Dare I use the term “garish”? Yesterday it was this 1978 Lincoln Mark V and today it’s a 1986 Zimmer Quicksilver which sounds like the name of a Ramada Inn house band but looks like a Buick Riviera/Regal Coupe/Cadillac Eldorado that got all of their wires crossed on the assembly line. Those models aren’t in the mix but you can be sure GM had a hand in this creation – I’ll explain below. This notable custom is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and is available, here on eBay for a BIN price of $24,700. T.J. gets the nod for this discovery!
Zimmer is an odd one that I do recall hearing about, or actually seeing one in the fiberglass some time back. That said, I had forgotten about it either accidentally or on purpose. Anyway, founded in Syracuse, New York in 1978, Zimmer Motorcars built “neo-classic” automobiles by modifying existing models into what some may consider to be rather outlandish-looking customs. The Quicksilver (1984-1988), such as our subject car, was Zimmer’s second helping and is based, believe it or not, on a Pontiac Fiero, a very stretched Fiero. Remaining a mid-engined, two-seater, the bodywork is all fiberglass with styling that is a bit dartboard derived. Built in Pompano Beach, Florida, the Quicksilver was supposedly penned by a former GM designer so that the GM mashup resemblance is not coincidental. About 170 Quicksilvers found homes over its five model years of existence.
The listing references a 2.5-liter prime mover but I believe the correct dimension is a 2.8 liter, V6 engine generating 140 net HP – it’s the same engine used in this car’s former life as a Fiero GT. The seller advises, “RUNS VERY STRONG WITH A MID ENGINE AND NO MECHANICAL ISSUES“. Considering the addition of 400 extra lbs. required for the metamorphosis from Fiero to Quicksilver, the name “Brisksilver” may be more appropriate – the numbers just don’t add up to this custom being inherently quick. A three-speed automatic transaxle hooks up to the rear wheels.
As stated earlier, a stretch was in the works to make the Quicksilver a reality, and the Fiero’s time on the rack gained another fifteen or sixteen inches (considering the info. source employed), mostly forward of the A-pillar. Other than the flip-up headlights, there’s not a lot of Fiero that externally remains. The design seems balanced fore and aft but still has a sort of awkward bearing about itself. Its width, to my eyes, disguises any relationship to its former Pontiac life. Overall, it’s in nice shape, no doubt, the red finish is as deep as it gets. I have to imagine a better wheel choice was available than what looks like Pep Boys-inspired wire wheels.
The interior follows the Fiero theme but has been upgraded with leather upholstery and varnished wood trim. The listing mentions a few leather scratches but they must be minor as they’re not evident among the 50 high-resolution listing images included. The worst aspect of the interior is the cheesy GM switchgear which shows typical signs of degradation.
I would consider this Zimmer to be an automotive example of bad news/good news. The bad news is totally subjective and that’s the external appearance. I wouldn’t say that it hurts my eyes but…The good news? Automotive dreaming that found a way to become reality – we could use more of that kind of free spirit. You can check out this Quicksilver here. Soooo, what do you think, like it or not?
Okay, I will be the first to say it; It is officially Pimpmobile Week” at Barn Finds.
Pimps gotta have transportation, too.
Its a little bigger than a Fiero, so that makes it a “Mini Pimp Mobile”. This I have to say is the most butt ugly car custom I have seen. I admire the work in making it, but can’t really imagine a target sales group that would want it.
Ed have you seen one in person? These are way bigger than a Fiero, been sometime since i saw one but i think they look ok.
Fugliest car ever?
Always thought these might look neat with a “Buick T-type” treatment — paint the chrome bumpers and rocker trim in metallic-graphite, blackout the grille inserts and any other minor chrome trim, swap to ’80s-era machined-face alloy wheels, maybe swap in a 3800 powertrain…
Of all the Pontiac Fiero conversions, this is probably the only version that I could drive without looking like a total wannabe.
No. Because nobody else would wannabe you!
I have not had enough Bourbon to make my opinion
I wonder if Hans owns one?
For some reason I’ve always liked these. I’m into fieros anyway but to me the fiero roots are better disguised on the quicksilver. Sort of a sporty riviera/toronado.
Even the dash has been considerably changed from the stock fiero. With the popularity of v8 swapped fieros that would be interesting here. Lively 350 sbc or a supercharged 3800 would hasten the driving experience.
I also like chrome trim and bumpers and these look nowhere near as garish as the mid 70s 5 mph bumpers.
Would make sense to add to my collection bit lately I’m more into pare down mode instead of accumulation mode. Hope it goes somewhere decent
This thing should have a Jackass emblem attached to the front fenders.
” I had forgotten about it either accidentally or on purpose. ”
“Bricksilver”
Hilarious!!
Uh, wow
Strange, the quasi 100% negative comments and the write-up which overflows with negtives. Why? The only thing I find objectionable is the color choice, entirely too much red. Pimp mobile? Any number of big GM and Ford products qualify to be called that, go to LA and see what the pimps drive, Rivieras, Caddys and Lincoln low riders are the choice of dealers and other assorted lumpen.
Well…this isn’t quite as garish and grotesque as that Grand Prix-based ‘Miami Vice pimpmobile from earlier this week, Both are/were almost painful to look at; this, er, car is weirder with its massively stretched, stubby Fiero mid-engine V-6 2-seater platform. Both are hideous, suitable only for background shots if there were to be a ‘Miami Vice’ revival. I think Ill go vomit now…
i like it! but the grill topper is not there any more. that would be one hard to find part. if a person likes chrome then this is the car to have.
I actualy think a nice set of 70’s mag wheels and blackwall tyres would make this look pretty cool and certainly tone down the garishness. In profile it has a quasi European coupe look to me that I find rather attractive. I think it would be fun to have this..with the above mentioned change in hweels..
Every time this is associated with anything musical John Cipollina rolls over in his grave.
At the time, I found it too upscale given what it was based on. The more I look at it, the more I like it.
Another example of bad drugs in the design studio! “just say no!” said Ms. Nancy!
Heard it’s not good to drive. If that’s right, the reason could be a not modified front suspension/ steering geometry to fit the longer wheelbase. No problem at straights…but a nightmare on winding roads.
Es gibt Menschen denen Man nichts recht machen kann. So ein Wunderbares Auto zu Restaurieren ist nicht zu unterschätzen, an Kosten und schon gar nicht an Zeit aufwand. Aber NEID muss man sich verdienen der kommt nicht von selbst.
Ich wünsche dem Besitzer alles gute und machen Sie es wieder so. Wunderschön, Danke
There are people you can’t do anything right. Restoring such a wonderful car is not to be underestimated, in terms of costs and certainly not in terms of time. But envy has to be earned, it doesn’t come by itself.
I wish the owner all the best and do it again. Wonderful, thank youAckermann Bruno
There is a silver one near Sharon ct. I pass by on my way to lime rock race track.. I actually pulled in the driveway one day to take pics of it.. A real oddball auto…
As the owner of #149 of these cars, I can say that they are not really bad to live with. Mechanicals are easy, the ride is pretty good and while the appearance is polarizing, there’s no being sneaky in a QuickSilver.
I saw it first on the cover of Car and Driver magazine back in 1987 and have followed them closely ever since. This one has reupholstered seats and appears to have had the door panels redyed. The hood emblem appears to be missing or replaced with something else.
Originally designed by a former GM designer, Donald A. Johnson, i sat with him last summer and made a video of his story of the development of the QuickSilver, including numerous photos he to and saved of the build of the first prototype. The video, photos and more about the car, can be seen at http://www.zimmerregistry.com
Should have left the Fiero alone. They were a great car, but this? I guess it just goes to show you, even then people were trying to show off their wallets, but instead reveled how small their brains were.
1) Buy all the pimpmobiles from this week.
2) Get them together in a large parking lot for a Demo-derby-Pimpstyle edition.
3) Charge admission, provide kegs and film the event.
While I agree this is over priced and the wheels an tires don’t fit and there’s way too much red, this thing is 1000% more integrated and refined in design than that horrid Stutz last week
With a set of anthracite torque thrusts and wider low profile tires and maybe painted charcoal metallic it wouldn’t be bad
Apparently there are a few of these custom motor shops. Which is probably why I mistook that Stutz pimpmobile custom as a Buick Riviera. I KNOW one of these pimpmobiles was based on a Riviera. Approximately around mid 80s.
As for the Zimmer, I’ve heard of these, long ago. I kinda like this car, but as was said before, too much red.
These bumpers are something else! Why couldn’t GM make 5/10 mile an hour bumpers look like this? I’m thinking it would look pretty stupid with the headlights on.
Can anyone tell me what 80s pimpmobile custom Danny DeVito was driving in the movie “Ruthless People?”
I don’t remember this version of the Zimmer, but I do remember the earlier version which was based off of a Mustang.
Angel: It was an Excalibur.
Check out The Internet Movie Car Database if you ever have a question about what cars were in certain movies. https://www.imcdb.org/
Just search using the movie name – lots of great info!
Danny D. is clearly struggling here.
Thank you for the heads-up on the movie cars. An excellent site which makes life a lot easier when the memory is a bit slow.
@PRA4SNW
Thank you, heard of those also. They looked like something from the 1930s. And thanks for the website tip.
One of these days I am going to find out which one of these cars, fiberglass or not, was based on a 80s Buick Riviera.
I like it a lot…
In the late 1980s I Raced one of them on I-88 out of Chicago.
Driving my 280 ZX. I could not get away from him, He could not get away from me. I was envious.!.!.!
Traded in my 280 for a 300 ZX with the 3,0 V6, just in case I ever saw him again :-)
Beautiful looking car. The first time I saw a Zimmer Quicksilver was in a Car and Driver magazine article. I’ve never seen one in person. I’d so give anything to see one, maybe go for a drive in one.
If you are near Tacoma, WA, there is one at the Lemay Collection Marymount. https://lemaymarymount.org/vehicle/1986-zimmer-quicksilver/
I know where LeMay Marymount is. I used to visit there when it first opened. LeMay ACM is closer to where I live.
This being Fiero based the 4.3 V6 from the Typhoon/Syclone can be slotted in there and then it can forget that Bricksilver monicker 😆