Description

The Ferrari Mondial 3.2 Cabriolet was introduced in 1985 alongside the coupe version, offering open-top motoring in Ferrari’s mid-engined 2+2 range. It replaced the Mondial Quattrovalvole Cabriolet and brought a host of improvements in performance, refinement, and build quality, making it one of the most well-rounded Ferraris of the 1980s for those who valued both practicality and driving enjoyment.

Power came from the 3,185 cc V8 engine, shared with the Ferrari 328, featuring four valves per cylinder, Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, and Marelli Microplex electronic ignition. In European specification, the engine produced around 270 horsepower, while U.S. versions delivered about 260 horsepower. This increase in output over the previous Quattrovalvole significantly improved performance, with 0 to 100 km/h achieved in roughly 6.8 seconds and a top speed of about 250 km/h. The power was delivered through a five-speed manual gearbox with Ferrari’s signature open-gated shifter, providing the crisp and mechanical feel enthusiasts expected.

Pininfarina’s design for the 3.2 Cabriolet retained the clean wedge lines of the Mondial series but introduced refinements to modernize its appearance. Body-colored front and rear bumpers replaced the black units of earlier models, and subtle changes to the grille and exterior trim gave the car a more integrated and upscale look. The manually operated folding soft top was designed to be neatly stowed under a cover when lowered, preserving the car’s sleek profile.

Inside, the Cabriolet benefitted from improved materials, better switchgear, and more ergonomic controls compared to earlier Mondials. The leather-trimmed cabin offered seating for four, with the rear seats most suitable for shorter journeys or smaller passengers. The open-top configuration allowed for an immersive driving experience, with the soundtrack of the mid-mounted V8 filling the cabin.

The Mondial 3.2 Cabriolet combined the versatility of a 2+2 seating layout with the appeal of open-air driving, making it a practical choice for long-distance touring as well as spirited weekend drives. The mid-engine layout, long wheelbase, and fully independent suspension delivered balanced handling, while ventilated disc brakes provided strong stopping power.

Produced until 1989, the Mondial 3.2 Cabriolet proved especially popular in markets such as North America, where convertible Ferraris were in high demand. Today, it is appreciated for its blend of usability, reliability, and classic 1980s Ferrari character, often seen as one of the most enjoyable and approachable ways to experience open-top driving from Maranello’s V8 lineup.