In the July 1990 edition of Car and Driver magazine, Csaba Csere evaluated a 1989 Mondial t. He stated: "Who among us hasn't dreamed of driving a Formula 1 car?....There is, however, a way--albeit a costly one--of sampling the Formula 1 experience. For $97,000, Ferrari will put you into a Mondial t cabriolet, complete with open-air bodywork, the prancing horse emblem worn by more than 100 Grand Prix-winning cars, a shrieking engine, a Formula 1-inspired gearbox, a mid-engine chassis with sophisticated suspension and brakes, and enough charisma to make you the center of attention wherever you go....What we have here is your basic Formula 1 street machine." After two months of ownership, I could not agree more with Csaba--even if 17 years have passed. In the mid-1980's the Formula 1 cars had a distinct cab forward design, especially the Ferrari 126 C2/3/4 cars of 1983-1984. Those were the cars that caught my attention, evoking an equally distinct link to the Mondial line of cars. It was at the Detroit Formula 1 Grand Prix (1982-1988) that I saw my first Mondial in the flesh. I knew that one day, after toying with many different sports cars, I would complete the circle and obtain a Mondial. These cars are truly gems; with great heritage, looks and feel. Every day of ownership brings a big smile inside and out.
I wish someone would bring a 93 Valeo coupe into the USA, certify it and then sell to me so that Rachel could have a hard top sister. As far as I know, only 40 Mondial coupes were imported and were all 89s'.
