1985 Ferrari Mondial QV 3.0

Single family ownership from new and showing just 52,000 miles. Appears completely original and well preserved

Supplied and serviced by Maranello up to 42,000 miles. Recommissioned in 2006 after 10 years off the road

After a short period of use, returned to dry storage until 2018

Recent belts and fluids by Ferrari specialist Foskers and running well

Requires some routine mechanical attention to get it through an MoT

The Mondial saw Ferrari return to Pininfarina as its chosen styling house, and it was sold as a mid-sized coupé and, eventually, a cabriolet. Conceived as a 'more approachable' model, offering the practicality of four seats with the performance of a mid-range Ferrari attracting a slightly wider audience than their traditionally more focused two-seaters. The car's body was not built as a monocoque in the same way as a conventional car but instead, the steel outer body was produced by the famous Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Scaglietti, just down the road in nearby Modena and clothed a lightweight steel box-section space frame. The Mondial was the first Ferrari where the entire engine/gearbox/rear suspension assembly was mounted on a detachable steel sub-frame, making engine removal for servicing and overhaul much easier than it had been on earlier models.

Delivered new to its first proud owner in January of 1985, this 3.0 Mondial 'Quattrovalvole' had been ordered in Giallo Fly with a Tan Connoly hide interior. Supplied by Maranello of Egham, this car would return for servicing to the supplying dealer at regular intervals up to 1988 at 41,272 miles. We are told that "B393 JPG" was the pride and joy of the family enjoying many trips around Europe until some years later its owner sadly passed away leaving his beloved Ferrari to his wife. The car was to remain unused in the family garage until 2006 and c50,000 miles when the decision was taken that it was time to return it to its best and get it back on the road. The subsequent recommissioning was thorough and within the history folder are receipts for extensive works including a replacement clutch, refurbished starter motor, water pump, new oil seals and gaskets, refurbished braking system, and new injector pipes. The final account detailed over 105 hours of labour and totalled £9,101.47.

As is often the way, after some initial use, the Mondial quietly returned to its spot in the family garage where it was to remain until mid-2018 when a family friend made a successful offer to purchase the car and naturally, after 12 years in storage, some further recommissioning was required. The car was delivered to a highly regarded Ferrari specialist where the fuel was drained, belts replaced, along with fresh fluids and it is now running beautifully although there are a number of small areas that will need further attention. The Ferrari specialist noted that to have the car fit for a current MoT the main issues to be resolved would be, tyres slightly perished, poor braking efficiency, corrosion on brake lines, perished suspension bushes, corrosion on suspension components and inoperative screen wash. Normal Ferrari things really but with no space to keep the car, our vendor has decided to leave the project to someone with more time and a suitable garage.

Overall the car presents very well in lovely original condition, and it is extremely rare to find an example from this period with what appears to be factory paint with excellent shut lines all round. The interior feels fresh and appears to retain all the original factory finishes. The car starts on-the-button and sounds fantastic with a raspy exhaust note, the clutch pickup is precise and the gears select without issue.

It's offered with the original book pack, tool kit, jack, spare wheel, V5 showing two keepers (husband and wife), and a history folder with invoices summarising all the recent works. With some further recommissioning this could be a very rewarding and straightforward project and with its classic 1980"s razor-sharp styling, exhilarating performance, and room for passengers, the Mondial looks like excellent value.