1983 Ferrari Mondial Quattrovalvole Coupe

This car, Lot 106799, sold for $46,200, including buyer’s premium, in Bring a Trailer’s online auction, May 11, 2023.

We usually cover Ferraris that most of us can only dream of, but this month we’re looking at a model that can be bought for less than some new Kias. Mondial coupes are the entry point of Ferrari ownership, and getting a good one can be a rewarding experience. On the other hand, responding to the siren call of a bargain Mondial can lead to frustration and financial disaster.

A family Ferrari?

The name Mondial was resurrected to honor the 500 Mondial, a sports racer built in 1953. The word Mondial roughly translates to “world,” and the model was Ferrari’s announcement that they were ready to compete on the global stage. There was no illusion of the 1980s Mondial being a competition car. The name simply meant the model was designed to meet worldwide safety and emissions standards. The “8” in the early Mondial 8 cars signified it was powered by an 8-cylinder engine.

This is a mid-engine 2+2, the ultimate challenge for an automotive stylist. Despite having to accommodate federally mandated 5-mph bumpers and sizeable air intakes for the engine compartment, the Pininfarina-penned body was elegant, with a touch of sportiness. The interior was likewise elegant for a sports car and almost roomy enough for four passengers. The rear trunk was large enough for a weekend getaway, and a full-size spare tire came in the front trunk.

While relatively affordable today, when new, Mondials were premium models. They were priced above their 2-seater siblings and debuted new technology for Ferrari’s V8 model range. Advanced features (for their time) such as ABS brakes, anti-dive suspension, power steering, climate control, adjustable shocks and solenoid-actuated storage compartments were all first seen on Mondials.

The 1980–82 Mondial 8 was powered by the same transversely mounted 3-liter, 2-cam V8 that powered the 308 GTSi and GTBi. The engine was an update of the previous version with electronic ignition and Bosch fuel injection replacing points and Weber carburetors. The updates were necessary to meet U.S. emissions standards but were a move backwards in the performance department. Ferrari’s published output was 214 horsepower, but contemporary dyno tests proved that to be optimistic by as much as 25 hp. The new body and engine components added nearly 600 pounds compared to the preceding 308 GT4, contributing to dismal performance.

Steady improvements

This issue was addressed with the Mondial Quattrovalvole, or “QV.” Introduced concurrently with the 1983-model-year 308 GTB and GTS QV models, the Mondial QV featured a lifesaving four-valve version of Ferraris’ well-vetted 3.0-liter V8. The published output was a much-welcomed 240 hp, enough to provide sporting performance and validate the model as a Ferrari.

Not long after the Mondial Quattrovalvole was introduced, Ferrari debuted an open-top version of the car named Mondial Cabriolet. The idea of a cabriolet was enticing, but the reality was a bit of a compromise. Folding the top and installing the boot was a five-minute endeavor that was best accomplished with two people. Nevertheless, the model caught on and was reasonably popular.

The model hit its stride with the 3.2 Mondial and 3.2 Mondial Cabriolet. Powered by a 3.2-liter version of Ferrari’s V8, power was now up to 270. More important, larger cylinder bores contributed to a 17% increase in torque. Stepping on the gas at low rpm no longer required a downshift.

Along with the new engine, 3.2 Mondials received a welcome cosmetic update. A recent downgrade of the DOT’s 5-mph bumper standard to 2.5 mph allowed Ferrari to substitute smaller body-colored bumpers. Additionally, new wheels and an updated interior enhanced the Mondial’s desirability.

The Mondial t was the fourth and final update to the model. A subtle-but-comprehensive cosmetic freshening almost made this final Mondial variant competitive with the two-place car in the looks department. An engine upgrade to a 400-hp, 3.4-liter unit, now mounted longitudinally and paired to a new transversely mounted transaxle (that’s what the “t” means), improved performance and handling. Power steering and adjustable shocks finished the job of making the t a significantly improved Mondial.

Solid car, strong sale

Our subject 1983 Mondial QV coupe was first offered in September 2022 on Bring a Trailer, where it failed to meet reserve with a respectable $39,750 high bid. This time, the seller tweaked his photos and communicated better with bidders. The reward was an additional $4k from a bidder who tried to buy the car during the first auction.

It is important to note this car had recently been serviced to the tune of $11,000 and was still in need of over $2k in tires and some cosmetic work. These are not unusual numbers for cars that have deferred maintenance. Heads up: That scruffy $22,000 Mondial can suck up that kind of money and still be a scruffy $22,000 Mondial when you’re done. If you can’t afford a good example, you really can’t afford a rough one.

Ferrari built 1,145 Mondial QV coupes. Allegedly, only 69 of them made their way to the U.S. While rarity does not make value, it can make finding a nice car difficult. The buyer apparently had a soft spot for the model, as he tried to buy this one twice. The car showed some wear and had some needs, but it was a solid example. It will always be the first step to Ferrari ownership, but there’s nothing wrong with that. The seller got as much as could be expected. The buyer could have bought a more-desirable 3.2 Mondial for the money, but he wanted this car. Everybody should be happy here. ♦

(Introductory description courtesy of Bring a Trailer.)