Ferraris are what we dream about. These Italian supercars are fast, sexy, and extremely exclusive, pushing the limits of capability and causing a sensation wherever they go.
Over the years, Ferrari's model lineup has grown to include modest mid-engined models such as the 308, luxury four-seat grand tourers like the FF, and plenty of 12-cylinder supercars like the current 812 Superfast and the LaFerrari, the pinnacle of Ferrari hypercars.
It's no minor job to develop such a potent image. Therefore, it's no surprise that practically every car that leaves Maranello's doors is a sight to behold and an overnight icon. Many Ferrari models have achieved classic status, but one, in particular, has remained under the radar for over three decades. It’s one of the less-loved Ferraris, the Mondial.
The Mondial is one of the most intriguing and likely misunderstood automobiles ever created. For starters, most people are unaware that there are six different versions of the Mondial. Each one is unique and has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Ferrari debuted the Mondial to the world more than three decades ago, and this four-seater remains one of the most polarizing Ferraris in existence.
It received a lot of flak for being much less aggressive than other Ferraris of the era. Despite Ferrari's prompt response and resolution to some problems. The Mondial has long been the focus of misguided views to this day. This must come to a grinding halt.
Designed For Grand Tourer Lineup
The Mondial was Ferrari's successor to the popular 308/208 GT4 coupe, and it was the company's last 2+2 V8 design until California came in 2008. They produced the Mondial from 1980 to 1993. The Mondial 8 was first presented in 1980, followed by the Mondial QV, Mondial 3.2, and Mondial t.
It was another automobile designed by the famed Pininfarina, with bodywork by Carrozzeria Scaglietti. Also, they designed it to support the touring car model within the Ferrari lineup. While those two characteristics normally make for an excellent car. But the Mondial's appearance and performance earned a lot of hate. Mondial emerged when Ferrari was facing new and more stringent pollution and safety regulations. Both of these factors affected the car's appearance and performance.
Ferrari declared at the time of the launch that they designed Mondial to blend the characteristics of a sports car with the convenience of a GT. They built the 308-348 series alongside the Mondial. So it was always going to underperform. That wasn't the intention, though. The Mondial was a practical and functional Ferrari that got lighter with each version, with the weight only increasing on the t variant.
Was The Ferrari Mondial That Bad?
The media chastised Ferrari Mondial for not being very Ferrari-like since its release in 1980. Compared to its sharper, nimbler brother 308 or 208, many have described it as ponderous and sluggish. It didn't have the same punch as the 512 BB, either. The Mondials were not as popular as their rivals because of all of this negative publicity.
The adverse comments and evaluations were valid to some extent, as the Mondial 8 was slower and less potent than its opponents. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph took 9.4 seconds, the quarter-mile took 17.1s and the top speed of 143 mph. In comparison, the Lamborghini Jalpa took 7.3 seconds to speed up from 0 to 60 mph, while the Porsche 928 took only seven seconds. Mondial wasn't as horrible as it seemed. From then, the Mondial only improved. And they did it quickly: the 1982 quattrovalvole reached 60 mph in 6.4 seconds.
Aside from performance, the Mondial had a number of Ferrari Mondial premieres. It was the first Prancing Horse to include a transverse engine, transmission, and rear suspension, all housed in a single subframe. This design made removing the engine for a significant repair or removing the cylinder heads easier than in prior generations. It also saved money on upkeep. The Mondial was also the first Ferrari with power brakes, steering, and electronically controlled suspension.
The '80s Most Affordable Ferrari
Ferrari priced the Mondial 8 at $64,000 in the United States for the 1980 model year, making it the cheapest Ferrari of the early '80s.
As a historic car, the Mondial has a lot more going for it in terms of practicality than many other classic cars. Perhaps the Mondial's worst flaw was simply that it was a Ferrari. However, it's odd that the flaws we've discussed are what have helped make this automobile so affordable nowadays, and such a forgotten classic. The Mondial lacks clarity, which is one of the features that makes it one of the most inexpensive, easy-to-live-with, and practical, late-model Ferraris. They're not likely to get any cheaper after years of stagnation.
That's because, despite their flaws, these automobiles still have a Prancing Horse on the bonnet and their own strengths. They're comfortable, have terrific sound, and can accommodate your children in the back seats. They're also one of the remaining reasonably priced options for getting into a Ferrari. The price of the Mondial is rising, yet it is still one of the most inexpensive Ferrari vehicles. Some say they're the final Ferraris, you'll be able to service in your own garage.