In the Museum's collection since 1989, donated to the Museum by General Motors
1986 Pontiac Fiero GT Pace Car Prototype
Chassis no. 1G2AF37R6EP220268
Introduced in 1984, the Pontiac Fiero was a dramatic departure from conventional American design, and in fact from conventional design anywhere.
A mid-engined four-cylinder, wedge bodied two-seater, Fiero relied heavily upon high strength, resilient polymer body panels over a steel space frame. Polymer systems used including RRIM (reinforced reaction injection molding) and SMC (sheet molding compound). Additional innovations included flush-mounted exterior glass. The elaborate space frame replicated racing car rollover structures in series produced stampings and robot welded structures.
The dramatic wedge design of the Fiero recorded a wind tunnel drag coefficient of just 0.377cd, ideal for high speed performance with modest engine power and commendably suited to pacing high speed oval course races like the 1984 Indianapolis 500.
Fiero was a dramatic experiment by GM with highly speculative manufacturing techniques and materials in the midst of a performance-challenged era.
Over the next two years Pontiac added more and more value to Fiero, introducing the GT in 1985 with multi-port fuel injected V6 power and design cues developed from the 1984 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Fieros.
In 1986 Pontiac built this car for the PPG Pace Car demonstration fleet, the prototype for a series of 2000 replicas offered through Pontiac dealers. It is powered by a high performance turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine delivering a breathtaking 232 horsepower and driving through a high performance 4-speed manual transmission. More importantly, it was part of the panoply and pageantry of the 1986 CART PPG Indy Car Series witnessed by millions of spectator and television viewers.
The body is presented in show car livery appropriate to its PPG paint sponsorship in pearl white over bronze. A moon roof illuminates the otherwise stock interior. There are a number of modifications to adapt this Fiero to its high speed on-track activities including an on board fire suppression system, safety switches to shut off the engine and fuel in the event of a rollover, competition belts, rear deck lid aerodynamic spoiler and track-standard safety lighting.
It was donated to the Museum of Science and Industry by General Motors in 1989 and the approximately 5,200 miles on the odometer are believed to be its demonstration and parade mileage from new. It is in exceptionally original, clean and sharp condition, needing only detailing after a year on tour with the PPG Pace Car Team and twenty years in the Museum of Science and Industry to be brought back nearly to show quality. Its history and provenance are rock solid.
Original show and demonstration vehicles from the Big Three are rarely publicly available and are avidly sought by collectors. Fieros, being even more rare and unusual, are virtually nonexistent. The distinct provenance and history of this ex-PPG Pace Car Fleet Fiero make it.
Without reserve
Saleroom notices
- Although this 1986 Pontiac Fiero GT has a GM VIN, it was donated to the Museum of Science and Industry by General Motors "As Is", solely for research and exhibition purposes, and not for registration or on-road use. It was accepted by the Museum of Science and Industry subject to a GM Receipt of Donation for Vehicle, donation number 0240 89 dated April 19, 1989, specifying such conditions. Any subsequent purchasers accept the vehicle subject to the specific limiting terms of that Receipt of Donation for Vehicle, a copy of which will be provided upon request to prospective bidders.