Lot 066: Ferrari Mondial 8

The Mondial 2+2 coupe was introduced as the Mondial 8 in 1980. It was the first Ferrari to depart from the company's familiar 3-digit naming scheme and was initially powered by the same mid/rear-mounted 214bhp 3-litre V8 as used in the Dino 308 GT4, giving it a top speed of 150mph. The chassis was also based on the 308 GT4, but four inches longer in the wheelbase. Suspension was by double wishbones all around. The transmission was borrowed from Ferrari's F1 efforts and featured a transverse mounted gearbox which lowered the drive-line by five inches. The first Ferrari with power assisted rack-and-pinion steering, it also had air-conditioning as standard with climate control for both the driver and passenger. With its proven drivetrain and four seat practicality, the Mondial 8 is considered an ideal entry into the fabled prancing horse club and is one of the marque's most inexpensive to maintain models  a major service can be performed without removing the entire engine/transmission unit. First registered in 1982, this particular Mondial has covered around 67,300 miles and is said to drive very well. Supplied with a comprehensive service history from new, it has an MOT until September 2009. The owner states that while the car is in fair condition overall, it could now do with some localised attention to the bodywork (wings, wheel arches and door) to restore it to first class condition.