Pontiac joined the mid-engine sports car market in 1984 with its new Fiero. Designed to be affordable and economical, it initially sold in respectable numbers. However, the figures tapered to the point where the company exited that market in 1988. This 1987 example is the desirable GT variant, and faulting its condition is virtually impossible. The first owner supplemented its already impressive equipment level with a range of factory options. With only 17,500 miles on its odometer, it should provide its next owner with years of classic motoring fun.
This Fiero makes a positive impression, and it extends beyond the first owner’s decision to order it in a highly desirable color combination of Medium Red and Medium Gray Metallic. It is the lack of paint flaws and other imperfections that suggest this car has led a sheltered existence. The seller doesn’t mention repairs or restoration, and the lack of damage to prone areas like the front bumper is admirable. They admit that there is a small scratch near the license plate, but their contention that the GT is in showroom condition is hard to dispute. The panels are laser-straight, and there are no rust problems that would cause the buyer sleepless nights. The first owner added to the Fiero’s appeal by splashing $375 on a sunroof. It and the remaining tinted glass are spotless, and the alloy wheels are prevented from being perfect by a couple of marks inflicted by wheel weights.
This Fiero’s interior is all that you might expect from any pampered classic with only 17,500 miles showing on its odometer. The upholstered surfaces are spotless, and the plastic hasn’t succumbed to UV exposure. The carpet is probably the most impressive feature because it has avoided the marks and stains that sometimes plague light-shaded carpet. Standard equipment on the ’87 Fiero GT included power windows, a remote deck lid release, and a leather-wrapped tilt wheel. The first owner added air conditioning, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, a rear defogger, and a premium AM/FM radio/cassette player with a graphic equalizer and a subwoofer.
Early Fieros were criticized for lackluster performance, and while later cars didn’t match the performance provided by many European and Japanese mid-engine sports cars, they were still fun to drive. This GT features a 2.8-liter V6 developing 135hp and 165 ft/lbs of torque. A five-speed manual transaxle feeds the power to the road, although those seeking a more relaxed driving experience could select the optional three-speed automatic. Pontiac didn’t design the Fiero to blitz the local drag strip, focusing on affordability and economy. This classic will cruise all day at 70mph while returning fuel consumption figures on the “good” side of 25mpg. That makes these cars excellent long-distance tourers. The seller has spent a few dollars on this Pontiac during the past three years, replacing the discs, calipers, and tires. However, they retained the original components, including them in the deal if the buyer wishes. They don’t mention verifying evidence for the claim of 17,500 genuine miles, but with the car meticulously serviced and coming with items like the original Window Sticker, I won’t be surprised if the reading can be confirmed. This Fiero is a turnkey proposition that runs and drives perfectly.
The seller listed this 1987 Pontiac Fiero GT here on eBay in Hobart, Indiana. Their BIN figure of $16,500 is realistic in the current market, although their willingness to consider offers might allow someone to drive it home at a lower price. The Fiero wasn’t the sales success it probably deserved to be, with its reputation tarnished by early quality problems. This one is a later example and appears to be in exceptional condition. If you couldn’t afford the $15,884 the first owner paid when this classic was new, now could be the ideal time to right that wrong.
Not very many GT’s left GM’s Factory 17 as “Wingless” .
Most people want the rear factory spoiler, but there is a large segment of us Fiero owners, who like the clean look of a wingless Fiero.
This GT looks to be very desirable for its originality and condition.
You can’t get into a mid engined exotic car for less, and Fieros are a blast to drive.
Why Chevy with it’s power & influence didn’t “allow” Pontiac to produce the 1964 Banshee(would hurt Corvette sales), but did not block the production of Fiero has me scratching my head.
I had a silver 87 Fiero GT, with rear wing, back in 1990 and liked the way it looked. Was a 4 speed trans with all other options. Bought it for the wife to daily, but I autocrossed it on the weekends. Worked quite well for both applications. Found the “dentless” panels to be a real advantage since she dealt with parking wars at her work.
A “what could have been” car if GM had any balls. Lost opportunity.
I’ve owned an ’86 GT/5 speed, ’84 2M4 (bought for daughter), and 2 88 Formulas, one silver 5 speed ,1 red auto. The red one was an auto with T-tops. I removed every body panel and painted it in my garage. I would still have Fieros today if I could get in and out of them. You don’t sit in them as much as wear them.
Sweet looking car in the orange livery.
PairsNPaint:
Curious: Were the ’88s so much better than the previous years, as is often stated?
Absolutely! There was no comparison, however, the ’88’s are much harder to get parts for. The whole front suspension was revised, no longer based on the Chevette, which required other changes. When I had the silver 5-speed, I was visiting my sister in Dallas. Needed to get some brake work done and even after admonishing the garage NOT to lift it by the side rails, they went ahead and did it anyway, crushing the coolant pipes which were made out of unobtainium. Took them 3 months to track down a new set, so, pros and cons – better handling, or availability of replacement parts.
I traded my ’85 with my hubby when I got too big with Baby #1 to fit behind the wheel. We sold it after she arrived as it was not a safe car with the car seat.
I miss it though.
This is the one to have, buy it and DRIVE it. Don’t save it for future “appreciation”, it won’t happen, you are better off in the stock market.
My best friend bought a GT brand new in the spring of ’85. I think it was a 4 speed, as the dealer was blowing them out in anticipation of the soon to be released 5 speed. We had a great time cruising Hampton Beach and a couple trips down to his parents place on the Cape. Lots of good memories.