Ferrari introduced the Mondial 8 in coupe form at the Geneva Auto Show in March 1980, though production did not start until 1981. Mondial (which means “world” in Italian) had been employed previously by the marque and was used this time to honor Ferrari’s four-cylinder sports racing cars of the 1950’s. The Mondial was the follow-up to the 308 GT4 designed by Bertone. As was more typical of Ferrari, Pininfarina again penned the design. Power was supplied by the same four-cam transverse-mounted 2927-cc V-8 used in the 308 GT4 predecessor.

The interior was fitted with British Connolly leather. This marked the first use of a leather-wrapped steering wheel that was adjustable for both reach and rake. Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injection was introduced in 1981 and one year later, the model designation included the Quattrovalve moniker (referring to the addition of four-valves-per-cylinder) bumping horsepower from 205 to 230. In 1983, the Cabriolet joined the lineup – Ferrari’s first true convertible since the Daytona Spyder. At the time it was considered a marvel of engineering as Ferrari engineers managed to fit a convertible top, 2+2 seating, and a mid-engine drivetrain all within a compact 183 inches. About 629 Cabriolets were built from 1983-1985. Engine size was again bumped up for 1985 to 3185-cc and a better spark was provided by Marelli Multiplex electronic ignition replacing the former Digiplex system.

This Ferrari presents nicely in red exterior with tan leather interior and black convertible top. Its odometer shows little more than 33,600 kilometers. It is equipped with Michelin TRX tires, a five-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, and power windows. It was acquired by the Cayman Motor Museum in the mid 1990’s and had been a cherished display ever since.