Pontiac Fiero

Introduced in 1984, it was Pontiac’s equivalent of Fiat’s X1/9 and the Toyota MR2, and indeed its first twoseater since the late 1930s and the first ever mass produced mid-engined car in America.

What is a Pontiac Fiero?

Introduced in 1984, it was Pontiac’s equivalent of Fiat’s X1/9 and the Toyota MR2, and indeed its first twoseater since the late 1930s and the first ever mass produced midengined car in America. On paper the Fiero looks a pretty exciting little package featuring independent suspension, a spaceframe skeletal chassis covered with impact resistant plastic panels and a choice of four-cylinder or V6 transverse mid-mounted engines. Offered initially with the branding as a very fuel efficient sporting twoseater commuter to satisfy management and accountant criteria, the Fiero, which incidentally means “Proud” in Italian, was produced with limited funds and was always going to be a sports car that perhaps never did quite receive the acclaim and development that it deserved. There was no doubt that from the outset the Fiero didn’t perform as well as it looked, but by the time production ceased in 1988, the GT model with a 2.8 litre V-6 engine and five years of development was the best of the breed. Who knows what it may have evolved into? The Toyota MR2 is still going strong!

History

The Fiero was engineered by Huldi Aldikacti at Entech Engineering with final design work at the Pontiac II Studio led by John Schinella. It’s based upon GM’s X-Cars of the early 1980s, dipping into many different model parts bins including Buick Skylark, Oldsmobile Omega and Chevrolet Citation to name but a few. The front suspension is Chevrolet Chevette derived with double wishbones and coil springs, while at the rear are MacPherson struts. The mid-engined concept should in theory provide optimum weight distribution leading to superb road holding and handling. However the in-line cast iron four-cylinder 2.5 litre engine known as the “Iron Duke” produced only 92bhp, which lead to a fairly dismal performance of 0-60mph in 11 seconds and a top speed of just over 100mph. In spite of this the Fiero sold well in the first year. The car was also offered with a Chevrolet 2.8-litre V6 in 1985 which increased the power up to 140bhp. In 1986 a restyling exercise produced a fastback roofline, followed by minor front and rear end facelifts in 1987. The final year of the Fiero was 1988 when it received a new suspension layout which was the same in principal as the previous, but much more substantial and heavier duty comprising double wishbone and coils at the front, multi-link at the rear with MacPherson struts, rear antiroll bar and ventilated disc brakes fitted all round.

Prices

An early 2.5-litre Fiero requiring resto work can be purchased for as little as £500, while £1000 will get you a car on the road with an MoT. A really good example of a 2.8-litre V6 car can be picked up for £4000 and even one in mint condition shouldn’t be more than £5000. This example in our picture is for sale.