Drive one - then talk

I've been lusting after Ferrari's since I was 20--38 years later I think I've heard a lot of the lore. I bought my first one 7 years ago, a 550. And now to the point. It wasn't till I drove the car a few days that I realized what so many auto writers had talked about - how the car totally engages you. The visceral feel of the car that can't be compared to anything else you've ever driven --- you can read this type of stuff in magazines and yet never really understand.

What does this have to do with Mondial 's -- everything. For years I read the disparaging comments about the Mondial and had been convinced so eventually they disappeared from my "I'd like to have one list". You all know the drill--underpowered, ill shaped, poor handling, entry level, just as much maintenance as a "real Ferrari", etc. It wasn't till my mechanic had one in his shop and I asked him one of my usual question's - "so what do you think about this car". He turned and said "I like these, they're well balanced, not fast, but fast enough and unmistakably a Ferrari in appearance. This from a man that specializes in the million dollar Enzo era cars and considers anything newer than my 550 out of his realm of expertise. So he's had, driven and worked on the classics. Three years later he told me he knew of a nice one for sale an 88 3.2 cab. On his advice I bought it for my wife. Three months later I'm stunned by the car. The sound is awesome, handles fine and as he said it's fast enough. You don't worry about raw acceleration because she seems built to cruise. People love her as evidenced by their reactions and it is always recognized as A FERRARI even by those that have likely never seen a Mondial. Does it handle, accelerate or elicit the same sensations as a 550 - NO. It elicits completely different feelings, all good. You feel fine cruising at 70, taking in the sound and feeling it's "old school " raw edges. I can truly say it 's as much fun as my 550 just in a different way. It's made me realize three things--1) there are a lot more Ferrari's I'd like to try, 2) spec sheet comparisons tell you really nothing, 3) you shouldn't talk till you've spent a week behind the wheel and realized how much total fun these Mondials bring. Are they going to jerk your had back with acceleration, make you marvel that you made that corner, lay waste to the kid next to you at the stoplight---probably not. But will it leave you muttering "I really like this car"---DEFINATELY -- These Mondial's create beautiful memories--drive one and learn

 

I just think it cruises so comfortably down the highway, you're left not caring if it will get toasted by a nearby vette---the guy in the vette will not know what you're feeling. I used to own a vette and it also had it's own moments--just different. I love my BMW 540i as a daily driver but it will not be a car I associate with "great memories" in my old age.