Love for the Mondial - PLEASE!

Sorry if this is an old subject, but just came across this post for the opening of the "Museo Ferrari" in June of 2013.

Montezemolo inaugurates the new Museo Ferrari

In this segment they highlight the special exhibit “From Cinecittà to Hollywood" That highlights the significant Ferrari's in movies. Here is an passage:


(Showcasing the 275 GTB4 which was owned by Steve McQueen, the Mondial T Cabrio driven by Al Pacino in “The Scent of a Woman’” and the spectacular one-off from an American collector, inspired by the 330 LM and used by Federico Fellini in “Spirits of the Dead.”)

So, how can the Mondial t share the spot light with the 275GBT4 & the 330LM as a significant on-screen representation of the brand and yet still be considered among critics as one of the "Lesser" Ferrari models?

I read many articles that call them the "Bargain Ferrari" or "Not a real Ferrari" Yet, we "The Faithful" love them.

We need a "Love for the Mondial" Campaign and we need it now!

(Or, we just keep it our little secret and leave "non-believers" in the dark whilst we enjoy these fabulous cars)

 

Let the nay-sayers on the other side of the river, drinking their own believe.

Let us enjoy our precious little gem, which has affordable parts and isn't overvalueded by the 'market'.

 

Hi Jim,

We love them -------- and that's all that matters. The more we try to convince the "non-believers", the more we appear as "needing" acceptance and approval.

I've been convinced by whatever device, and that works for me. The rest can own and drive whatever they wish. I'll just wish them a safe and happy drive

Cheers,

Hank

 

I do a lot of car shows with other way more pricey F cars, yet most of the time my Mondial gets all the attention! Its the car to Luv. And there must be a good reason it had a 13 year production run.

 

Howie, we must share a bottle of red, one day.

Cheers,

Hank

 

Hi Hank, thanks for the offer but I do not drink or smoke. What else you got?

 

I think, the problem is, that the Mondial is NOT the typical Ferrari for "Non-Ferraristi". The "people on the other side of the river" only know the "famous" Ferraris, the GTOs , The GTBs , the GTSs.
Years ago, I didn't like the Mondial, because I "was not ready" for a Mondial. I loved my famous 250 GTE , 308GT4, 308GTB and GTS, but a Mondial ? never ! It was "too special", not "Ferrari enough".
Now the Mondial is my fifth Ferrari within 12 years and it is VERY SPECIAL - positive !
It has everything a classic Ferrari needs to be classic and also everything you need to drive today with. It is the perfect symbiosis of a classic with a modern Ferrari.
It has the reputation to be a "cheap Starter", a bargain, the possible first Ferrari for a beginner, but that is totally wrong, because you need a lot of experience with other Ferraris to love him and to really know him. It is the totally wrong car to be someones first Ferrari.
IMO the Mondial will ever stay as something extravagant and that's really good.

 

I took mine out for an ice cream run last night.

The two comments I got from folks at the ice cream shop were identical:

"That is the coolest car I have seen in a long time."

People love the Mondial in person. It's the internet trolls who read "Mondial," Google it, because they don't know what it is, and then start piling on with negative comments, partly due to jealousy that they don't own a Ferrari.

As has been said, folks love the car more than the newer ones at car shows too!

I love mine, when you read my obit, see my widow about buying it, until then I plan to drive the snot out of it!
Alden

 

at car shows people seem to enjoy my Mondial, even when parked next to a P1

people love talking about the car, and I always accommodate requests, from young and old, to sit in the car and have their friends take pics

sid

 

Perhaps the best reason to own a Mondial t is this! I have had the most amazing dives and trips with my 3 sons in this car. You can't do that in any other exotic. If i had to sell it tomorrow, I'd be a happy man with the memories it's given me and my family!
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

We call that miles of smiles.

 

I took my t coupe out for a blast today.

The car amazes me every time I drive it, which is sparingly as of recent years. It is better than much of the stuff out there today. And it's fast!

Had the sunroof open on a 65-degree day in NY. Who's better than a guy in an F-car with a sunroof!!!

 

Wow Jim, I would never guess that those three totally cool looking kids, could be yours. Of course, I kid. Talk about genetics at work!!

Cheers & be well,

Hank

 

Took mine to the dentist today. Sorry no pictures. His wife is the secretary and saw my shirt. I told her to look out the window. Darn near knocked me over to get out and look at it. It's like that every where. If you don't like crowds and questions drive a chevy. Otherwise drive a Ferrari.

 

Friend and designer Camilo Pardo stopped by the house a few months back and couldn't stop talking about the Mondial in addition to his praises for the car he noted something interesting...

He said, "you know the Mondial is the ONLY V8 mid engine four seat cab ever produced."

I never thought of how unique the layout of the Mondial really is and how significant that is in the history of the automotive design.

The Mondial bashers only bashed because there were other options in their price range that were more attractive. Now those options are out of reach making the Mondial the proverbial Black Swan, soon to be catapulted into the stratosphere!

Simply put, a total production run of 6,124 cars world wide, and an absolute joy to drive, plus the 2+2 factor and elegant design. The Cab especially , I liken it to sliding into a leather lined Italian brief case! I don't know how many cows sacraficed their lives to line the interior of this car but there is not a day that goes by when I slide into the drivers seat and sincerely thank them for their sacrifice

Enjoy them, the Mondial is a rare and unique car that will follow the Dinos into the stratosphere!

One day you will look back at this post and I will say... "I TOLD YOU SO!"


Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Sorry, but he's wrong !

The 308GT4 was the first in 1973, the Mondial is "only" the successor.

regardless of that fact, the mondial is a real beauty and a very special F-Car

 

Only 8 cylinder, mid-engined, four seat convertible, actually. The 308gt4 shares the honor as a coupe. He was correct that the no dial has a unique place though.

I don't know that we'll see Dino-like appreciation. Generally, four sweaters don't garner the same attention as the two-seat brethren, but I'm certain we'll see the Mondial continue to gain value.

Drive and enjoy!

 

oops, dont know why I put "Coupe" , had coupe on my mind when I typed that.

Thanks for the correction.

 

Both are real winners.

 

I got the itch the other day and inquired about a 348. It was an absolutely beautiful car in need of repair. Priced very fairly. I got googley eyed. After some consideration I contacted the owner and thanked him for his time. I looked at his car, then at mine, then his and then mine. I had the angel on my left shoulder reminding me of all the work and money and love that I had invested in this car. Then I had the devil saying "screw it buy the 348!". The angel won. I have to remind myself that Ferrari ownership for me is living within your means. I am so happy and thankful for what I have I am going to leave well enough alone.

 

My son and I were driving down 280 in San Jose with the top down and had a car race up beside us to take pictures. It's a fun car and a head turner.