Ferrari’s Mondial, which was introduced in 1980, had always been a car for those who had to have it all. It was uncompromising in the respect that it coupled a mid-engine V-8 with space for four passengers, and it was versatile enough to be driven in anger on a race track or lovingly to and from the office on a daily basis. The Mondial saw several updates throughout its production run, with the final and most desirable variant being the Mondial T. The “T” in its name represents its transverse gearbox and longitudinal engine layout, which was a change that allowed the drivetrain to be lowered by 13 centimetres, bringing about much-improved road-holding and -handling.

Of course, this would not be the only change to the Mondial, and Ferrari’s engineers had much more up their sleeves. Its engine capacity was increased to 3.4 litres, which raised horsepower to 300. Power steering was installed for easier drivability, along with electronically controlled shock absorbers, and ABS was installed for additional peace of mind. From 1989 to 1993, just 858 examples of the Mondial T Coupé were produced, making it rarer than the Mondial T Cabriolet.

Ferrari also produced a handful of Mondials in collaboration with the French automotive company Valeo, and these featured a unique transmission system. The Valeo cars still utilised a five-speed transaxle, but they were fitted with no clutch pedal, as the clutch was operated by an electro-mechanical actuator. This system was capable of engaging and disengaging the clutch in 0.02 seconds, and it was originally developed for use by Lancia’s rally team in the Delta Integrale, allowing their drivers to use one foot for the gas and one foot for the brake at all times. All the driver needed to do was simply lift off the gas, downshift or upshift as needed, and get back on the gas. This unique system is said to be extremely reliable, and it was produced for both Mondial coupés and cabriolets. Valeo also produced a similar gearbox for a one-off F40 for Gianni Agnelli.

It would not be a stretch to describe chassis number 96102, the 1993 Mondial T Coupé Valeo presented here, as showroom fresh. It is finished in the ever desirable colour scheme of Rosso Corsa over a beige leather interior, and it was delivered new to its current Swiss owner through Garage Foitek in Zürich on 10 August 1993, according to its factory warranty card. Its odometer currently shows 3,037 kilometres, which is incredibly low mileage for a car of its type. The exterior shows wonderfully, and the leather interior shows virtually no signs of use. The car is accompanied by all of its requisite books and a complete factory tool kit, which is missing none of its tools or fuses.

Since the model was first introduced over 30 years ago, the Mondial has always had a fervent following from enthusiasts looking for a mid-engine sports car that the whole family can enjoy. As the Mondial T is the last in the series and has benefitted from numerous lessons learned over 13 years of continuous production, it has always been considered the best variant of the model. Coupés featuring single ownership and low mileage are nearly impossible to find in today’s market, and a pristine example such as the one on offer is an opportunity not to be missed.