Lot 43: Ferrari Mondial

Styled by Pininfarina design chief, Leonardo Fiorovanti, the Ferrari Mondial 8 was launched at the March 1980 Geneva Motor Show. Based around a 2650mm wheelbase tubular steel chassis frame, the mid-engined 2+2 seater was equipped with all-round independent coil and wishbone suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and rack and pinion steering. Cradled by a detachable subframe (for easier servicing) and allied to five-speed manual transmission, its transversely mid-mounted 2926cc 'quad-cam' V8 engine was notable for employing both Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection and Marelli Digiplex electronic ignition. Updated alongside its 308GTB sibling, the Mondial gained 'Quattrovalvole' ('four-valve') cylinder heads in August 1982. As well as giving lower emissions and more horsepower (increased to 240bhp @ 7,000rpm), the freer-breathing powerplant reputedly allowed the Mondial to sprint from 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds and onto 146mph. Further distinguished by their revised dashboards, the 'Quattrovalvole' models remained in production until late 1985 by which time some 1,145 coupes and 629 cabriolets are thought to have been made. Finished in red with magnolia leather upholstery, this particular example has reportedly been in the current ownership for nineteen years. Although, it is understood to have "only done 500 miles since a £2,000 service including a new clutch and ECU", `A156 TMJ' has apparently remained "unused for the last seven or eight years". Describing the bodywork and paintwork as "fair to good" and the interior trim as "good", the vendor further informs us that the Mondial has covered just 66,000 miles from new. Despite the need for recommissioning, this 2+2 Ferrari remains a tempting proposition especially as it is being offered entirely without reserve. Surely worth a look?