[cgt]

I know this is a very rare car, but does anyone have any real world experience of running one of these over a period of time. Currently pondering one of these as well as a Maserati 4200 and a Porsche.

Would be nice to have two F cars in the garage but really not sure about the reliability or otherwise of this car.

Also, is the roof on a 1993 Mondial (one of the last) power operated or manual? Does anybody have photos of the mechanism?

Thanks guys

[archiegibbs]

Do you need the rear seats? If not, why not consider a 308 GTS, you can pick up some great bargains at present.

[Gcalo]

From what I understand the Valeo was the forerunner of the F1 transmission.

It is supposedly a reliable gearbox but there are so few around it's hard to know for sure.

You may want to take a look at this: http://www.automobilesdeluxe.tv/pran...ari-mondial-t/

As with any Ferrari examining the car will tell you in advance what what you may be confronted.

[cgt]

Originally Posted by archiegibbs

Do you need the rear seats? If not, why not consider a 308 GTS, you can pick up some great bargains at present.

Would love to, another friend of mine made exactly the same suggestion, but sadly I am too tall and feet are too big to fit in a 308

[cgt]

Originally Posted by Gcalo

From what I understand the Valeo was the forerunner of the F1 transmission.

It is supposedly a reliable gearbox but there are so few around it's hard to know for sure.

You may want to take a look at this: http://www.automobilesdeluxe.tv/pran...ari-mondial-t/

As with any Ferrari examining the car will tell you in advance what what you may be confronted.

Many thanks for the link.

[Boxer]

If you want a Ferrari with the Valeo clutch, track down Angelini's old F40.

Seriously, so few were made and it was so long ago, if you have any mechanical problems, not sure you wold be able to find anyone to fix it or the parts.

[Granucci]

Originally Posted by cgt

I know this is a very rare car, but does anyone have any real world experience of running one of these over a period of time. Currently pondering one of these as well as a Maserati 4200 and a Porsche.

Would be nice to have two F cars in the garage but really not sure about the reliability or otherwise of this car.

Thanks guys

TOP GEAR's Video Review of the VALEO: http://www.ferrarimondial.net/2009/0...w-on-top-gear/


I have talked with two owners of the Valeo and they swear by it: Rock.

Only probs I've heard were you CAN do more seemless shifts [too easy, less driver involvement], it can do fast, burn out like starts, and if you haven't the correct gear, it'll let you know: especially when you come to a stop and were, say, in > 2nd gear.

It is fairly fast or as fast as needed for the 348/Mondial setup.

there is no clutch ped, just gas and brake. You let up on the gas like you were shifting, and as soon as you touch the standard looking shifter, it disengages the gear/clutch[? not all sure on mechanics here] and you shift and then gas back as you would to meet the selected gear: sylized of course for up vs down shifting.

One owner has a red/tan cabriolet, and the other a coup, whch I thought would be extreemly rare.

They are newer than most T's so, the long term repairs and such are perhaps still a mystery.

I believe they would be a great car for a collector as I believe they not only are very rare, but did, as said, became the forerunner of the first F1 style shifter in a mass produced Ferrari...then again, the Ts had a lot of firsts. They used the same transmission, it's just the engagement of the clutch that was different. I've been also told the Valeos system has a sort of memory on it that can be downloaded but not sure.

When shifting, if you haven't tried them, they are almost similar to the tiptronics in Porsches, but way better than the VW ones: so I've been told.

Also, there is one, exclussive F40 fitted with the Valeo: One of for a very special Ferrari customer.

Only a dealership probably know how to service the item, but the tranny should be the same only the electrical shifting portion is needing replacement and that's sort of a plug and play thing from what I see.

They were about a $10-12k option IIRC and the part for the harness replacement = $2k. I'm sure RICAMBI has more info as they probalby have serviced some for parts but from what I've heard, I'll bet Daniel would special order such a high priced inventory part, and has little call for such.

I have been asking for years of the number produced, and a seperate listing in, say, Cavallino for their price [they list F1 355s apart], but not done because I believe no one truly has researched or knows: They command a premium at any sale....if you find one, test drive it for sure.

Also, is the roof on a 1993 Mondial (one of the last) power operated or manual? Does anybody have photos of the mechanism?

MAN you DO want it really easy

it's manual, and my shots of it are blurry. IT can be, um, challenging...just make sure the retracting arms are free, that one tricky cross bar-member is folded back correclty, and it should just slap right down. It's the UP that's a by@tch...
I've done it by my self numerous times, but it can be a workout as it gets REAL tight to try and lock it down. SOME, not I [I'm dumb like that] loosen the VERY WEAK clamps then retighten just before lock down...too much work.

There are aftermarket stronger clamps for the top, made of SS and much better than original clamps which everyone, if they've had the car long enough or play with the top enough, wind up breaking one....not a big deal....

My top is almost always down...Just starting to let it up while driving in the rain, but NOW I need a new A-Pillar, or cowling seal...not too expensive, but mine has gotten a bit compressed and stiffer causing some leakage near the corner front, top.

[Granucci]

I would sure like to get some more direct input from an owner.

I believe this Valeo would be very nice to own.....my hips on the off-set shifting are getting a bit worn unlike the more in-line pedals of the 456.

anyone?

[Granucci]

I don't know why, but every time I see a Chiaro/tan combo I go 'MAN!!'

This example is a Valeo system, and has everything going for it to include being in AZ/Dry climate.

At $36,000, honest to Betsy, I only wish I had the extra change at the moment as I feel THIS IS A STEAL.

man. That's about the going price for a well kept earlier T and NO Valeo.

[wetpet]

why do you think it is worth 36k.

[Granucci]

I just knew it would open up that debate, so here goes:

- Mondial T, cabriolets, expecially late modes in good order at selling $35+-50k. I know those that are not buying them will argue that is nonsense, but the numbers hold

- I would spring for that rather nice combo, but do know it's not everyone's taste.

- it's a Valeo. We can debate that one, but Ferrari's first real production attempt into the almost F1-style intro, is worth some mention. It is a good autoshifter. From all I've spoken who own the car it is that good. Same transmission, must a mechanical shifter that engages for you on the stick touch.

I know the regular 2-seater set will state a 3x8 is perhaps worth that, and we know they hold prices, but 'as those types would say' would would pay good money for a Mondial or any other four-seater

To those I say. There is a Ferrari for everyone and they get what the market handles...of course.

I also know many older Mondials that still [don't get it for me] get near the 30 mark....

The T is a much better example IMO, albeit the extra maintenance costs are high.