・One of only 145 right hand drive examples made

・Gorgeous Pininfarina styling over a space-frame chassis

・Double wishbone suspension and vented discs all round

・A genuinely usable and practical 2+2 layout

Debuting at the 1980 Geneva Salon, the Mondial 8 was Ferrari’s replacement for the 308/208GT4. The practical 2+2 layout and reliable but visceral Mid-mounted V8 made it a huge commercial success, with more than 6,000 models being produced over its 13 year lifespan. 

In particular, the Mondial was noted for its great handling and road-holding, helped in short measure by the increased wheelbase and track over the 308. It was, and remains, that most elusive of things: a genuinely practical Ferrari with impeccable road manners and a thrilling soundtrack.

This particular model is adored by its owner, who describes it as “simply a wonderful car to drive - it handles fantastically”. Over the last couple of years he has spent £15,000+ making sure the car is mechanically and aesthetically in great condition, while maintaining as many original features as possible. It features the sort of patina you only get with a well-loved and properly used classic. 

Having enjoyed the car, he is now ready to move on to another project, and so is reluctantly offering the Mondial for sale.

It features a great service history, with receipts and reports from a number of Ferrari specialists, including Italia Autosport. Just some of the work that has been carried out in the last few years includes:

Much more has been done, including fixing a few electrical issues and various other small jobs. All in all, the car has been very well maintained, with no expense spared.

This Mondial comes with a wealth of paperwork - service history, receipts for works carried out, a Road Test & Report from Maranello Ethan and plenty more besides. In all, receipts totalling more than £15,000 in servicing and improvements are present. Also present are the original Ferrari manuals, and even a copy of the original sales brochure - perfect for framing on your garage wall!

The interior features beautifully refurbished original beige Connolly leather. The seats are all in wonderful condition and very comfortable - the rear seats in particular being surprisingly usable for a 2+2. You could genuinely use this car for the school run. 

The current owner has had new carpets made in classic Nero, as per the originals; and has also had a new headlining fitted in black alcantara. 

Ferrari’s classically elegant 3-spoke steering wheel dominates the cabin, which also features a dash in great condition, with all working switchgear and no cracks or damage evident.

Obviously, this is not a new car, so there is some light wear and tear, but no more than you’d expect in a well cared-for classic car. And the patina really does add to the feeling of being in something very special indeed. 

Aesthetics may be subjective, but it’s difficult to argue that the Mondial is anything other than a great looking car. Pininfarina did a fantastic job of wrapping the mid-engine, RWD layout in a great looking body. This particular example wears its original paintwork, although the the front and rear bumpers have been recently repainted. As the paintwork is original, it does show signs of light wear and tear, there are one or two small chips and cracks and the passenger side door mirror needs new glass. However, for a near 40 year old car it is in very good condition. It may benefit from a professional polish and valet if you wanted to fully restore the paintwork, but overall we love the honesty of the patina. It’s no trailer queen, but it is a great-looking modern classic, presented in fine condition. 

Much work has been done recently to ensure the car is mechanically sound, from new cam belts and water pump this year, to new alternator, starter motor and a plethora of other service items and small fault fixes. The brakes and exhaust system have also been renewed, so you can have confidence that many of the ‘big ticket’ jobs have already been done, and done by Ferrari specialists.

The only issues that remain are that the air-conditioning is not working, and the electric door mirrors do not adjust.

In terms of the engine bay, it presents very well, looking clean and without noticeable evidence of leaks. The hoses are all in great condition, and generally everything looks in great condition. On starting, the V8 fires up quickly and briskly, with the throaty burble at idle beloved of Ferrari fans the world over - its a sublime sounding car. Underneath, the car appears solid and sound; and all the major moving parts of the car - doors, windows, boot/bonnet, pop-up lights - operate well and quietly.

It’s a Ferrari. It’s a classic Ferrari. How else can you put a prancing horse on your driveway, with a truly practical 2+2 interior, great looks, a stunning V8 soundtrack and superb handling, for the price of a new Golf?

Apart from merely appealing to the heart, the Mondial 8 makes a great case for itself as a practical classic. Parts are relatively available and sensibly priced, by Ferrari standards. As one of only 145 right hand drive models made, we’re talking about a genuinely rare car, one that is sure to appreciate in value, especially as the car community is beginning to pay them more attention as a way into classic Ferrari ownership. 

Besides the practicality and the investment potential, this is quite simply a lovely car. Great to drive, wonderfully patinated, genuine, honest and with many of the major jobs already taken care of. This is a car that you can buy with confidence and enjoy for years to come.

Oh, and did we mention it features pop-up lights? Because it has pop-up lights. Pop-ups and a Ferrari V8 - what’s not to love?

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