Black 1988 Ferrari 3.2 Mondial Coupe

A black 1988 Ferrari 3.2 Mondial Coupe, one of 987 3.2 Mondial Coupes built, arriving at and leaving the 2023 San Marino Motor Classic at Lacy Park.

Tell someone you own a Ferrari and you might see their eyes light up. Tell them it's a Mondial, and you may catch a glimpse of disappointment in those same eyes. For better or for worse, the Mondial is often considered one of the least desirable Ferraris today. Combining a mid-engined layout with 2+2 seating meant a somewhat awkward profile and incredibly cramped rear seats. The car isn't ugly, but it's also not as attractive as a contemporary 308/328 (with which it shares many mechanical components.) Added weight for the rear seats means compromised performance, and you'll still have to worry about all the reliability issues common with supercars of this era.

With that said, the Mondial is still a mid-engined V8-powered Ferrari. And thanks to its low desirability among enthusiasts, it's also one of the most affordable classic Ferraris you can buy today, with higher-mileage examples trading hands for around $30,000. And while it may not appreciate in value as quickly as more coveted models, chances are it will still be a reasonably good investment over time. So if you're eager to get your hands on an affordable and fun old Ferrari, and you're not afraid of ongoing repair/maintenance costs, the Mondial may be an excellent starting point.

Do you think Ferrari should build another rear-mid-engined 2+2 supercar? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!