The Fourth Edition Illustrated Ferrari Buyer's Guide of Dean Batchelor and Randy Leffingwell had the following to say about Valeo trannies: "For model year 1992, Ferrari produced a double handful of cars known as the "Valeo" Mondials. Valeo is a French clutch manufacturer that produced a system with no clutch pedal but whose clutch was operated by an electro-mechanical actuator (ECM). This Valeo system can engage and disengage the clutch in 0.02 seconds! Originated for the Lancia rally team, this clutch allowed the drivers to use one foot on the brake and the other on the gas at all times, and it contributed greatly to Lancia's back-to-back world rally championships. The ECM operated like a manual transmission: Lift off the gas, move the gear shift lever by hand, get back down on the gas, and the clutching was handled wihtout footwork. If you look in the footwell and see no clutch pedal, this is a "Valeo" car. The system is capable of picture-perfect burnout standing launches and even full-throttle shifts. But beware! The module that controls it has a memory, and when you take your worn out Valeo in for service, the mechanics can read the history of your driving style. According to insiders, the Valeo was extremely trouble-free. It was available in coupes as well as cabriolets in Europe, but as only the cabriolets were sold in the US, that is how you'll find them here. With its reliability and its rarity -- fewer than 30 were imported in 1992 -- it is destined for desirablity."
I saw one of these about 14 or 15 years ago in LA. The guy who owned it said he bought it new. He had a problem with his left leg so he couldn't use a clutch. He walked with the aid of a crutch. He loved it because otherwise, he could not drive a Ferrari. The computer that controlled the clutch looked much like an IBM PC in the trunk. I think it even had the slots visible for a floppy disc. It was the only one I've ever seen and it was a convertible (red and black if I remember). He never had a problem with the box itself but had the usual Mondial issues.
I've always found them to be interesting. I like Mondials also. I know that there are those who don't but I'd be willing to bet that they guy who recently called it lame (the Valeo that is) didn't know it's World Rally Championship history. Perfect for those who need it or just want it. I also didn't realize that you use the throttle like a manual. I thought it was like the current F1 in that regard. Thanks for the good info. It is perhaps an interesting sidebar in Ferrari history. But I for one appreciate them and have thought of them many times.
Hard to drive a car with a clutch???? I guess it's just a matter of what you are used to. I've never owned an automatic. Hate them.
Hi there ! & Merry XMAS ! It's raining here in Burbank so Rachel will stay home by the fireplace (water heater) I'll say it again and again - On a crowded Los Angeles freeway, stop and go driving in Rachel is as easy as with an automatic yet way more fun. In the twisties she is simply a manual shift car - with no clutch !! HOW DO SHE KNOW?? To all - Happy New Year & Be Well. Cheers, Hank
And, just for the halibut There was one other Ferrari, not a Mondial t, that featured a Valeo system. You do know what model it was and for whom it was built - right? I guess, if I'm going to throw that kind of stuff around, I better (and will) provide a prize for the first person who posts in this thread, the correct answer. Da - dadadaaahh - - how about a Garfield Exotics 5 Speed Belt Buckle? Looks just like the real thing, neh? Yes, Valeo cars do have a standard tranny with the "magic shift gate" AND MORE !! BTW, the belt I'm wearing in the picture came out of Rachel from her last major service. How cool is that ?? May you all be healthy and happy in the New Year. Cheers, Hank Image Unavailable, Please Login
valeo is a "without Clutch" system, used in some formula uno cars. That ferrari made in some mondial. If someone need parts direct from Valeo, simply write me , valeo it's italian company, and i can talk straigth with it"
Hey robbio99, Right you are ! PM me a mailing address and I'll get your buckle on its way to you. Happy New Year, Hank
Top Gear test drive of a Euro Mondial T coupe in silver with a Valeo! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccm2L8krtcU Very cool.
This looks to be a great example for sale at Marshall Goldman right now. It has only 6,800 miles on the clock. They are asking $65,900
Wow, I can't believe it didn't really catch on immediately. That was a really strange video to watch. I am sure there was a market, but I for one do not get it. Good for you that do (I guess)
I have been told by many, if it breaks - it breaks you. I would avoid the Valeo trani - way to expensive to fix if they go wrong. AK
When it comes to the Valeo system, don't believe everything you hear. So far in the four plus years of driving with this system, I have replaced one $13 relay. I wish other Valeo owners would chime with their experiences. The only other Valeo car that I have driven was owned by a friend of mine and it too, was trouble free. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Here's the "business area" on the ground floor. I always keep my left foot on the dead pedal - - learned my lesson When I drove Rachel for the first time, I simply put my left foot on the floor. For the first couple of shifts I was OK because I was paying attention. Then I got over confident, made a shift and almost put myself through the windscreen by slamming on the brake !!! I think I got it now................ Image Unavailable, Please Login
I am SERIOUSLY considering getting a Valeo by trading 'up' my Mondial T to one. Would make a better daily driver, and more of a wanted item IMO. thanks hank for the updates rik
Wow Hank! Your car is perfect. There is no way I would post a pic of the pedal well on our car. You must drive barefoot out there in California. dave
Thanks Dave Here's a shot of the part you didn't see. Happy New Year !! Image Unavailable, Please Login
I've owned and enjoyed mine for almost 14 years without any problem at all. Hank, at least that is 3 of the of the 20 or so built; I've never been able to find out the exact quantity. I just had her out for a drive Monday. It's still a blast to drive. I recently posted a thread about a very informative conversation I had with Reeves Callaway about the Valeo system. He had experimented with it in the past and found it very impressive and reliable. I think he would know what he was talking about. I believe there is a lot more "speculation" than actual experience about maintenence and repair cost. I think parts are available from Ricambi and if you have a good honest mechanic you will be fine owning one. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
