1985
FERRARI 3.2 MONDIAL
The new 3.2 version of the Mondial offered a more powerful and flexible V8 that significantly improved the car’s performance. New, more efficient and elegant light clusters, a more ergonomic interior and better fit and finish completed the profile of this 2+2. It was comfortable and spacious, and offered excellent visibility for a car in its category.
THE BODY
The bodies were mounted on a 2400mm wheelbase chassis that had factory reference numbers 563, and then 563/66, all were numbered in the odd chassis number road car sequence. The construction was along the same basic lines as that of the previous models, but with a tapering rear main tube section, due to the revised transmission and rear suspension assembly. The model was available in right or left hand drive form. The standard wheels were alloy of two different patterns, a “starbust” design on early cars, and a simple elegant ten hole design on later “long nose” cars, with the option of Borrani wire wheels throughout the production period.
The multi-purpose Ferrari you thought was never possible, existed through the 275 GTB. True admirers of Ferrari, driving and racing would appreciate the feeling of where the V-12 engine could take one. from the Circuit de Monaco to unplanned twilight summer evening beachside adventures. No matter where the drive, one thought always remains on the driver’s mind, freedom at speed.
the engine
The engine was an increased capacity derivation of the single overhead camshaft per bank V12 colombo designed “short” block unit, with factory type reference 213, of 3286cc capacity, with a bore and stroke of 77mm x 58.8mm. It was fitted with a bank of either three twin choke Weber 40 DCZ/6 or 40 DFI/1 carburettors, or the optional six Weber 40 DCN3 assembly, with a twin coil and rear of engine mounted distributors ignition system, to produce a claimed 280bhp.
The engine drove through a shaft running at engine speed to a five speed transaxle which was independently supported from the chassis frame, and then by drive shafts to the independently suspended rear wheels, with wishbones, coil spring and hydraulic shock absorbers to each wheel. Initially the engine had four mounting points and the transaxle three, with sliding joints on the drive shaft between them. However, this proved difficult to maintain in alignment, and after trials, the final derivation was to adopt twin engine and transaxle mounting points with the drive shaft running within a solid tube connecting the two, making the engine and transaxle a rigid unit.
FERRARI 275 GTB/C SPECIALE
Only 3 of these short-noise 275 GTB models known as “275 GTB/C” came with an aluminium body, with racing suspension and six Weber carburettors. It was unfortunately unable to be entered into the GT class given its extreme light-weightedness. Although still holds one of the fastest finishes in Le Mans as a front-engine car.
These were the cars made for those not entering the race to come second. Described as one of the most sophisticated of its time, beautifully proportioned and lightweight, you can only imagine how the 3 lucky owners of these cars must feel taking to the road.
FERRARI FAST FACTS
Between 1982-1985 3042 of these model’s were produced.
Given the greater number of Ferrari 308 Quattrovalvole’s made and slower top speed relative to other Ferrari’s made, it sells for US $60k-190k.
A sibling car to the GTS released in the same year at the Paris Salon (1982), the 308 GTB Quattrovalvole is offered for around US $150k.
The top speed was recorded at 255km/h.
specifications
engine
Type
rear, transverse, 90° V8
Bore/stroke
83 x 73.6 mm
Unitary displacement
398,22 cc
Total displacement
3185.76 cc
Compression ratio
9.8 : 1
Maximum power
199 kW (270 hp) at 7000 rpm
Power per litre
85 hp/l
Maximum torque
304 Nm (31 kgm) at 5500 rpm
Valve actuation
twin overhead camshafts per bank, four valves per cylinder
Fuel feed
Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical injection
Ignition
Marelli Microplex electronic, single spark plug per cylinder
Lubrication
wet sump
Clutch
single-plate
Chassis
Frame
tubular steel
Front suspension
independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs over telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension
independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs over telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Brakes
discs
Transmission
5-speed + reverse
Steering
rack-and-pinion
Fuel tank
capacity 80 litres
Front tyres
205/55 VR 16
Rear tyres
225/55 VR 16
bodywork
Type
2+2 coupé
Length
4535mm
Width
1795mm
Height
1235 mm
Wheelbase
2650 mm
Front track
1520 mm
Rear track
1510 mm
Weight
1410 kg (dry)
Performance
Top speed
250 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h
7.4 sec
0-400 m
14.6 sec
0-1000 m
27.2 sec
