One to Buy: 1 of 12 in Giallo Modena 58,000km 1990 Ferrari Mondial t Cabriolet
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As the fourth generation Mondial would be the last, and therefore a limited programme of updates could have been forgiven, Ferrari actually came up with the most extensive refresh yet for its long running mid-engined 2+2.
In addition to an engine enlarged from 3.2 to 3.4-litres, the new Mondial t had the orientation of its powertrain reversed with the engine rotated from a transverse to longitudinal position and the gearbox switched around in the opposite fashion. The reason for this not insignificant change was to enable installation of the engine some 13cm lower in the chassis which resulted in superior weight distribution and thus improved handling characteristics.
Introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1989, the Mondial t was offered in Coupe and Cabriolet body styles. It joined a Ferrari line up that included the Flat 12-engined Testarossa and the limited production F40 which ran a twin turbocharged V8. For a few months, the Mondial t was also sold alongside the 328 GTB / GTS until the 348 tb / ts arrived in September of ‘89.
In addition to the aforementioned mechanical updates, this final iteration of the Mondial theme ushered in an array of cosmetic tweaks to freshen up the appearance. Power steering and electronically adjustable dampers were also added. Towards the end of production, Ferrari even introduced the option of a Valeo manually-operated clutch-less gearbox.
During the Mondial t’s lifetime, Ferrari customers were still largely obsessed with having their cars configured in traditional Rosso Corsa with just a small minority of buyers opting for one of the many alternative shades that often better suited Pininfarina’s designs. However, an Italian buyer that went against convention was the first owner of chassis ZFFKC33B000086078, a 1990 Mondial t Cabriolet, which will be going under the hammer during Artcurial’s sale in Paris on October 25th.
One of just twelve Mondial t Cabriolets painted Giallo Modena, chassis ‘86078’ was supplied by the renowned Ferrari dealership, Sa.Mo.Car SpA in Rome, and registered on September 27th 1990 to its local first owner with whom it remained until 2021. During that time, the car was serviced exclusively by Sa.Mo.Car. Since 2021, chassis ‘86078’ has resided in the hands of two further Italian custodians, both of whom have kept up the car’s frequent maintenance.
This unusually configured Mondial t heads to auction showing a little over 58,000km on the odometer. The most recent service was carried out by official Ferrari main agent, Maranello Service in Cremona, during September 2026 when the timing belts and fuel pumps were both replaced. Prior to that, the air-conditioning system was overhauled and new tyres fitted.
Offered in unrestored, accident-free condition, chassis ‘86078’ is accompanied by its original book pack, tool kit, Schedoni luggage, spare keys, a substantial history file and even the original Rome number plates.
