Ferrari Mondial T Cabriolet (1991)

The final Mondial evolution was launched in 1989 as the Mondial T (available as a Coupe or Cabriolet). It was a substantially changed model that, "spearheaded a new generation of V8 Ferraris", according to Road & Track magazine. It was visually different from preceding Mondial models, the most recognisable being the redesign of the air intakes to a smaller, neater rectangular shape. Additionally, the door-handles were of a visually different design and the bumpers became body coloured.

The 'T' called attention to the car's new engine/transmission layout: the previously-transverse engine was now mounted longitudinally whilst the gearbox remained transverse, thus forming a 'T'. By adopting this layout, a longer engine could be mounted lower in the chassis, improving handling dramatically. The 'T' configuration was used by Ferrari's Formula One cars of the 1980s, and would be the standard for the marque's future mid-engined V8 cars, beginning with the 348, introduced later in the year. The transverse manual gearbox was fitted with a Limited Slip Differential with a twin-plate clutch design with bevelled gears driving the wheels. The engine was now controlled by Bosch Motronic DME 2.5 (later DME 2.7) electronic engine management that integrated EFI and ignition control into a single computer unit. Two of these were used in the car: one for each bank of the engine. Engine lubrication was upgraded to a dry-sump system.

Despite over a decade in production, with consistent updates throughout, the Mondial's final models weighed less than its earlier models; typically, updates to a long production run add significant mass to a particular model. The company has not produced a mid-engined 2+2 car since then, leaving the 2+2 configuration to the more classic front-engined design starting with the 456 in 1992. As of 2013, the V12 FF along with the V8 California are the company's only 4-seat vehicle offerings, but both of these are front engined, leaving the Mondial T as the most modern 4-seat, mid-engined, Ferrari yet produced. Just 53 examples were delivered to the UK in RHD.

This exceptional manual Mondial T Cabriolet has remarkably covered less than 13,380 miles since its delivery in 1991. The car was supplied by Maranello Sales Ltd on the 31st May 1991 to a Mr Aggad of Englefield Green near Egham. The car today is presented in its stunning original delivery specification of Blue Sera with Castoro Leather interior. The car was also equipped with adjustable suspension and air-conditioning. Mr Aggad kept the car until 2002 at which point it was sold to the second owner (please note Mr Aggad transferred he car into his company's care in 1995, but the car was still registered at the same address). Then in 2013 the car was sourced by DK Engineering for a very good client who wanted the best specification and condition Mondial T Cabriolet that could be found in RHD so that he could enjoy the car with his children; this was the car that DK found.

Despite its extremely low mileage, this Mondial has always been extremely well maintained with no less than eight services over the years by Maranello (with one specialist in the middle) and two services by DK with a Major Service in October 2013 and a service again in early 2015. The car is accompanied by all of its original books and leather wallet as well as the past service bills and MOTs as detailed above that help to validate, aside from the vehicles superb condition, the genuine low mileage. With just 3 private owners from new, the perfect colour combination, low mileage and superb cosmetic and mechanical condition this Mondial must represent the best convertible four seater classic Ferrari available for sale in the UK at this time.