Ferrari Mondial T

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The Mondial 2+2 coupe was introduced as the Mondial 8 in 1980. It was the first Ferrari to depart from the company's familiar 3-digit naming scheme and was initially powered by the same mid/rear-mounted 214bhp 3-litre V8 used in the Dino 308 GT4.

The chassis was also based on the 308 GT4, but four inches longer in the wheelbase. Suspension was by double wishbones all around. The transmission was borrowed from Ferrari's F1 efforts and featured a transverse mounted gearbox which lowered the drive-line by five inches. The first Ferrari with power assisted rack-and-pinion steering, it also had air-conditioning as standard with climate control for both the driver and passenger.

Following some criticism of its relatively modest performance, Ferrari introduced a more potent version during the summer of 1982, the 240bhp QV. By 1985 the engine had grown to 3.2-litres and the output was now 270bhp. In 1989 came the last and best of the line, the Mondial T, which had a 300bhp, 3,405cc V8 engine now mounted longitudinally in the frame (rather than transversely) which greatly improved the handling. Along with the new engine came a completely new five speed transmission, ABS brakes, electronically controlled variable suspension and a three position manual suspension selector. Top speed was 159mph and the 0-60 sprint could be covered in 5.6 seconds. The exterior was modernized slightly and the interior was also revised with a new dashboard layout, different switchgear and folding rear seats.

When production ceased in 1993, some 6,800 Mondials had rolled off the Maranello production line. Of these, just 840 were Mondial Ts, right hand drive markets getting their hands on just 47 of them.

This rare 1990 RHD Mondial T was purchased by the vendor in 2012 from Nadder Valley Classics and has covered 58,000 miles from new. A good history file accompanies the car, which includes its handbook pack and service book which has six stamps. JCT600 in Bradford looked after it until 1993, by which time it had visited them six times and covered 23,000 miles. They fitted new timing belts, which were again replaced two years and 10,000 miles later. Maranello Sales attended to a few minor issues and at 39,000 miles, in 1998, the belts were changed yet again by Rardley Motors in Surrey. Services at 43,000 and 47,600 in 2001 (yet more cambelts) and a gearbox rebuild by SEB Auto services are also listed.

In 2011, Foskers sorted out the immobiliser, and yes, you guessed it - changed the cambelts, this time the odometer showing 52,600 miles. At 53,000 miles the gearbox was again repaired by Linstone Classics along with some paintwork and repairs to the sunroof, the bill amounting to £5,263 although surprisingly there is no mention of a cambelt change at this point.

Once in the hands of the vendor, he fitted a Thatcham Category 1 Alarm and Tracker to appease his insurers and dealt with a number of minor electrical issues. He gave the engine a Terraclean injector service, new injector seals and polybushed the front suspension, replaced the rack gaiters and sent the brake calipers away for rebuild and painting. He then turned his attention to the interior and sent the leather upholstery away for restoration.

Just 420 miles ago, the oil was changed with Mobil 1 and the old oil sent away to OilLab for analysis, getting a clean bill of health as confirmed in a letter on file. The car comes with an original sales brochure and 10 old MOTs, the car carrying a current ticket until August of this year.

With its proven drive-train and four seat practicality, the Mondial is considered an ideal entry into the fabled prancing horse club and is one of the marque's most reliable and inexpensive to maintain models. This well cared for Mondial T looks like the perfect place to start and with the seemingly inexorable rise in values on all models from the Italian stable, looks particularly good value at the suggested guide price.

Catalogue Amendment: Air Conditioning needs a re-gas.