Pontiac Fiero still delivers excitement

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This article was published 13/09/2019 (2576 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Pontiac Fiero was introduced in 1984 as a revolutionary two-seat, mid-engine sports car — the first mass-produced model of its kind built in America.

Riding on a 93.4-inch wheelbase, it looked sleek yet a bit on the boxy side, which was the norm for much of the ’80s styling.

The wedge shape came with hidden headlamps, flush-mounted glass surfaces and full-width tail lamps.

Offering a drag coefficient of 0.377 and a curb weight under 2,500 pounds — thanks in part to the Enduraflex and reinforced injection-molded body panels — fuel economy and performance were acceptable even with the standard 92-horsepower, 2½-litre, four-cylinder engine.

Three models were available: Coupe, Sport Coupe and SE, which came with a special WS6 performance handling package and a standard rear-deck luggage rack.

For 1985, a new GT model was added to the original trio featuring a 140-horsepower, 2.8-litre V-6 with multi-port fuel injection.

The Sport Coupe and SE models could also be optioned with the new V-6 engine.

The GT came dressed up with a new front and rear fascia, rocker panel extensions and rear-deck spoiler.

The following year saw a mild design change to the coupe, giving it a sportier, flowing look, with the addition of the new black-accented aero package and new wheel treatments.

For Jag Gill of Winnipeg, his current Pontiac Fiero has served as his summer driver for many years.

“I had a 1984 2M4 model in 2009, and while I liked the car, I wanted a GT model,” Gill says.

In the spring of 2010, he spotted an advertisement for a 1986 Pontiac Fiero GT.

A very clean, well-kept vehicle, finished in light grey metallic, it looked great, and with low mileage, Gill bought the car and hasn’t looked back.

Powering his Fiero GT is the 2.8-litre, 140-horsepower V-6 with the optional four-speed automatic overdrive transmission.

Chassis features include rack-and-pinion steering, four-wheel power-disc brakes and Pontiac’s rally tuned suspension.

The passenger compartment features grey cloth bucket seats, a centre console, floor shift, air conditioning, power door locks, power windows, cruise control, tinted glass, power hatch release, a sunroof and power mirrors.

Interior upgrades include a JVC CD player, Kenwood subwoofer, Alpine speakers and a Viper car alarm.

Gill also updated the dash lighting and headlamps, and added a new performance muffler and exhaust system.

For better handling and improved street stance, the factory GT wheels were replaced with a set of Excel five-spoke aluminum wheels turning 45 series, 17-inch Federal radial tires.

“I really want to continue to enjoy the car as a summer driver. It’s in great shape and has a timeless look to it,” Gill says.

“In the future, I may look at a larger engine and possibly adding a supercharger.”

While the Fiero only enjoyed a five-year model run, Pontiac managed to sell 370,168 from 1984 to 1988.

Gill’s 1986 GT model is only one of 17,891 built and is one of the later models that are now becoming popular because of their reasonable cost, great looks and the ability to accept future performance modifications.

The engine compartment is large enough to accommodate other engines, including the small-block V-8.

While the new 2020 mid-engine Corvette is setting the automotive world abuzz, cost-conscious collectors and cruisers can look at the Fiero as the other two-seat, mid-engine sports car from General Motors.

57ford@mymts.net