coupes.

Car is located in South Nassau County.
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Dave,

That is one fantastic looking t coupe! Had no idea there was one nearby. I saw a gray t coupe at a show in CT, a couple of years ago. No doubt, I would certainly like to see your t in person and hear about your ownership experience with it. Thanks.

 

Want to send out a big thank you to Dave (348sstb) for allowing me (and my four year old son) to check out his Mondial. It truly is a special "t". Quite a stunning car, among others we saw! Just a superb example and it was a real treat to meet Dave. Thanks again for your time.
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Has anyone seen this train wreck?
Ferrari Other 2 Door | eBay

 

That coupe has been for sale for a very LONG time! It started at around $19k. It's been coming down slowly. They now want $13.9 or 14.9k, depending on which site you see their ads.

It just looks dreadful in photos! Previous owner must have done a krylon paint job with overspray everywhere. And they do say it needs a lot of work. Even if it were free, it would be a money pit. However, I just hope someone wants a project car to work on themselves despite the likely inevitability of being upside down trying to fix it. Just not many coupes around.

 

That IS the holy grail of Mondials as far as I am concerned!

 

I agree. The epitome of the breed!

 

I went for a ride in that t coupe a few weeks ago and it was outstanding, both inside and out!

Just to update you guys on where I'm at:

First, I want to thank all the folks who have graciously allowed me to stop by and see their Mondials. It's been very educational and helpful in my search.

Speaking of which, I'm actually very close to completing a deal to bring home a 3.2 coupe. Just working out the details. Hoping it all goes smoothly but trying to not get too excited until the deal is actually done and the car on the way (will need to be transported).