This Pontiac Fiero's Alter Ego: A Thrifty Ferrari F50 Replica Seeking V12 Ambitions
When dreams and reality collide, sometimes the result is something as audacious as this 1985 Pontiac Fiero, reborn with the aspirations of a Ferrari F50. Sorry to burst your bubble, but no, it's not endowed with the heartbeat of an Italian Stallion. This American underdog's V6 is still ticking under its flamboyant shell, masquerading as one of the most iconic supercars from Maranello. Piqued your interest? You'll need to race over to Cars & Bids where this paragon of automotive duality is up for grabs—but do it quick, as the auction flag drops on June 28.
The transformation from the humble, stock Fiero to this near doppelgänger of the revered F50 is not your everyday tale. It involved stretching and widening the chassis, akin to a car-based Cinderella story, except instead of a magic wand, fiberglass composites were the fairy godmother. Although not every angle is a perfect match to the F50—notice the odd double chin and the too-short rear—it's an effort that should make any kit car enthusiast give a nod of respect.
American Heart, Italian Soul?
But there's a reality check awaiting under the sculpted replica skin. A 2.8-liter General Motors V6, sideways in its original habitat, props up the rear with a modest 140 horsepower—if it hasn't strayed far from factory specs. That's right, instead of a Ferrari roar, imagine America's engine note of rationality, which is slightly dissonant with the visual drama. There's a tinge of melancholy to find that the transmission linked to this V6 is a three-speed slushbox, not the engaging manual you'd have hoped would complete the illusion.
The illusion continues inside where the interior has seen some modifications, but the roots are unmistakably 1980s General Motors. There's nostalgia in the angular dashboard and retro climate controls. And for a dash of mystery—or comedy—the speedometer insists on 15 MPH even at a standstill. Some jokes just write themselves.
At the time of writing, the current high bid is $13,769—pennies on the dollar compared to what you’d shell out for a genuine F50, though the excitement might well push the figure northward as the auction comes to a close.
Nostalgia Meets Ingenuity
The story doesn't end with this F50 lookalike. The Fiero has a somewhat storied past as a canvas for Ferrari tributes. In a narrative twist worthy of a Hollywood script, there were Fiero-based Ferrari 308 replicas, dubbed Meras, that were at one point sold directly through Pontiac dealers—until Ferrari's lawyers dropped the legal equivalent of a cease-and-desist. Despite that, the legacy of the Fiero lingers and continues to fool some out there with a well-executed Mera guise.
For those pining for the genuine article, you can always dive into the sea of ponies at the duPont Registry, where an array of Ferraris from past and present awaits your discerning gaze and, possibly, your checkbook.
In the end, this Pontiac turned F50 spectacle paints a portrait of automotive aspirations. It’s a love letter to the exotic while staying grounded in practicality—or perhaps it's simply a product of someone's unfulfilled supercar daydreams. Whichever the case, it stands testament to ingenuity and the relentless human spirit that dares to dream—and then turns those dreams into a drivable reality.