You Won't Believe What Happened to This Iconic Ferrari Mondial In LA
Stumbling upon half a Ferrari Mondial inside a Los Angeles garage is a sight one doesn't forget easily. This peculiar discovery has not just raised eyebrows but also piqued curiosity about its backstory. What could possibly have led to such an unusual fate for this iconic Italian sports car?
The Ferrari Mondial: A Brief History
The vehicle in question is a Ferrari Mondial, a sports car that originally rolled off Maranello's production line in 1981. Known for its 2+2 seating configuration, this model holds a special place in Ferrari's lineup as the only four-seat, mid-engined convertible ever built. Despite its unique features, the Mondial was never a darling of the Ferrari community.
Sporting a 179-lb-ft torque-generating V8 engine derived from the Ferrari Dino 308 GT4, the Mondial struggled to achieve the performance and aesthetic expectations set by its marque. Factors like its arguably awkward design, excessive weight due to the additional seats, and a comparatively underwhelming power output made it one of the least celebrated Ferraris, though still a classic.
The Fascinating Transformation
This half-Ferrari Mondial is not a mere mockup or toy. It retains authentic features from its past life, such as the original driver's seat and a rear seat. Intriguingly, the car has been modified to include gaming features. A tablet-like screen and a PS2 gaming console occupy what should have been the rear of the vehicle. These modifications come complete with a Ferrari key starting igniting the setup, a nostalgic nod to its high-performance roots.
Such a curious piece was once listed on Craiglist at $8,000, later discounted to $7,500, and eventually found a buyer. The listing confirmed that a DVD player and all entertainment features were functional through the car's ignition. Despite losing its engine's iconic roar, this half-Mondial continues to captivate in other ways.
The Stories Behind the Half-Ferrari
Several fascinating stories surround this half-sliced Mondial. One recounts how a Ferrari dealer chopped it up in his showroom to serve as an entertainment piece for visiting families. Besides children, even adult patrons found the setup amusing and engaging.
Another tale suggests this car met its drastic fate on a film set. In a nod to 1980s car-culture cinema, some believe it was cut for use in one of the famous Cannonball Run movies. Director Hal Needham reportedly preferred dissecting a real Ferrari for a stunt rather than opting for a mockup, a testimony to the authenticity demanded in filmmaking at the time.
The Divorced Ferrari
A humorous anecdote circulating is that this half-Ferrari once belonged to a divorced couple, with the wife receiving half of everything—including the car. While entertaining, the authenticity of this story remains unverified. Nevertheless, it adds yet another layer to the lore of this sliced beauty.
The Mondial's Market Position
Today, the Ferrari Mondial remains one of the most affordable classic Ferraris, fetching prices as low as $38,000, while the most expensive models go up to $62,000. Though it never won a beauty pageant or achieved unparalleled performance, it still holds its classic appeal. Between 1980 and 1982, just 703 examples were manufactured, with several variants following after production halted.
Surviving the Slice
Interestingly, many catastrophically damaged Ferraris have staged surprising comebacks. For instance, a Ferrari Enzo once totaled during a 190 mph crash was restored and sold at an astonishing $1.76 million. These stories illustrate how high the intrinsic value of Ferraris remains, often leading to their revival against all odds.
Despite its fragmented state, this half-Mondial is a 1981 model with a clean Carfax report—surviving as a collector's curiosity. Its peculiar tale not only adds to the rich tapestry of automotive history but also serves as a conversation starter for years to come.
