Description
The final Mondial evolution was 1989’s Mondial t (Coupe and Cabriolet). It was a substantially changed model, “spearhead of a new generation of V8 Ferraris”, according to Road & Track magazine. It was visually different from preceding Mondial models, the most recognisable being the redesign of the air intakes to a smaller rectangular shape. Additionally, the door-handles were of a visually different design, as were the front and rear bumpers which became body coloured. New front and rear wings cover wider tracks and are re-profiled to a fuller shape compared to preceding models, which feature a rolled lip.
The ‘t’ called attention to the car’s new engine/transmission layout: the previously-transverse engine was now mounted longitudinally whilst the gearbox remained transverse, thus forming a ‘t’. By adopting this layout, a longer engine could be mounted lower in the chassis, improving handling dramatically. The ‘t’ configuration was used by Ferrari’s Formula One cars of the 1980s, and would be the standard for the marque’s future mid-engined V8 cars, beginning with the 348, introduced later in the year. The transverse manual gearbox was fitted with a Limited Slip Differential with a twin-plate clutch design with bevel gears driving the wheels.
Considerably more spacious than previous Ferrari 2+2s, the Pininfarina-styled Mondial has been described by Car magazine as ‘the closest you’ll get to supercar family transport.’
This very special 3.4 T Mondial Cabriolet on offer today has covered a mere 20,600 miles from new. Being one of just 51 right hand drive examples produced, it is supplied with a comprehensive service history from new- with 16 documented services. Most importantly the car received a cambelt service at 20,129 miles and was last serviced by Gray Paul at 20,526. It is rare to find such a spectacular car with such provenance and careful ownership, simply stunning.
