1988 Pontiac Fiero GT Convertible
"It's been called one of the most innovative American cars ever. Its unique duraflex body panels resist minor dents and will never rust. Introducing Pontiac Fiero. America's first mid-engine production car. Fiero, a brilliant example of Pontiac innovation in action. Fiero. Only from Pontiac. We Build Excitement. Pontiac.". That's the script from the first Fiero television commercial in 1984 which shows a little red Fiero whipping around canyon roads with a smiling driver. With various models and changes over the years, the Fiero was produced until 1988.
For consignment, a 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT convertible, with some customizations to emulate a Ferrari 355 Spider. Remember, Fiero was never offered as a convertible, but some Ferrari's were. As a mid-engine platformed car, the Fiero is commonly used to create tributes to Ferraris and other exotic cars.
Exterior
Pearl White is a tasteful choice, as most tributes are red and yellow and it adds a touch of realism to the alterations which start with the well done front fascia and in this case, no prancing horse has been added. Hood vents, engine vents, and side scoops add to the illusion and 15-inch Motegi wheels are a fitting addition. The GT's black tail light panel resembles the shape and contrast of the 355 while the tan canvas roof creates sporty flying buttresses and a flat top which can be removed targa style or the whole thing dropped or a spider profile. The black side molding has been color keyed with the body as have the side mirrors. The quad exhaust do not veer from Fiero GT configuration and fit well with this tribute. Imperfections include scrapes under the chin, chipping paint at the cladding seam, and various paint runs, chips, and cracks.
Interior
Saddle is a nice contrast to the white and starts on the standard Fiero doors with plastic panels and a carpeted lower. The tall buckets seats are sporty, and both show some age with the driver's seat presenting with patina creases and light cracking of the leather. A sporty Isotta steering wheel sets the pace with a top woodgrain feature, and this translates to the dash, center stack, center console, and right dash which all feature faux burlwood applique. The shifter also has a faux burl wood handle and while not typically a Ferrari feature, it does bring the otherwise plastic paneled Fiero interior up a notch with glossy woodgrain coverage. The gauges, radio, A/C controls and switchgear are all Fiero. A weathered and rather ill fitting storage bin rises vertically between the seats and tan loop carpet covers the floor.
Drivetrain
Lifting the trunk lid reveals a small storage area and the mid mounted 2.8 liter supercharged V6, fuel injected and tied to a TH125 3-speed automatic transmission keeping power at the back with 3.33 gears. The brakes are power assisted and are configured as disc in front and drums in the rear.
Undercarriage
Relatively clean, drive quality underneath with some surface rust but nothing alarming in any respect. The exhaust travels through a stock style muffler which splits the tailpipes that end in four chrome tips. Front and rear suspension are independent.
Drive-Ability
Everything starts off fine as the car starts and gets into gear and sets us on our way. It tracks well and in true Fiero predictability, handles well. We first notice the service engine light is on and some rattles from worn motor mounts. The heater blower is not working nor is the A/C and the power mirrors. All other functions from cabin operations to exterior lights, all work as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Did Pontiac miss an opportunity by not offering a convertible? Will GM ever create another mid-engined sports car for the daily driving tasks of the masses? Who knows. What we have here is a nicely done Ferrari body kit on a supercharged Fiero and this one refrains from being over the top or gaudy. If you want the look of a 355, but the Italian is not in your budget, consider this Pontiac-based
1G2PG1193JP206004
1-USA
G-General Motors
2-Pontiac
PG-Fiero GT
1-2 Door Coupe
1-Manual Belts
9-2.8L V6
3-Check Digit
J-1988
P-Pontiac, MI Assy Plant
206004-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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