Lot 337: 1981 Ferrari Mondial 8

The Ferrari Mondial 8, a replacement for the Dino 308 GT4, made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in the spring of 1980. Ferrari had used the name Mondial before, in the early Fifties, then for a two litre, in-line four cylinder engined sports racing car. The 308 GT4 had been more in the nature of an occasional 2+2 with its back seats more suited to the carrying of children or luggage, rather than adults, over any long distance. Under the skin the 135mph Mondial was very close in specification to that of the fuel-injected 308, but with an innovation in the chassis which employed a separate sub-frame at the rear carrying the 205bhp, 2,926cc, V8 engine and transmission; the idea was that it could be unbolted and the whole power and transmission package could be removed for easier servicing. With its subtle rounding of all the outer surfaces, the styling took away some of the sharpness which characterised the 308 GT4. It suggested the importance of comfort as well as out-and-out performance. With only 27,000 miles on the clock, this 1981 manufactured Mondial is described as being in good condition. Finished in a striking silver which sets this car apart from the numerous red Mondials, together with a light blue leather interior, it has also been featured in a Thoroughbred and Classic Cars magazine article. Fully serviced only a couple of years ago, including the camshaft belts, this right-hand drive car was once the property of Paul Gucci, a member of the famous Italian fashion family. It is supplied with an original handbook, a fresh MoT test certificate, six months road fund licence and V5 registration document.