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The Mondial 8 was only available in fixed-roof form. The
Cabrioletarrivedin 198 3,ayearafter theMondialacquiredthe
QV engine, and it continued in this form until 1985 when it was
upgraded with a 3.2-litre 266bhp engine, body-coloured bumpers
and a revised interior. For the 1989 Mondial T the engine was
turned through 90 degrees and mounted lower, with a transverse
gearbox – the engine has to come out every three years to change
the timing belt, so maintenance costs are higher. But they’re said
to handle better, the engine is a bigger 3.4-litre unit with 300bhp
and these later cars also have power steering and ABS.
Inspect the door bottoms, front wings and A-pillars for rust,
and check the hood for broken latches and a cloudy rear screen.
Electrical faults can often be traced to a faulty fuseboard or dirty
switch contacts. The metric Michelins used on early cars are
pricey; many swap to later 16-inch rims and conventional rubber.
OwningaFerrariMondial3.0QVCabrio
‘Itwasbought ona whim,’ TrevorMorley
reveals.‘Wesolda boatanddecidedto
buya classiccarinstead.TheMondial
Quattrovalvoleseemedgoodintermsof
maintenance,not beingasexpensiveto look
afterassomeof theotherFerrarisandit’s
quiterare– only27 weremadeinright-handdrive.’
Tr evorbought thecarfromFerrarispecialist Rardley
Motorsfouryearsago.‘Ithada fullservicehistoryback
totheoriginalinvoice.It’s servicedregularlyat Rardley.A
standard servicecouldbe£800-£900,or£1400if thecam
beltneedschanging.It’s hada newbattery,butnothing
elsehasgonewrong– it’s runlike a dream.It’s rawdriving,
exhilarating,andfantasticwiththehooddown.Theamount
of head-turning you see; the number of people who want to
take a photo of it when you park up. It makes you proud.’1984 Ferrari Mondial 3.0QV Cabriolet
Engine Alloy head/alloy block 2927cc V8, 32-valve, dohc, Bosch
K-Jetronic fuel injection Power and torque 240bhp @ 7000rpm;
192lb ft @ 5000rpm Transmission Five-speed manual, rear-
wheel drive Suspension Front: independent, double wishbones,
coil springs, anti-roll bar. Rear: independent, double wishbones,
coil springs, anti-roll bar. Steering Rack and pinion Brakes Discs
front and rear, servo-assisted Weight 1477kg approx (3256lb)
Performance Top speed: 140mph approx; 0-60mph: 7.5sec
approx Cost new £25,851 Classic Cars Price Guide £19k-£38.5kThe Modial convertible is a rare phenomenon- a mid-engined drophead that can seat four
at a push. Its coupé cousin was a two-seater
‘The low nose turns crisply
into the apex, and as the bend
unwinds the Ferrari howls out
and on to the next corner’