Kitting out the Fiero as a supercar – let us count the ways. There’s the Miura wannabe, F40s and F50s, a GT40, a replica Testarossa – the list goes on. But this one is not a kit car: it was factory-produced by a company called Corporate Concepts Limited, sold in Pontiac dealerships, and called the Mera. The Fiero lent itself well to conversions, since its body was easy to replace with creatively designed fiberglass. Bob Bracey of CCL saw the possibilities, and when the Fiero gained a worthy engine, he set about constructing as faithful a copy – though slightly more diminutive – of the 308 as was possible. It was such a close copy that Ferrari took one look and sued the company. CCL lost the suit, so only 247 units were produced. Here on eBay is a 1988 Mera with an asking price of $32,000, down slightly from its first-listed price of $33k. The car is located in Wilmington, North Carolina, and the buyer can drive it home!
The original mid-mounted 2.8-liter engine has been replaced with a 3.4-liter V6, and the owner cared enough to install the Mera engine plate on the plenum. A five-speed manual brings power to the rear wheels. The seller notes that the car runs and drives well, though some play is evident in the steering mechanism – not surprising since the odometer reads over 120,000 miles. This engine bay is quite spiffy, considering the mileage.
Though the exterior is a decent imitation of the 308, the interior wasn’t renovated to match, though buyers could check a box and for $700, the seats were skinned in leather upholstery similar to that of the prancing horse. But the square vent housings and the awkwardly appended instrument cluster are straight out of the econo-box ’80s. This car’s driver’s seat probably needs rebuilding, with collapsed foam and torn upholstery. On the positive side of the ledger, the dash is clean, the carpets look good, and at least what we can see of the door seal is fine. In 1988, CCL introduced Cromodora replica wheels, aligning the car’s appearance ever more closely with the 308.
When the Mera was new, owners would plaster “Ferrari” badges across its flanks. This example wears a “GTS” badge on its rear. A number of Meras have found new owners over the years. Values range around $25k, leaving this example beyond the top end of the market. On the other hand, you could opt for this factory-bodied Fiero with a 3.4-liter swap at $10,500. Would you pay the price to own a Mera?
Personally, I would be embarrassed to drive any of these kinds of knock-offs, regardless of how close they come. But, clearly, there is a market for them. As is said, there’s an ass for every seat…
I agree with Euromoto. You say it’s not a kit car then you describe how a replica body is installed on a Fiero chassis, just like a kit car. No thanks
Here’s one on FB marketplace
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2231074970705302?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A46827a8f-89ea-419e-b457-8863cd927153
Yep…also agree. I’ve never been able to understand why anyone would want to drive a car that is pretending to be something that it’s not. Why would you want to constantly hear the line “Wow, is that a Ferra…….? oh, er, never mind, its just some cheezy kit car”
I can see the appeal of a regular Fiero maybe, especially the later versions with the V6 and various upgrades which eventually made it a good car – though for me it will always have the stigma of being another “coulda shoulda” car that GM botched.
It’s a Fiero with aftermarket body panels intended to replicate a different car. It’s a kit car, no matter if it’s owner-assembled or factory-assembled.
It still is a kit car.
Besides of all of that nonsense. For $32000 I can buy a car will real appeal and not just a pretenda-cool car.
Kit car owned by someone desperate to legitimize a plastic body over a Fiero. Kit car. Kit car.
But..but…but…
Nice looking car but way overpriced.
In my case, I am a kit car aficionado. In my thinking,,I’m not trying to fool anyone. If, they are ignorant of the fact that is not the real thing, then that’s their issue. In most cases, I really like the body style and can’t afford the maintenance of the real thing. Many “good” Cobra kits, still provide driving excitement as did the originals. (I have one living next door that is a very good quality unit with a bored and stroked 351 W. That now displacement at being 427 CI. I got a ride in an older Kelmark with a 327 installed. It was a hoot. Cobras although have been over done. This car featured appears to be a, quality build and looks great. If I owned it however. I would install a SBC to replace the V6. I don’t want to feel superior like, look what I have and you don’t. I want to enjoy the drive and the beauty of the design. This car has the beauty and could be a very, satisfying car to drive. Especially if you did the engine upgrade yourself. My distaine for kit cars is for the lack of quality. (Can you say Bradley GT? I knew you could!) But also in that category, something sloppy that replaces your rolled over Beetle body and has the look that you like. Why not. You are certainly not fooling yourself. I love all wheeled vehicles and most more than others. There have been times in my life when I had the money to buy a Ferrari or Lambo. But I also knew that there may be times when I couldn’t afford the maintenance. Nothing worse than having a car that you can’t drive! No matter what the car or the situation. Buy and or repair/restore what YOU like. Do you really care what other people think? I don’t. I have a Ford Durango. Most people just think it’s either a mildly customized Ranchero or El Camino or just an Australian refugee. They could care less that only 212 were built or the story behind the car.
Okay, it’s not a kit car because you couldn’t buy the kit and do it yourself. However, the manufacturer did themselves no help in shedding the kit look by leaving the interior as stock Fiero. Spending some money in there would have gone a long way in making this feel like its own car.
$31k now, nice but not $31k nice.
So…You can buy a REAL 308 for less than 30K, right? Why do this? Yikes!
BUT,what will it cost to maintain a real 308?
The days of cheap 308’s are long gone.
Real 308s are closer to $70-90k now.
BUT, you may be able to find a decent Mondial for under $40k.
I can certainly understand how Ferrari took one look at this thing and said, see you in court lol.
I tried to drive a 308 once. My feet were too big to properly use the clutch and the wheel was too tight on my hips. Who bought those, midgets? The Fiero on the other hand, fit me just dandy. I also think they were a sharp looking car, at least as sharp as a 308. Why would you pay multitudes more for a Ferarri? What would be your intent?
Intent? Make money, maybe? Ferraris are exceptionally sound investments, outperforming just about anything else – stocks, real estate, whatever. They’re also a lot more fun to drive than a 401k!
Also a follower of kit cars. Based on a Fiero is a good thing and the bigger displacement V6 is a plus. But that dash layout looked awful in the Fiero and begs to be renovated. +$30k seems terribly high, but the seller is allowed to fish for his price.
Personally, I love the Mera! As a couple others have said, the Ferrari 308 was a brilliant looking and driving car, but was pretty lousy in every other way. Meanwhile, the Fiero was affordable, reliable, comfortable, and still pretty nice to drive, and can be made even better with aftermarket parts.
Most other Fiero kits left a LOT to be desired, both in looks and build quality. The Mera, however, was designed & built by people who knew what they were doing. I don’t know if that makes it worth $30,000+, but if given the choice between a real 308 and a Mera, I’d pick the Mera.