1989 Ferrari Mondial - $39,900 - Rye, NY - 1989 Ferrari Mondial-t (348 engine) hardtop 5-speed manual
One of only 500 Mondial-t hardtops imported (the rest were all convertibles)
The hardtop cars were preferred in Europe because of their better structural integrity.
Excellent condition car from the west coast.
Low mileage and best color combo.
Last year before motorized seatbelts.
Freshly serviced and sorted, and no known accident damage.
Good body and paint with no rust. Nice interior.
Part of current owners well maintained collection. This car has just been lavishly refreshed mechanically to make sure it runs perfectly.
Service items completed March 2014:
Timing belt service with improved Hill Engineering belt tensioner bearing assemblies
Upgraded water pump
New twin plate clutch assembly
Upgraded to improved Hill Engineering 355 clutch throw out bearing assembly
New ignition wires, modules, and coil packs
Fuel injection system off-car ultrasonically cleaned and flow checked
All cylinders checked to confirm correct compression
Full tune up including plugs, belts, and fluids
Driving experience:
Starts at the slightest turn of the key and runs and drives beautifully.
The engine is smooth and flexible.
There is a refined feel to the steering, brakes, ride, handling etc.
Long wheelbase and hardtop combine to make this a stable and comfortable GT ideally suited to the open road.
Windows, power sunroof, lights, gauges all work well.
The Mondial-t was the first modern Ferrari in many ways. It was the first to include many features we now consider as standard. These included the first road car Ferrari made with the now familiar T shaped engine-transmission relationship which had been so successful in F1 racing. The basic power-train setup was then carried over to the later 355 and 360. Other Ferrari firsts incorporated in the Mondial-t were ABS brakes, Bilstein electronically adjustable shocks, and power steering.
Automobile magazine in August of 1989 said of the Mondial-t:
“The 3.4 liter engine is a gem.” “delivers fluid, turbine-like power”.
The 5-speed gearbox “is as balky and stubborn as ever”.
The 4 wheel disc brakes “are sharp, strong, and progressive”.
The power steering is “effortless, but still precise and communicative”.
In summary “serious drivers will find it entertaining and rewarding”.
Tip – When it comes to buying a used Ferrari – get the best sorted and serviced car you can find.