Mondial 3.2

I agree, the Mondial isn't very photogenic, I can stare at one for hours in person, but photos just don't do it justice. Oh well.

 

I like to stare at this one (mine). The Mondial looks quite nice when photographed straight side-on. Other views can make it appear blocky (for lack of a better term).
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Thanks Neil. You are absolutely correct. Most Mondial photos are REALLY bad. And you know, the 360 Modena doesn't photograph well - at least not by amateurs. In person it is one swoopy, hot machine.

 

And to follow that, its almost impossible to take a BAD picture of a 308 - even the goofy angles...
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Given enough time, I've come to enjoy even photos of my Mondial. The car builds up in the mind and emotions. It looks better and better each time I look at it. I've also found the engine sound is getting better the more I drive it. I'm hoping to put 600 miles on it this coming Saturday, hopefully I don't pass out from the excitement. Of course I only post the same two good photos I have of it. Time for some glamour shots.
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One reason they photograph poorly is that wide front grille on the hood. When I had my 3.2 cab I had one custom fabricated that was modeled after the 512 BB (I think) and the 308, that had the ends behind the headlights filled in.

Mine is the car on the left.
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That's pretty cool, Stan. Did you permanently alter the hood or did you fabricate a new grill insert with solid sides? Do you have any more photos?

Thanks.

 

Just a new grille insert. I bought one on ebay and had a friend help me do the layout. He had some of the work done at ERA (Cobra constructors), and then he painted it. Simple install with the 4, I believe, phillips screws.

I think it made the car look much better. I took it off and put the original back when I sold the car, and still have it in the garage. I can get it and post more photos soon.

 

Vroooom!
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Love that pic. It's way better than this one, but I thought I'd post it. I think the key is to have these special cars photographed together. Here are two Italian delights together at a local restaurant called Italian Delight. The Italian owner of the restaurant practically had tears of joy seeing these fine machines in his parking lot!
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The visual glitch I keep noticing is that the rear wheel looks smaller than the front from nearly any angle. I'm sure a design person could explain why. Standing next to my car it's the same thing. I've even looked at the tire sizes to make sure they are the same.

 

That's because it is smaller. 225/50/16s on the rear with 205/55/16s on the front means that rear tire looks a bit small.....

 

I wouldn't say horrible but, for sure, like you, I think a Ferrari Mondial is always nicer in real life and no pictures can capture its true elegance while few can approach it.

I think we can explain this because in real life the Mondial shows an impressive volume distribution making it look like a real exotic sport car.

It is a three dimensional object and we try to appreciate/evaluate it with a 2D representation.


But let me show you these pictures which I believe they approach the Mondial true beauty ( you will notice that I included some Mondial T pictures ) :

The last picture gives you an idea of the caracteristic volume distribution of a Mondial comparing to a normal car ( see the white TL )
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And, of course let's start with this one!
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Thanks for posting my car, black above. It's fun to see it unexpectedly.

 

My pleasure!

You mean the nice/tan black 3,2 Cabriolet?

Did you sell it ? Your car is gorgeous and haven't bought mine I would have been very tempted!

 

one thing that makes them not so photogenic is they have a pretty high stock ride height. you can see from the pictures above, that when they are lowered, they look a lot better.

 

Yes, I have the black tan, actually for just a few months now. That picture was actually one of the sale ad pictures from the prior owner. I did trade out the wheels for the stock ones.

Side view compared to 348. The lighting was wrong to show off the lines on the black.
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So does a 308, I agree, it is definately a plus on pictures to look at a lowered Mondial but in real life, it still looks nice with the stock ride height ... even though I will eventually lower mine!

 

Low, long, lean and mean...
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I know what you mean!
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Great example!