Please know that I appreciate the styling & ideas that created the Mondial. I do however see many talk down on the overall look of the car, which are obviously people that do not own a Ferrari themselves....no matter the year/model. While I must admit, it's not my FAVORITE style, but I do appreciate it's design cues that were so well placed throughout it's body. There is no doubt in the minds of anyone that do not qualify as a complete moron, as to what a Ferrari Mondial looks like. Thanks for the pictures!
I have an odd way of answering your question. Style and design go in and out of fashion. Yesterday's "old" becomes today's "classic". Today's "classic" becomes tomorrow's "dated". I can tell you that in the early 80's when I had my 246 Dino gt and everyone wanted one of these 308 "Tom Seleck" machines, the Dino was considered dated looking. Today, people call it one of Ferrari's best. The car has not changed. Our tastes have changed. They'll change again -- and again.
That says it all. I'll FULLY admit that when I was starting to search for Ferrari stuff prior to buying my 328 GTS that I just didn't care for the Mondial.... until I actually SAW one. May very well be my second Ferrari to park alongside Sofia. The prices are very good - and it's essentially the same car, just different. Long way to say "What Bdelp said" Jedi
Thanks for the comments guys. I would love to slide a 328 into my garage before the Mondial, purely because the 328 is essentially a flawless "look", even after all of these years. Probably the most disgusting part of my initial obsession to Ferrari's, was my first ride in a real one....... which happened to be a 288 GTO. I was too young to understand the shear magnitude of this cars demand, but I'll never forget the ride. This was basically an incredibly "roided out" 308/328/etc in my eyes, as far as exterior styling. They're all so damn fantastic though. There's just always something about them that keep us all coming back.
I never cared for the looks of 308 Gt/4's are Mondial's. Much preferred the GTs variant. I now own both of the former. They look great!
General Lee - NOW is the time to look at Ferraris - ANY Ferrari. You can now buy a 328 GTS for about the price of a Mondial about 2 years ago. They're BOTH great cars.... Just promise you won't buy THIS car: Image Unavailable, Please Login
Yeah, I'll be honest and admit I just don't see the GT/4 the same way. I've seen them in person and the Bertone styling just doesn't make sense to me. But then again... most folks thought the Dinos were not all that attractive - NOW try to find a Dino for under $100,000 Jedi
The mondial was a complete eye sore for me about 5 years ago when I first got on this board. And now I think it's a great looking machine. It used to come across to me as boxy, and now it appears sleek. The 400i for me is the new eye sore, but lately it too has started to look better in my eyes. Eventually I might even like it. I still wouldn't take a mondial over a 3x8, but I do think it is a great looking car these days. I know my opinion means nothing, but there ya go.
Funny, but I don't like the Mondial, but I love the Mondial Cab. (I didn't complain though when Manny let me drive his.)
When I owned my Mondial Cab, I think I got more positive comments on the looks than I've gotten on any other Ferrari.
My Mondial is just about the ONLY Ferrari people have seen in person where I live. I get positive compliments on it all the time.
. Need a picture... (Soon my car will look like this....... but, with 16" wheels..) Image Unavailable, Please Login
I do too. The simple and elegant design make it very attractive to me, although I do have to say that I think they got better looking with each variation, the 3.2 looked better than the 8, and the T looks better than the 3.2. Just my opinion of course.
The mondial when photographed low, especially at an angle rear or front shows off its sleek styling the best. It is at its best in the flesh not photos. I always get great responses, thumbs up, from many people.
The Mondial MUST BE SEEN IN PERSON.... it changes the game. Personal experience speaking. Pay no attention to that photograph you may see on the web (although some posted in this thread and others DO capture it to a good degree) I WANT ONE!!!
I saw my first Mondial in person at a FCA event last month and I must admit it looks much better in person than in pictures. A friend of mine just bought a 71 Espada and in pictures that car also looks awkward but in person it's stunning. I think its a beautiful choice for anyone with more than 1 kid ! I have 2 kids and still havent figured out how to fit us three in the 328GTS
also wanted to add that anyone making rude comments about a Mondial is obviously not a Ferrari enthusiast
I like the contrast the red with black provides. Size wise, they are actually closer to a 360 than they are to a 308... Image Unavailable, Please Login
I've always accepted that some people don't care for the Mondial's styling. OTOH, I've always liked it, particularly the cab. I do slightly prefer the lines of the 308/328, but since I don't fit in these cars, the Mondial is a pretty darn good alternative. Combined with the practicality (so much available space!) and the true open top, I think I might prefer the Mondi overall. It's pretty much a coin flip taking all this into account. As to those who don't care for the Mondi's styling: well, I buy my cars to impress myself, so this works out well. Still, as others have posted, I have noticed that people who see (and hear) the car in person are usually very taken with it. Very.