When you want to find a vehicle that was made in large quantities but is still one of only a handful ever sold, you have to get down to details Options, colors, factory engine upgrades – the list goes on. At the same time, while these unusual options or equipment can make a car more desirable, they don’t necessarily affect the sale price all that much, depending on a car. If you find an Acura NSX with a factory-installed Comptech supercharger? Well, expect to pay a premium. A Pontiac Fiero with one-year-only T-tops? Quite rare but not expensive to buy. Check out this 1988 Pontiac Fiero listed here on craigslist with the rare roof option.
Since Fiero enthusiasts are generally enthusiastic about their cars, it’s not a surprise they’ve done the homework to confirm the production figures. Out the over 26,000 Fieros made in 1988, just under 10,000 shoppers opted for a sunroof while 1,252 chose the T-tops. If you want to get really rare, try and find a T-top car in GT trim – just 614 of those went home with Fiero buyers in ’88. Suffice to say, it was not particularly popular, which is slightly surprising considering the Fiero was a somewhat “hip” car and T-tops were all the rage in the late 80s. This car looks to be in sound condition overall, with some wear and tear noted in the cockpit.
This is not an exceedingly rare GT, obviously, and the Iron Duke is the biggest giveaway. This engine was the single reason why the Fiero wasn’t more of a home run, as its performance simply didn’t live up to the racy bodywork. Still, that wasn’t the point of the Fiero in its original form: Pontiac simply wanted to make a sporty economy car that looked decent even as it was sipping fuel. In that regard, it certainly succeeded, but it was clear car shoppers wanted more out of this intriguing mid-engined car. An ’88 model with the four-cylinder engine made a tepid 98 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque, thankfully routed through a 5-speed manual in this instance.
The Fiero looks to be in good shape overall, with decent paint, original alloy wheels, and no obvious modifications. The seller knows what he’s talking about when he mentions that this ’88 model benefits from the upgraded suspension designed with input from Lotus, which corrected many complaints about the earlier production models handling tendencies. Since it is a base model, it sports roll-up windows and no A/C, but the seller confirms the heat still works. This is an interesting buy, in my opinion – definitely collectible, not particularly valuable, but a car that will be fun to drive while always being appreciated for its rare roof option. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Curvette for the tip.
I’ve always found the Fieros interesting cars,but the early versions
were hampered by the bean-counters at GM,so they were “parts bin”
cars.
It wasn’t just beancounters that kneecapped the Fiero. GM management is reflexively defensive of any proposed concept that might threaten the Corvette, so Pontiac had to pitch their sporty two seater concept as a modest commuter car in order to get corporate approval, and the parts-bin development helped to sell it. Pontiac intended all along to ditch the Chevette/T1000 steering and front suspension and the A-body McPherson struts out back, but it was going to be a work in progress.
Another cool run around car that you never see in the wild anymore. Cheap fun at $5500.
I had a chance to drive a newer 4 cylinder Fiero back in my early 20’s. Even with the 4 cylinder “Iron Duke”, at least to me, if felt like the closest thing to a street legal go cart. ( Coming from driving my ’77 Delta 88). I loved it. This one checks a lot of boxes, especially with the T Tops. Really nice!!!
I agree. A friend owned one like this, it was mightly fun to drive. High HP isn’t all its cracked up to be. The Duke was a good choice.
that’s a good deal wonder why it hasn’t sold yet ?
I’ve had 2 ’88 V6 Formulas (also an ’84 2M4 an ’86 GT). One of them a T-Top. Had a lot of fun. Would still have my last one if I was limber enough to get in and out.
I hear you on the limber stuff. Sad that when young, money was the problem. Now old, money isn’t so much of a struggle, but the body gives out.
A girl I was off/on dating back then bought a new Fiero, white with beige interior when they first came out. The night she picked it up, we just drove. I think we put over 400 miles on that thing the first night. I remember when I went to her house, she came out wearing a light, wispy lavender dress. Ah, the good ole days.
Owned an 84 Fiero with the 4 cylinder back in 89, it was very slow. Owned an 86 GT with the 6 cylinder back in 93. Was definitely a much better car and a heck of a lot of fun with the wider tires and more HP. It had a sunroof, never knew these came with T-Tops.
What model years were fire prone due to leaking fuel lines or other issues please ?
It’s a shame that when Ponitac figured out how to make them right, they stopped making them. The last year was the best.
Lovely looking car. I consider it damn unforgivable that the Pontiac Fiero was discontinued when it was.