The Mondial Cabriolet was the first rag-top Ferrari since the Daytona, and it was introduced seven years after the coupe version. That was a long waiting time.
The Italian carmaker didn't rush to cut the roof of the Mondial. First, it introduced the coupe with a 3.0-liter. Three years later, after many complaints from its customers, that engine was upgraded to a four-valves per cylinder engine that finally made it moves faster. In 1985, the Prancing Horse brand introduced the 3.2-liter engine and the open-top version. Only 810 Mondial 3.2-cabriolet were produced.
Ferrari was already a respected brand in the supercar world and, thanks to its Formula One involvement, was worldwide known. Its beltline was unusually low, and its windshield unusually steps and tall for the car's size. At the front, the car kept the pop-up headlights that, when retracted, made the vehicle looks very stylish and streamlined. On its sides, behind the doors, the design team installed the air-intakes to cool the engine and soon become another specific element for the Italian brand.
Inside, Ferrari installed four seats. Thanks to its rear-engine construction, the Mondial featured enough room behind the rear seats to store the canvas top. But it was difficult to call the Mondial Cabriolet a true four-seater, since there was little legroom behind the front seats. At least, the carmaker garnished the convertible with luxurious amenities.
Under the hood, Ferrari installed a 3.2-liter V-8 paired to a five-speed manual gearbox. The new powerplant was an upgraded version of the quatro valvole, 1982 unit. It offered a higher power and lower fuel consumption.