30k-Mile 1981 Ferrari Mondial 8 Coupe

Description

The 1981 Ferrari Mondial 8 marked Ferrari’s first mid-engined V8 coupe designed with practicality in mind, offering seating for four and a more refined driving experience than its predecessors. Introduced as a successor to the 308 GT4, the Mondial 8 featured a 2.9-liter V8 engine paired with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, delivering smoother performance and improved emissions compliance. While its styling by Pininfarina was more understated than other Ferraris of the era, the Mondial 8 remains a distinctive and rare entry in Ferrari’s lineage that’s seen increase in collectability in recent years.

This 1981 Ferrari Mondial 8, originally finished in gray over brown leather, now wears black paint and red leather upholstery following cosmetic updates by a previous owner. Showing 30,800 miles, the car is powered by a 2.9-liter V8 mated to a five-speed manual transmission. It rides on 17x7.5 Compomotive wheels wrapped in 225/45 Pirelli PZero tires, replacing the original metric-sized wheels to accommodate more readily available rubber.

Highlights 

• 30,800 indicated miles (corroborated by Carfax report)

• Powered by a mid-mounted 2.9-liter V8 engine with Bosch fuel injection paired with a five-speed manual transmission 

• Refinished in black paint (originally gray) over red leather interior (originally brown) 

• Clean Carfax Vehicle History Report 

• The chassis number (ZFFAD08A5B0037443) decodes as: (<1981) 

  • World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI): ZFF 

    • Z – Italy (country of origin) 

    • F – Ferrari (manufacturer) 

    • F – Passenger car 

  • Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS): AD08A5 

    • A – Mondial 8 model 

    • D – Coupe body style 

    • 08 – 2.9L V8 engine (F106B) 

    • A – Manual seat belts (restraint system) 

    • 5 – Check digit (used to validate the VIN) 

  • Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS): B0037443 

    • B – Model year 1981 

    • 0 – Assembly plant (Maranello, Italy) 

    • 037443 – Serial number (unique production number) 

Features 

• Silver 17x7.5 Compomotive alloy wheels wrapped in 225/45 Pirelli P Zero tires 

• Veglia gauges including 180 mph speedometer and 8,000 rpm tachometer 

• Red leather seats with repaired tears in driver’s seat 

• Upgrades and Maintenance: 

• Timing reportedly belts replaced ~800 miles ago 

• Radio replaced (original unit included) 

• Four-wheel alignment performed 

• Spark plugs and wires replaced 

• Clutch slave cylinder repaired 

• Brake system flushed 

Known Imperfections 

• Sunroof disconnected (previous owned claimed it scratched the paint when actuating) 

• Air conditioning inoperable (previous owner disconnected, though the pump remains) 

• Manual trunk and engine bay release cables (electronic openers inoperative) 

• Tires have flat spots due to previous storage (causing vibration above ~50 mph) 

• Dent near front of driver’s door due to broken door restraint 

• Wiper switch works (detents are less clear than they should be) 

• Automatic antenna removed prior to current ownership 

• Imperfections in paint congruent with road use 

• Oil leak suspected from valve cover 

• Sunroof liner is delaminating 

• No spare tire 

Included 

• Manual release cables for trunk and engine bay 

• Ferrari owner’s manual 

• Original radio 

Ownership History

The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places this 1981 Ferrari Mondial 8 in State College, Pennsylvania. The seller acquired this Mondial 8 approximately seven years ago after it had been sitting for several years. Since then, the car has received mechanical attention and cosmetic updates. The seller notes, “It’s been a rewarding project and a joy to drive. The mileage is original, and the car has been steadily improved over time.”