Vehicle Description
1988 Pontiac Fiero Formula Coupe
"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. And indeed, the Fiero has brought smiles to
thousands and is experiencing a bit of nostalgia resurgence in
collectability. Move over, C8, the first mid engine car is
back!
For consignment, a 1988 Pontiac Fiero Formula coupe with a title
verified 10,825 actual miles and despite those low miles, has gone
through extensive refurbishing in the past two years that includes
everything from tires, to shift linkage to sun visors. The Formula
option was added to Fieros in 1988, the model's final year, and
included WS6 suspension, a rear spoiler, a 120 mph speedometer, and
cross lace wheels.
Exterior
5,484 Formulas were produced in 1988, making it less common than
the base coupe and GT models of the same year. What was not
uncommon, however, was red paint that covered over 150,000 Fieros
over the course of five years of production. Here we have Flame Red
paint with FORMULA boldly displayed on the door in white, t-tops
overhead, and a sizable wing on the diminutive rear decklid. The
15-inch black mesh wheels are trimmed in polished metal and look
fantastic when matched with the black side molding and faux vent on
the rear quarter. Smoked tail lights form a continuous band across
the back while hidden headlights keep the front streamlined over a
bumper that's been smooth since its '84 debut. Behind the flat rear
window are cooling vents between the modest flying buttresses of
the C-pillar, a wildly exotic look for a GM vehicle in the 80's.
It's a very clean package and we noted no obvious flaws on the
exterior.
Interior
Smooth gray plastic tops a Berber cloth lower on the door panels
and in true 80's simplicity, the presentation is simple and
accompanied by an embedded door actuary and lock switch with the
revolutionary bright orange indicator tape to let you know when the
door is locked or unlocked. Sporty gray cloth bucket seats showing
a touch of patina are fully stuffed and inviting while a newer
steering wheel and cruise control stalk fronts the plastic framed
instrument cluster with tach, speedometer and rows of square idiot
lights, all in great condition. The center stack houses some square
gauges over the A/C panel and updated AM/FM/Cassette radio, both of
which sport GM's gray plastic switchgear of the era. A map pocket
takes the place of a glove compartment and bears the flying Pegasus
logo, while the shifter and its new knob sit in the flat center
console. Below our feet, Fiero mats protect the Berber style floor
covering. Our consignor states the visors were replaced along with
some interior trim pieces, window felt was replaced along with
T-top seals and the headliner. The narrow but deep trunk is fully
lined with gray cloth panels and in nice condition.
Drivetrain
Mounted midway is the 2.8 liter V6, fuel injected and rated at 165
horsepower, tied to a 5-speed manual that sends power to the rear
axle with 3.61 gears. The bright red plenum and valve covers make
for a showy little engine and in this car, conditions are clean. In
true modern sports car fashion, power disc brakes occupy the front
and rear wheels. According to our consignor, the hoses have been
replaced.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with typical surface rust present but
overall clean and dry. Belly pans take up a good portion of the
underside and are clean, while dual exhaust flows through a stock
style muffler which sends two pipes and four exhaust tips to the
back. Independent suspension is found front and rear, which per our
consignor, was gone over when the car was purchased.
Drive-Ability
The three pedals add to the fun factor of this compact sports car
and comfortable seats with a reclined posture make the cabin a
comfortable place to be. The V6 starts up without complaint and we
shift this composite bodied beauty onto the test loop where
slightly staggered 60 series tires provide good grip, both for
straight away driving and in turn, where the mid engined car with
all around independent suspension delivers a fine driving
experience. This well sported car scores high on the functionality
test, including the A/C which our consignor tells us has been
recharged. 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.
The further we get from the 80's, the fewer Fieros you see in the
wild. As such, after a period of moderate disinterest, the models
are now back in the limelight as affordable, interesting, and
nostalgic classics. They have a fervent fan base and active clubs
can be found, and it remains one of the most interesting stories in
GM lineage. This one has some great attributes and now only needs a
new parking spot in a loving garage.
1G2PE1197JP209820
1-USA
G-General Motors
2-Pontiac
PE-Fiero Coupe
1-2 Door Coupe
1-Manual Belts
9-2.8L V6
7-Check Digit
J-1988
P-Pontiac, MI Assy Plant
209820-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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
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