Minneapolis Street Sighting: Pontiac Fiero

I've written in depth about Pontiac's ill attempt at a sportscar numerous times, and I really don't like rehashing the story every single time I feature a Fiero; I will say this, however. Despite the horrible rep the car garners from Toyota MR2 loyalists, the Fiero really isn't a terrible car. Sure, it has its shortcoming, but what (GM) car doesn't?

First conceived in the early 1980s, the P-car was GMs attempt at making a supposed sports-car for the masses; arguably, they didn't fail--completely. Rather than build a genuine sports-car, GM built a sporty-car that happened to get somewhat decent fuel economy.  But more importantly than that little disclaimer, is the Fiero helped Pontiac earn its driving excitment in a way that hadn't originally been planned.

Since the Fiero is mostly fiberglass and the body is made up of composite peices, the car is a popular donor for almost any sort of kit car imaginable; from Lamborghini knockoffs to GT40 knockoffs, Pontiac's little economy car with sporting pretensions started a fad that would be insanely hard to ignore.  Even thirty years after the car's on sale date, people are still hacking up what's left to make a replica of a car they'll never afford.

After reading wikipedia and scouring various forums, I have decided that this particular car is a Formula model. Fitted with 16" wheels and the bodykit from the GT, this represents the not-quite-sportiest model in the lineup, and the monochromatic paint scheme certainly reflects that. Despite the minor blemishes in the front bumper, this example is fairly nice indeed.  I love the dark blue (faded black?) hue and I think it resonates well with the tan interior. Aside from the missing rear louver (cover?) this is one of the nicer non-GT Fieros I've seen, and I hope it stays that way.

These cars are almost guaranteed to have a cult following for years to come. I just hope there's enough Fieros left to see one as the years roll on. I am almost certain that stock Fieros could be the next big "legend Pontiac". We'll just have to wait and see.