all feedback is useful:)

No because the 80s Ferraris will NEVER get the big price bump

If you want a car just do it : enjoy it and don't expect to make money out of it

 

What is it that you want from your "new" Ferrari? If you're looking for short term profit from a quick flip - nah.

Do you want lots of room for beach chairs, wine cooler and possibly two girls to take to the beach? Well, that's one of my reasons for buying my Mondial

Focus on your needs - forget the money part as regards the cars in your price range - they're all pretty affordable right now. Then again, if it's pure profit you're after, maybe you should check out some 308 stock.

You need to do a bunch of research - - and then, you'll have many new friends to advise you regarding things like, the best years for certain models, people to call when you need help - etc, etc, etc.

Good luck,

Hank

 

Why worry? These cars are to excite the senses-------------- buy what you want not what you think you should have and drive the hell out of it! cheers, Lost

 

People who buy and sell old (1950s-60s) Ferraris hoping to make money are speculators, not investors.

. . . and 1980s Ferraris are penny stocks in that world.

 

The final generation 1989 Mondial t was a giant leap forward. It featured a new and more powerful longitudinally mounted engine mated to Ferrari’s new t type transaxle. The suspension was fitted with cockpit-controlled damping, and power-assisted steering eased parking. Cosmetically, the Mondial received more attractive bumpers, new side grilles and new wheels. Inside, the car was again upgraded, this time with sportier seats, new dash, and new trim. Just my .02 cents. Enjoy and drive, drive, drive...

 

I don't understand the question. Are you saying you want to speculate on a Ferrari but can't afford the one you want? Or you want a Mondial but won't buy it if it won't go up in value?

 

If you are buying any 80's Ferrari for investment value, you would be better off finding a nice ponzi scheme.


Buy a Ferrari because you love the breed and buy a particular model because that car speaks to you. Resale shouldn't really be a part of the equation, if that is your primary motivator, you are going to sour quickly when the service and repair bills come, and they will.

Its like anything else in life, you either commit or your don't. Ferraris are really about passion alone, all the other stuff about resale, investment value, etc, is just the fodder our rational brain uses to justify a most irrational purchase.

 

THIS is important........clutch change labor was cut in half, IIRC.....

 

Well it's a totally different car, than it brother the 308/328 two seater!

And sadly the Ferrari 2+2s have ALWAYS lagged pricewise, even the bigger v12.

Not good or bad really, just be aware of it going in and getting out, $$$ wise.

Sounds like a low mileage example and if in good shape definately worth a look!

There's a huge 308GT4 contingent here, and that was the precursor to the Mondial.

 

Gotta love the pumpkin, eh Bubba?

 

I don't actually FIX anything, but I'd stand around and listen to the ones that do .......

 

Have you figured out an answer to your original investigation, or not? Certainly Mondials have a following. Is it as large as the following for the 3x8s? Doesn't look like it. But those who love the Mondial do love it. Like Tex said, the 2+2s have never seen the same monetary appreciation as two seaters. That said, try prying some of those 2+2s from their owners' hands and see how far you get.

Bottom line, who cares what anyone else thinks of the car? All that matters is what you think of it.

 

You'll do fine on a 3.2 cabriolet when/if it comes time to sell. That's a desirable model as far as 80's ferraris go. The 3.2 is a very good engine and makes good power and convertibles do well historically. The early mondial 8s are a tougher sell (but still very nice cars) and, over time, will rise with the tide too but perhaps not quite as much.

That said, any ferrari except possibly an old testarossa/275/GTO in a rising stock market is a poor and volative investment with maintenance/holding costs likely to exceed appreciation. So, buy it because you want it!

 

I certainly have a passion for the Mondial, I sought mine out over a three year period until I found the model of my choice, a 1988 3.2 Cab, red with black interior, Swiss registered, with low kms. The car has lived up to my expectations. Is it an investment? I think it is holding its value, which is pretty good for an old car that sees daily use in the summers. But I think the following is clearly smaller than for other Ferrari's, and for whetever reasons (subjective styling at the root mostly it seems) the car has been dissed by the Ferrari community for so long, it is unlikely to attract a wider following for a long time to come. So when it is time sell, I suspect one would need to be very patient and wait for the right buyer - but for nice condition venhicles the buyers are out there, many shade tree mechanic hobbiests like me who work on the cars appreciate the relative ease of maintenance and access (and shared 328 parts availability).

80's nostalgia and the wedge styling should cause nice examples to hold thier own against other 80's models (I actually think the Testarossa has a waning but very passionate following, and 308/328 appear to have peaked in favour of similarly styled Boxers that are appreciating, only early carb 308's with their more retro interiors look collectible going forward).

The 1988 is easiest to maintain, and has earlier model electrical glitches and low hp issues rectified, while avoiding the T's cable shifter, suspension complexities and service issues (engine out), so it's probably the best for long term broadest market interest.

These are certainly not investment cars, just not enough scarcity (for now) to warrant that (go figure the F40 with about 1,100 made, more than my model year cab Mondial!), but it does help with the hobby to have these cars at least more or less hold their value and encourage/make maintenance worthwhile, which keeps the selection of nice cars out there going. They are on the margin of being in this category of car, if you buy one and maintain it well you will be helping the cause!

 

Mondials can be bought for less than other models so it makes sense that they also sell for less. I dont think they'll ever be gold mines but in a way thats good since it means you can drive and enjoy the car without feeling like your "ruining" it. And, lower pricing enables more people to enjoy and own the cars.

Others have mentioned the '89MY to be a big leap forwward. I agree, I also will say though that the '83-'85 QV cars are also great buys and good cars. Maybe not quite as well sorted as an '89++ but good cars nontheless and they can be had for good prices right now.

In '86 they got what I feel is a good facelift in the front of the car. They look tougher coming straight at you, almost Testarossa-like. I believe '86 is the first year of the 3.2 motor.

 

I remember back in the late 70's nobody thought a 246 would ever be worth much, and they could be bought very inexpensively - like, for less than the cost of a 2-year old vw beetle. They were "uncollectible" at the time. Apparently, things change with time and perception.

In fact, a Daytona could be bought in the late-70's for typically around $10-12K for a coupe and $15-20K for a convertible. They weren't that collectible then either. At that same time a 330 could be had for $5-10K. They were even less collectible.

For those that say a Mondial will never be "collectible" some historical perspective may indeed be helpful. Just my $.02.

 

Mondial ownership is an expense not an investment....get a good one and the expense should not be too great....considering that 20+ year old cars don't lose much more value and that it is a fairly easy Ferrari to maintain. I think they are a bargain and don't expect to make money out of owning mine. Would be nice if they rose in value....but that's very unlikely and if it does happen it would just be a bonus. If you look at it that way you really can't lose.

 

Cliff - In several years we must dig up this post. You will probably be right.