Here’s an interesting one: this 1984 Pontiac Fiero 2M4 has been stored in a warehouse for some period of time, at least long enough to gather a generous coating of dust. Wearing Florida plates but living somewhere in Illinois, the Fiero is one of the less desirable models as it’s equipped with an automatic and isn’t a later production GT or Formula example. Still, if the paint cleans up, the low mileage could mean there’s a survivor hiding that warehouse dirt. Find it here on eBay with a $3,200 Buy-It-Now.
The 1984 Fiero was a big moment for Pontiac, especially in an era when there wasn’t much coming out of Detroit to celebrate. The two-seater, mid-engine configuration in a car with an affordable base price simply didn’t happen – and expectations were high for Pontiac’s answer to the oil crisis. The original vision for the Fiero featured a V6 engine, but with the constant concern over any sporty car pillaging Corvette sales, the six-cylinder was downgraded to the Iron Duke four-cylinder mill.
This engine choice meant the Fiero could achieve respectable fuel economy, certainly a concern of the early 1980s. However, some critics would say this engine also led to disappointment among buyers who expected a more exotic driving experience to accompany the Fiero’s racy good looks. Sadly, like so many other “good” ideas from General Motors, the improved looks, handling, and engine displacement all arrived shortly before the Fiero project was terminated and production ended. The interior of this warehouse-find example looks clean, but it’s hard to be sure without better lighting.
The Fiero certainly sold in strong numbers, and it’s not exactly rare today. The later models with the gold basketweave wheels, tweaked aerodynamics and more powerful engines are the ones to buy, and enthusiasts generally want one with an automatic transmission. This example could be worth a look if storage conditions in the warehouse have allowed the Fiero to remain in a preserved state, but otherwise, money is better spent on the Formula or GT trim if you desire a Fiero that drives as well as it looks.
These were wonderful cars with an iron duke and 4 speed. I almost bought one but decided I needed more space to haul stuff so I bought a new Dodge Turbo Daytona, big mistake. That Dodge was such a lemon. As far as performance, they were meant to be a commuter, not a sports car.
A stickshift is always fun even with little power but the auto is very disappointing and ive driven one.
Taking pictures by flashlight is sooo Craig’s List. Why is it on E-Bay?
I like the “Al Capone’s Vault” photography style, it gives it real atmosphere.
It makes it feel like this someone is finding this Fiero 5000 years in the future.
Also-
“enthusiasts generally want one with an automatic transmission.”
They do?
I think you mean manual.
I agree Ralph. I co-drove one from Wisconsin to some fort near hot lanta when new with my service buddy. Hitch hiked home in the winter. Toes still hurt. Take care, Mike.
I think the thing about the Fiero is that people were sort of expecting it to be GM version of a Lancia Stratos or a 308 or something, the Fiero was never “held back” that bs from those Fiero-Kabbal people, the Fiero always was what it was, a cheap 2 seat car that looked good, thats it, something very much along the lines of the original Mustang, inexpensive borrowed components wrapped around a body that looked sporty.
The V6 was always part of the program since the Fiero shared X-car components.
Yes and no. Yes the V6 was planned early on, but what wasn’t initially planned for (because the car had been sold to GM brass as a “commuter” car), was the all new, FAR superior suspension that Fiero FINALLY received for ’88. Right before GM killed off the car.
The fiero sold in 1988 was actually designed for the 84 model. It was far superior to the corvette and thats the real reason it wasnt made. The only way gm would allow pontiac to build the car was as a commuter not a sports car. This was to keep the fiero as far from the corvette as possible. It wasnt untill 88 that gm allowed pontiac to build the car they originally designed but by that time the deciaion was made to kill the project. Another great decision by the bean counters that almost destroyed gm.
I bought an ’85 SE last year as a light winter project… clean with a solid undercarriage, lady owned and seemingly ‘well preserved’. Everything mechanical and electrical started disintegrating with age as soon as it was touched, and I knew when to fold. I got out of it slightly ahead of what I had in it, and I was definitely cured of the desire to own a Fiero.
Had a new 84 with a stick, I knew it was no sports car, but I did enjoy it until it started to self destruct. I owned Toyotas for the next 20 years.
I drove a bunch of these when I worked for a dealer. In 84, they were kind of a big deal. No corvette, but pretty cool and way different. They didn’t have power steering the first couple of years, so the manual trans cars were a wrestle when you parked. After a few years they got it down pretty well.. mid engine 6 cylinder, variable assist power steering, wide tires. I liked them. If you can get it running, the price is low enough to gamble. Iron duke has plentiful parts availability. Problem, as with most of the cars of this vintage, is all the disintegrating plastic inside.
These were never offered with power steering.
They never had power steering, there was an electric power steering planned for 1988, it made it to the shop manual, but never to any production Fieros.
I’m a cop in the greater Miami area. One of the most memorable chases I had with a subject was a guy driving a Fiero. Kept crashing into things but kept going. Destroyed the front but seeming as it’s a rear-mounted engine, he kept going and going and going. He made it to his house and then told me he was “proud of me” for keeping up. I took the compliment and booked him. I suggested a psyche evaluation
These cars were fun to drive ive had both 4 and 6 cyl . Not bad for dates but for family life no. Best part was bolt on panels and easy to fix . Wouldnt mind one for work commute but too low to get in /out of !
Test drove the first Fiero to arrive at the Pontiac dealer in Hanover, PA while on leave (Navy)… it was a nice enough car I thought, but the seatbelt flapping behind my ear with the window down about drove me nuts… guess the alternative would have been to actually wear the thing but I hadn’t quite evolved that much at the time. The little white Fiero went home with someone else & my Trans Am stayed with me, at least for a little while longer.
Ummm, a little confusing description Barn-Finds guy.
In the opening paragraph the fact it’s an automatic is poo-pooed, then in the last paragraph an automatic is described as ‘desirable’.
Color me…confused!
Love my ’85 2M6, tons of fun, drives like a street legal go cart.