The Mondial had a rough start if considered from the perspective of Ferrari enthusiasts, who dissed the 2+2 V8 car from the beginning. But its sales performance wasn’t bad over its twelve-year production period – in excess of 6000 examples – as its family-friendly layout and grand touring comfort drew in non-Ferrari buyers. Made in four generations starting in 1980 with distinct differences among each, the Mondial might appeal less to lovers of 1960s cars than it will to the next generation of enthusiasts. Here at ER Classics in Waalwijk, The Netherlands is this 1985 Ferrari Mondial Quattrovalvole at an asking price of €69,950. A white-on-white color scheme in near-perfect condition, with 31,037 km from new, and at least one long ownership stint makes this example stand out.  Thanks to Araknid78 for yet another exotic tip!

One knock on the first Mondial, launched in 1980, was its rear-mounted 214 hp 2.9 liter fuel-injected V8 motor. While those of us dinking around with British cars in the 1980s would have been over the moon about an 8.2 second time to 60 mph, that didn’t cut it with the Ferrari crowd. Of course, they didn’t love the 308 GT4 either. But sometimes a new model isn’t about satisfying people who are already devoted to your cars; it’s about gaining new customers. Still, Ferrari acquiesced, and the next Mondial arrived in 1982 with four valves per cylinder and 240 hp. Zero to sixty time improved to 6.4 seconds. The transmission housing is cast into the engine sump albeit with its own oil supply, and offers five gears with first gear to the far left and back. This engine bay presents scope for improvement; repainting that engine cover will really make it pop.

The white-on-white color combination is quite rare, according to the dealer-seller. It feels like a car Liberace might have driven, and there’s nothing charming about the blocky dash. Such styling is echoed repeatedly in 1980s cars, though. Anyone know what car this is, with its similar rectangular dash design? This Mondial comes with air conditioning and power windows, and the original manuals are present.

The forward trunk holds the spare – still restrained by its original leather strap. A tiny trunk is also located to the rear of the engine bay – about enough for a weekend bag. The Pininfarina design changed very little from year to year; most of the changes were in the motor, and later, when the “T” arrived, the transmission. These earlier cars are easier to work on, if you are brave enough to tackle a Ferrari, though parts are becoming scarce. The “T”, while more powerful, must have its engine removed for the dreaded timing belt service. If the Mondial is on your bucket list, you’re in luck because on any day of the week, you will be able to find several for sale. Prices for good quality Quattrovalvoles are in the $45k area and generally have been on the rise. This car’s premium is based partially on condition, partially on originality, and partially on the ownership history. What do you think, are those factors worth an extra $30k?