1988 Pontiac Fiero GT

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 16-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 3.8 liter supercharged V6, fuel injected and tied to a 4-speed automatic transmission keeping power at the back with 3.33 gears.  The brakes are Wilwood power assisted and are configured as disc in front and 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 drivi