Vehicle Description
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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