...the Pontiac Fiero?
At the time (1984) this seemed like a pretty good idea. Take the front-wheel drive Chevrolet Citation compact car drive train, bolt it on the back of a platform, bolt the Chevrolet Chevette front suspension onto the front, clothe it in slinky rust-free plastic bodywork, and presto - an affordable mid-engined sports car.
The concept worked for the Fiat X 1/9.
The Fiero?
Not so much.
The old Iron Duke 2.5 litre four cylinder engine was a slug. Only four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmissions were available. No power steering.
And they had a disturbing tendency to catch on fire.
By the time they put a V6, a five-speed and P/S in the thing (they also sorted the suspension and introduced the fastback GT model) the reputation was too well-established, and the car was dead.
I was reminded of all this when I just happened to spot this nice example in mid-town Toronto the other day. Apparently, the Fiero has achieve some degree of cult-car status.
There's a 'Batman' symbol on the hood of this one. Not sure what that's about...
To the Bat-Fiero, Robin!
Posted by: KBS | February 02, 2011 at 05:43 AM
I loved this car when I was a kid - used to think it was one of the coolest cars around at the time. Even imagined it as a car that could change into a submarine or spaceship a la "007"
Posted by: Ming Jones | February 02, 2011 at 08:00 PM
trucker girl mudflaps!! klassy :D
Posted by: Emro | February 04, 2011 at 06:45 PM
If I could figure out how to post a picture, I have a shot of 5 or so nice Fieros at Motorfest 2010 in Stouffvile lstt September. I think they are all members of a club.
Posted by: Gord Irish | February 11, 2011 at 09:10 PM
Hi Emro:
Sharp eyes!
I didn't even notice those...
Jim Kenzie
Posted by: Jim Kenzie | February 13, 2011 at 01:18 AM
Hi Gord:
E-mail the picture to me and I'll post it.
jim@jimkenzie.com
Jim Kenzie
Posted by: Jim Kenzie | February 13, 2011 at 01:40 AM