The final version came in 1989 as the Mondial t, available in both coupe and cabriolet models, bringing substantial changes, especially in the powertrain department.
Visually, the Ferrari Mondial t came with redesigned air intakes, bumpers as well as a bit more flared fenders, giving away a slightly bigger track. Inside it got new seats, a redesigned center console, revised dashboard and door cards. The t was also coming standard with ABS and power steering. A three-way adjustable electronically controlled suspension was also on the list.

Wondering what’s that “t” in the Mondial’s name? Well, it has to do with the new engine and transmission configuration. Unlike the previous generation, which had a transverse mounted engine, the Mondial t housed a longitudinally 3.4 V8 mounted to a transverse 5-speed gearbox, thus creating a T. This configuration was also used on Ferrari Formula 1 cars throughout the 80s.

A semi-automatic transmission named Valeo was added as an optional later which eliminated the need of a clutch pedal. Gear changes were done manually via a gearlever but the clutch would engage and disengage automatically. It’s not much of a difference, performance wise, but it was sparing the driver the “hassle” of handling a clutch.

A total of 1,010 units were produced, out of which 51 were configured in right-hand drive.

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.

Ferrari unveiled the Mondial Quattrovalvole Cabriolet in 1983, and it was the only four-seat convertible with a mid-engine on the market.
Ferrari was no longer considered only a sports car. It already became a status vehicle, which was luxurious and sporty alike. Even though it shared its engine with the 308, it couldn’t match its sibling in terms of performance around a track. Thanks to the introduction of the open-top version, the Mondial became more popular in the U.S., where there was a high demand for performance convertibles, and other carmakers offered only T-top versions for their sports cars.

The Mondial Quattrovalvole featured the same front part as its coupe sibling. Its pop-up headlights followed the early ’80s trend, and its integrated black rubber bumper was continued on the bottom by an apron meant to reduce drag. The design team managed to completely hide the fabric roof under a cover behind the rear seats.

Inside, Ferrari installed a leather-clad interior with similar details as the coupe. Yet, the rear seats were mounted closely due to the roof opening system. But usually, those two seats were seldom or never used for transporting people, but they made an excellent storage area for shopping.

Under the hood, the Italian engineers installed an upgraded 2.9-liter engine with four valves per cylinder (hence the Quattrovalvole). They paired it with the same five-speed manual gearbox. Only 629 units were made, transforming the Mondial QV Convertible into one of the rarest Mondials ever.