Indy 500 Pace Car: 1984 Pontiac Fiero

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While we all know most pace cars are a shadow of their on-track counterparts, I think we can all agree some of the replicas are cooler than others. That’s how I feel about the Fiero, even if it was nothing like its fire-breathing sibling with a huge intake snorkel jutting out over the roof. That car was bonkers, but at least the Fiero still looked good and was pleasingly subdued compared to later pace cars. This one has the preferred manual gearbox and is listed here on craigslist for $2,600.

Thanks to Barn Finds reader Ikey H. for the find. This Fiero tribute car still wears its color-matched wheels and original white paint, but the seller notes the latter is fairly tired and that it’s missing the original decals. That’s not a bad thing, as they would probably be severely weathered by now, but I’m not sure if reproduction kits exist. The seller mentions that there is no rust on the Fiero, either.

The interior is correct to the pace car editions, but definitely looking somewhat tired. The seller recommends seat replacement / refurbishment, but you could live with them for a little while. Similar to the graphics, seat upholstery kits for the pace car Fieros may be available. Thankfully, this one has the preferred manual transmission. While it remains stock, other details like the factory steering wheel show plenty of wear and tear.

The engine bay is surprisingly fresh, and looks like it received some modest detailing at some point. The painted valve cover and air cleaner look shockingly good, but I’d need our Fiero experts to confirm if those details are OEM-correct for a pace car. The lack of detail around mechanical health and mentioning it’s fun to drive would indicate this pace car has no major mechanical needs at the moment, but you’ll want to ask that question if the $2,600 ask seems like a deal.

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Comments

  1. Capriest

    Like all pace car variants it looks much better without the stupid decals commemorating the race. Should make it easier being it needs a repaint anyhow. I wouldn’t put them on after even if you can get them. Sharp car, and not a bad price. Always loved those pontiac wheels, and they look even better painted bod color with polished lip.

    Like 2
    • Sandy Claws

      No, I like the wheels better the natural metal, but to each his own. Like to see the Iron Duke, a great little engine esp with fuel injection. With a stick, all this car needs for power. The six had more power, but they were a bear to work on. These cars were surprisingly roomy inside, unlike the Ferrari Testa Rosa I once rode in. Carroll Shelby himself thought Pontiac was on to something with this deign.

      Like 1
  2. 200mph

    Not including the race name and date, this car should have specific “Indy Fiero” badging and red lower body striping… don’t know if that’s available repop anywhere.

    Like 0
  3. James Martin

    Firero these had tendency to catch fire.

    Like 0
    • Danh

      As did many rear engined cars

      Like 0
    • James Schwartz

      Every time thete is a Fiero listed, someone like you spouts mis-information about “tendency to catch fire”. Smh.
      So much stupidity!
      Just keep spouting your bs.
      A tiny percentage of early models experienced engine fires. It was addressed and fixed.
      There is now more “tendency” to catch fire in just about any other 80’s car.

      Like 1
      • Bradley HoweMember

        That was the point of my earlier comment too. Some people just have to find a way to run down something they dont have. Why cant we as enthusiasts just come together to appreciate all this old stuff. The way i look at it, anybody thats saving something from the crusher is good by me

        Like 0
  4. Guardstang

    Of course there is no rust to see, the body is plastic panels on a space frame–the scary part of Fieros is the frame can rust out and you got to get underneath to check for it. The cars didn’t so much catch fire as a wire harness melted–the media of the day tended to exaggerate just as much as today to make a headline.

    Like 0
  5. Robert Sabatini

    Certain prototypes and engineering exercises of the Fiero actually outperformed the Corvette, ie. skid pad and 0 to 60 times…certain death for any Pontiac. Just sayin’.

    Like 0

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