1985 FERRARI Mondial 3.2 3.2L V8 5MT RWD (270 HP)

Vehicle Overview

When Pininfarina designed the Mondial, it did a great job, and the public appreciated the car from Detroit to Tokyo. In Europe, it was already an undisputed king of the fast four-seater.

In 1985, Ferrari gave its customers what they always asked: more power. The first generation of the Mondial struggled in 1980 with a 205 hp engine, and people didn’t like it. There were family sedans with more power than that. In 1982, Ferrari introduced the four-valves per cylinder system that increased the power to 240 hp; close, but no cigar. Then, in 1985, it came with the real-deal: the 3.2-liter Mondial that offered 40 hp over the Mondial Quatrovalvole.

Fortunately, the facelifts didn’t alter the car’s look. It was still shaped sharp at the front with its pop-up headlights, and the grille in front of the rear wheels was already a Ferrari signature detail. The prancing-horse brand even bragged that it was an excellent vehicle for long journeys and it can carry some luggage with it.

Inside, Ferrari tried to make the 2+2 coupe suitable for four adult-sized occupants, but most of the Mondial’s owners used it only for two in real life. That didn’t stop the Italian carmaker to use expensive leather upholstery on all four seats and around the cabin. Ferrari used the same costly materials to clad the lower side of the dashboard as well.

To make room for a four-seat interior, Ferrari installed the engine in the back, on top of the rear axle. Between the 3.2-liter V-8 and the rear panel, the carmaker made room for a trunk, promising to keep your food warm on your way back from a drive-through!