CLASSIC CAR

The History of the Pontiac Fiero

July 10, 2019 by admin 4 Comments

In the 1980s General Motors produced a mid-engine, two-seat sports car and named it the Pontiac Fiero. Just as the Corvette elevated Chevrolet, GM hoped the Fiero would do likewise for Pontiac. Its five-year model run started off strong, but quality problems and declining interest eventually killed what is now a classic car.

1985 Pontiac Fiero (Public domain photo via Wikimedia).

Pontiac Fiero Overview

The Pontiac Fiero was produced from 1984 to 1988. Planning for the new model began in the late 1970s with project engineers proposing a two-seat, mid-engine design that no US manufacturer had tackled before. GM launched “Project Pegasus” with the intent to develop a high-volume commuter car with sports-car-handsome looks. The Fiero name was chosen, one that has several meanings including “fierce” and “wild” in Spanish and “proud” in Italian.

To save weight, polymer body panels were used. To save money, its designers went to the GM parts bin to assemble the car. The original powertrain came from the Chevrolet Citation. It shared its front suspension with the Chevrolet Chevette and its rear suspension came from the Pontiac Phoenix. Its side view mirrors came from the Pontiac Firebird.

In all, 13 separate polymer panels were attached to the Fiero’s steel space frame by way of a mill and drill production procedure to connect the panels. That technique was later employed to build the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird.

A three-quarter rear view of the 1985 Pontiac Fiero GT. Attribution: Mr.choppers [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]

Pontiac Fiero: First Year

The first-year Pontiac Fiero was outfitted with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and paired with a four-speed manual or to an optional three-speed automatic transmission. This rear-wheel-drive model made 92 horsepower and was outfitted with four-wheel independent suspension, manual steering, upgraded brakes, a removable sunroof, and bolstered bucket seats with headrest-integrated audio speakers.

The 1984 model was available from $8,000 and in four trim levels, including the Fiero Indy. The Indy version was based on the design of the Pontiac Fiero pace car that led the 1984 Indianapolis 500 field, representing approximately 2,000 of 136,840 units sold that first model year.

See Also — Mid-Engine Marvel: C8 Corvette Debuts

Four More Years

Despite first-year sales that exceeded the company’s required 100,000-unit minimum, several changes were made to the Pontiac Fiero for its second model year. GM turned to Isuzu its Japanese partner for a five-speed manual transmission. It also made available its 2.8-liter Iron Duke V-6 engine, rated at 140 horsepower and 160 foot-pounds of torque, pairing it with a four-speed Muncie transmission.

The Fiero’s available V6 engine makes 140 horsepower. Attribution: Yellowstone [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)]

For its third model year, a fastback body style was introduced with the Fiero GT, while the Sport and SE editions retained the coupe layout. The V6 engine also received a transmission upgrade when a Getrag five-speed manual shifter was introduced.

Beginning in 1987, Pontiac tweaked the base coupe’s front and rear fascia and increased the four-cylinder engine’s horsepower. A new suspension system, upgraded brakes and steering, and refinements to both engines were made in 1988 in a bid to improve falling sales.

Fiero Means Fire

Early on, problems with the Pontiac Fiero began to surface. Engine fires resulting from defective connecting rods and problems with engine block casting cast a pall over the model. Consumer advocate Ralph Nader zeroed in on the problems, what affected roughly one in every 400 models built.

In 1987, GM recalled 125,000 first-year models to make engine modifications, issuing a second recall in 1989 to cover every Pontiac Fiero model produced. GM had already stopped making its mid-engine sports car the previous year as demand burned out.

The Pontiac Fiero was an innovative idea, but making that conceptual dream a production reality meant compromising along the way. Later models provided many enhancements including a V6 engine that roughly matched its persona. However, quality problems scorched the Fiero and ultimately contributed to its demise.

Built-in speaker headrests were a novelty with the Fiero, but are much more common today. (Public domain photo via Wikimedia).

See Also — Gone in a Flash: Pontiac G8

The History of the Hyundai Tiburon

June 14, 2019 by admin 2 Comments

The Hyundai Tiburon represents one of this Korean automaker’s earliest forays into the sport coupe segment. It was produced from 1997 to 2008, replacing the earlier Scoupe before it was succeeded by the Hyundai Veloster and later the Genesis Coupe. The Hyundai Tiburon is a favorite car for the tuner set, people who like to customize their vehicles with engine swaps and aftermarket car parts. The Tiburon may also be a very good used car value if you are shopping for an affordable, front-wheel-drive car.

The second-generation Hyundai Tiburon has an aggressive stance, not unlike the later Genesis Coupe.

Hyundai Tiburon Overview

Tiburon is an island in the Gulf of California, located just off the coast of Sonora, Mexico. It is a Spanish word for shark, the name that Hyundai chose for its second attempt at a sport coupe model in the 1990s.

The Hyundai Tiburon was sold as a three-door hatchback through its 11-model-year, two-generation run. The first-generation model was sold from 1997 to 2001; the second-generation Tiburon was sold from 2003 to 2008. No 2002 model was built.

First Generation Highlights

When the Hyundai Tiburon made its debut, two engines were offered. The base model comes equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 130 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and making 122 foot-pounds of torque at 5,000 rpm. It’s paired with a five-speed manual transmission.

The first-generation Tiburon included this styling refresh to the front fascia.

Also available is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 140 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and making 133 foot-pounds of torque at 4,800 rpm. It, too, comes with a five-speed manual transmission.

The base engine was dropped after the first year with the larger four standard across the model line through 2001.

First-Generation Exterior and Interior

Taking inspiration from the HCD II concept that made its debut at the 1993 Chicago Auto Show, the first-generation Hyundai Tiburon features a sport fascia, sculptured hood, strong shoulders, and sport coupe body lines. Base models have 14-inch wheels and tinted glass. Options include a rear spoiler, fog lights, alloy wheels, and keyless entry — standard features on the Tiburon FX.

Inside, the first-generation Hyundai Tiburon has 2+3 seating, with bucket seats up front and a fold-down bench seat in the back. Standard features include cloth seating, a tilt steering wheel, power windows and door locks, power side mirrors, an AM/FM cassette audio system, and power steering.

A rear spoiler is standard on all second-generation Tiburon models.

Second Generation Highlights

Beginning in 2003, the second-generation Hyundai Tiburon became available. Base and GT editions were sold initially with the model line further divided into GS, GT, SE and Limited editions before it was canceled following the 2008 model year.

The standard engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 138 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 136 foot-pounds of torque at 4,500 rpm. A five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic are the transmission choices.

A 2.7-liter V-6 is the upgraded engine, rated at 172 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 foot-pounds of torque at 3,800 rpm. This engine works with either a five- or six-speed manual transmission or with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Second Generation Exterior and Interior

Fresh sheetmetal and a sportier look define the second-generation Hyundai Tiburon. That model has a more sophisticated looking front air dam, flared headlamps and improved sporty design characteristics on its profile and along the rocker panels. For the first time, a rear spoiler is standard and all models come outfitted with either 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the 2003 to 2008 Hyundai Tiburon features cloth or leather sport bucket seats and a fold-down split rear seat. Standard and available features include remote door locks, a tilt steering wheel, climate control, 12-volt power outlets, heated side mirrors, a six-speaker Kenwood audio system, XM satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Years after the Hyundai Tiburon was last available new, it offers value to used car shoppers. Pricing differences between four- and six-cylinder models should be noted, with equipment options offering further cost separation. Among the competing models of that era were the Chevrolet Cobalt SS, Scion tC, and the Mitsubishi Eclipse.

See Also — Hyundai Veloster N: Namyang Performance

Photos copyright Hyundai Motor America.

Return of the First-Generation Ford Bronco

December 6, 2018 by admin 4 Comments

An Illinois manufacturer is bringing back the original Ford Bronco in small numbers.

If you’re a fan of the Ford Bronco, then likely you’re anticipating the return of this small SUV in 2020. Sharing its platform with the Ford Ranger, the new Bronco will build on the success of earlier models, including the original, which was manufactured for 12 years from 1966 to 1977.

The original Bronco was offered in three cab types: a wagon, a pickup (but only through 1972), and an open model with cut-out filler panels instead of doors, according to Hagerty. The most popular of the three is the first cab type.

The Original Ford Bronco

Ford may be returning with a new model, but that isn’t stopping some enthusiasts from snapping up the original. Speaking of the original, a company by the name of Gateway Bronco has received approval by the Ford Motor Company to produce original copies of the first-generation Bronco for customers under a special license agreement with the automaker.

Based in Hamel, Illinois, Gateway Bronco is already a restorer of the original and will now create 1966-77 Broncos according to the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act of 2015. That act allows manufacturers to build as many as 325 replica cars annually without needing to comply with certain NHTSA safety standards or pay for expensive crash testing. In effect, the act makes it possible for certain discontinued vehicles such as the original Ford Bronco to return.

Gateway Bronco has the distinction of restoring the classic Bronco and delivering it to customers with an authentic Ford frame and original Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Available upgrades include electronic fuel injection, a Porsche leather interior, and a barn wood bed. In fact, the company says that it offers “endless custom options” according to its website.

Founder Seth Burgett stands in front of one of his classic Broncos.

A Reimagined Original

Under the agreement with Ford, Gateway Bronco will now go to the next step: offering what it calls “reimagined” Ford Broncos powered either by a fuel-injected 347 Stroker engine paired with a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission or by a Ford Coyote 5.0-liter V8 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Further, the company makes improvements to the chassis for a smoother and more comfortable ride, adds sound deadening material, and takes special steps to thwart rust and deterioration. Customers will have a choice of three models ranging in cost from $120,000 to $180,000.

Gateway is able to produce two to four new vehicles per month. Importantly, it meets the Certified Reconditioned Vehicle standards as established by Ford.

“We’re honored to be recognized by Ford Motor Company and consider this license agreement a tremendous privilege,” said Seth Burgett, CEO of Gateway Bronco. “We will work diligently to serve and protect the Ford brand. Our proprietary, exclusive solutions to re-condition and manufacture the first-generation Ford Bronco has led to incredible growth of our company. Deepening our relationship with Ford will help us better serve our customers who want the ultimate classic Ford Bronco with modern performance.”

Hagerty Valuation

Of course, if you own a classic Bronco, Hagerty places a value starting somewhere around $25,000, depending on the year and condition. A makeover can restore it to its original condition or in the case of Gateway Bronco, provide a fresh take on a cherished classic with either a complete restoration or an all-new Ford-approved model.

Video: This is Gateway Bronco

Photos and video copyright Gateway Bronco.

How to Scrap Your Rustbucket

November 10, 2014 by admin 2 Comments

Updated April 19, 2017.

Is your clunker headed to the scrapyard?

Remember the Cash for Clunkers program? Officially known as the Car Allowance Rebate System or CARS, this 2009 federal initiative encouraged owners of most passenger vehicles that were at least 25 years old to send them to scrap. Nearly 700,000 old cars were destroyed, providing a temporary boost to the economy as people used the money received to buy a new car.

Although CARS is long gone, there are still many more vehicles awaiting the junkyard, but the owners haven’t gotten around to sending them there just yet. If you are looking to scrap your rustbucket, you have some options available to you, including a few that could put a wad of cash in your hands.

Contact a Local Scrapyard

One person’s scrapyard is another person’s junkyard. Whatever you call it, these types of disposal areas are dumping grounds for mostly old vehicles as well as newer vehicles totaled in a car accident. Although junk piles are an eyesore, they provide a much needed place for people to search for car parts and at an attainable price. Most vehicles eventually are taken apart and the steel and other parts are recycled.

For the seller, you’ll need to possess the vehicle’s title to sell it to a junkyard. Then, contact several junkyards in your area to find out if they are interested in purchasing your vehicle.

You should know that you’ll usually get more for your vehicle if it is in drivable condition. The junkyard may fetch your car, but it could deduct some money to recover their transportation cost. Obtain prices and go with the yard that will offer you the most money for your rustbucket.

Your donated vehicle can benefit others. (Photo copyright Wheels4Hope.)

Search For a Charity

A number of charities are interested in acquiring your vehicle too, whether it is in running condition or not. If it is in working order or can be fixed and brought up to running condition, the repaired vehicle may be given to someone who needs one. Programs such as Wheels4Hope ask for such vehicles, then fix and resell them for a flat $500 fee to individuals who need a car.

The advantage of giving to a charity is twofold:

1), you’ll help someone get a vehicle that might otherwise not be in a position to afford one, and

2), you’ll receive a form from the charity, allowing you to claim a deduction on your federal tax return. You may find that the deduction is worth far more than what the scrapyard would pay for your ride.

Just Sell It

rustbucket Your car looks like a clunker, but you may also have a classic on your hands. Sure, it is rusting, has a broken window, the seats are torn and the dashboard is cracked. It doesn’t look like a lot, but it may be worth something to someone.

The worth of any old vehicle can be hard to determine, but Hagerty provides a valuation tool for classic cars that can help you determine just that.

For instance, a 1985 Buick Riviera Convertible with its 307 cubic-inch V-8 engine outfitted with a four-barrel carburetor would be worth an average $8,830 (as of Nov. 2014).

Of course, if your car is a clunker, its value would be far lower. Notably, Hagerty’s offers four vehicle conditions ranging from superior to fair. Thus, prices may range from about $6,000 to as much as $18,000 for the Riviera. A clunker still might fetch a few thousand dollars or far more than you might think it is worth. Offer your vehicle on eBay or Craigslist to gauge interest.

Your Rustbucket, Your Car

You may have a certain emotional attachment to your rustbucket, but unless you have a sensible plan in place to restore it, then scrapping, donating or selling it makes the most sense. Weigh all three options and choose the one that is best for you.

So You Think You Want a Hobby Car

April 5, 2012 by Selma Lockaby Leave a Comment

You catch yourself drooling over the old VW Super Beetle pulled up beside you at the fuel pump. Your neck is sore from repeatedly craning it at every Jeep Grand Wagoneer you pass. You spend hours online reading articles like this one about getting a hobby car. The $2,500 you’ve been saving for the project is threatening to turn into a new grill or get absorbed into Jr.’s college fund. It’s time to take the plunge. Here are some clarifying questions and tips to make sure you don’t end up loathing the experience.

1. Are you ready for this?

True story: A friend owned a new Subaru Outback wagon that cost nearly $30,000. The Subaru was parked outside under a tree, yielding his single garage space to a 1967 Volvo 122s that he’d acquired for $2,000. Even he knew that this arrangement didn’t make sense, but if you’re considering purchasing a hobby car, you already know that they aren’t about making sense. They’re about your love for the car.

Volvo 170 — Do you garage your classic and keep your new car outside?

If you love the car, you’ll spend time tinkering with it. You’ll seek out online forums populated by friendly people who also love the car. You’ll drive great, dubious distances in your car to meet up with these forum people, and beam when they compliment the shiny, correct color-code paint you’ve applied to the engine block. You’ll break down on the way home and, using the box of replacement parts and duct tape you keep in the trunk, fix the problem on the fly. If the same thing had happened in your 2008 Honda Accord, you’d have cursed the vehicle up and down, but something about your 1961 Saab 95 makes it all OK.

Can-do, that’s you. If it’s not, you want a restored classic car, not a hobby car. You’ll pay more, but you can expect greater reliability and less hands-on maintenance.

2. Which Car?

Which car you buy depends largely on your skills. If you’re mechanically inclined and look forward to rebuilding the old engine, you can probably get a vehicle that isn’t running at a fraction of the cost of a roadworthy example. If you like to sew, you might enjoy reupholstering the interior of the old AMC Concord that recently was home to a family of raccoons – but you’re going to want to be sure that the engine runs. You need to be honest about your abilities and interests and try to acquire a vehicle with needs in your area of expertise. Otherwise, you’ll end up spending exorbitant sums paying others to do the repairs you’re unable to do yourself. And you’ll start misappropriating junior’s college fund to do so.

The No.1 killer of old cars is rust. If you live or have vacationed in the South, Southwest or Northwest, you’ll likely have seen rust-free old cars in much greater quantities than in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic or Midwest. Rust permeates all unprotected metal parts, eating not just frames, unibodies and body panels, but also springs, axles, radiators and much more. Unless you have a body shop and easy access to rust-free replacement parts, you should seek out and purchase the least rusty example you can find.

This might mean travelling out of your region to find the right car. The good news is that the laws of supply and demand frequently result in a greater quantity of comparatively less expensive vehicles in comparatively better condition in dry regions, leaving you some spare change for travel. Or, if you’re already active and have made friends in the online forums related to your dream car, there might be someone near enough to the car you’d like to see who would check it out for you. Find a winner? Great! Bring it home.

3. Give Yourself a Honeymoon

If your car is advertised as running and driveable, and it’s fairly close to home, go ahead and drive it home. However, unless you’ve personally driven it at highway speeds and perhaps had it inspected at a trusted shop, your best bet is to have it transported home. Maybe you’ve got a buddy with a flatbed? No? If you have AAA, you might be able to have it towed up to 100 miles at no additional cost. If it’s more than a hundred miles away, spend a few bucks and have it shipped by an auto transport company. They’ll often move even non-running vehicles, so that opens the doors for your search.

flat-bed towing — Long distance towing of a classic car
can be accomplished via flat bed.

Basically, you want to bask in the glow of your hobby car before it leaves you stranded for the first time. Remember your duct tape fix on the way home from your car-geek meet-up? Your “new” car’s prior owners already have those stories with your car and you have no idea which bits are still held together by duct tape. It’s best to avoid any long or fast trips before spending some time going over the vehicle yourself, in your own garage. You do have a garage, right?

4. You Need a Garage

Apartment complexes and city streets are the wrong environment for a hobby car. It’s almost impossible to properly and safely maintain a vehicle in a parking lot. Plus, you’ll start to resent your current abode for its lack of a garage. You’ll start to hate the weather for raining on your first Saturday off that you planned to use it to swap out wheel bearings. And you’ll start to hate the car, covered in snow, ice or pollen, unable to be shown off and driven for your inability to keep up with the maintenance in the unpredictable outdoors.

Moving Forward

Still in? Enjoy the rewarding pastime of tinkering with your old car. You’re going to love it.

Photo Credits

Volvo 122s WikiUser5000

Saab 95 Jelson25

1981 AMC Gremlin CZ Marlin