The Case For Replicas: 1987 Fiero-Ferrari

Replicas are the Rodney Dangerfield of the auto world: they don't get any respect. But I like them. In fact, I think in some cases they make more sense than owning the original.

Take Ferrari replicas. Real Ferraris are expensive to start with. Then there's the cost of parts, repairs, worrying about getting a scratch in it, heck, even an oil change on some models requires the engine to come out of the bay! It's not for the faint of heart, or wallet.

However, a replica gives you that classic Pininfarina styling without all the headaches of the real thing. The best Ferrari replicas were either the Corvette-based McBurnie Daytona or the Pontiac Fiero-based 308/328. This is a Fiero-based 328. Pontiac actually liked the idea of a replica so much they allowed dealers to sell a 308 body as an option called the Mera. This was quickly shutdown after threats of lawsuits, but it got enough gears turning for people to be interested.

The Mera was based on the 308. I've never seen a 328 replica, although it could be easily done since the basic body is the same as the 308. It looks pretty good, especially with the post-'86 lights.

The seller confirms this is indeed based on a Fiero. Unfortunately, it will not have Ferrari-like performance, as it's a 4-cylinder version, a shame since the 6-cylinders are readily available. They also say it has an auto transmission. On the upside, they list the mileage as 69k and say the seats are leather.

This is a mostly show-and-no-go car, but the details and spirit are in the right place.  I would remove the Corvette side mirrors and rear spoiler and then just have a good laugh driving around. Also, if I were a b-movie director I'd totally want one of my characters to drive one and not worry if they crash it in a chase.

Available here on craigslist for $9,999.

It's Not What It Looks Like: 1988 Pontiac Mera

This it not a real Ferrari. It is also not a kit car.

So, what is it then, you ask?

The Mera was created by Corporate Concepts by adding a Ferrari 308-inspired body on top of the Pontiac Fiero chassis, mid-engine and interior. It was sold through Pontiac dealerships and was offered as a new car, so it not technically an aftermarket body kit. To my amazement, it's considered a unique vehicle.

Ferrari body kits for Fiero cars are a dime a dozen. Most are pretty awful looking, but they were very popular in the 1980s, probably in part thanks to the use of several fake Ferrari cars on Miami Vice. Once the public learned that such a thing even existed, it dawned on them they could have one too. Exotic looks for a fraction of the price!

Fortunately, the Mera does look good, at least about as good as a 308 body can look on the Fiero. The nose is a little long, but the overall shape is surprisingly accurate. There are also some clever changes too, like the grooved air intakes on the hood hiding the pop-up headlights and the reverse lights moved to around the license plates to accommodate the Fiero setup.

Unfortunately, since the car straddled such ill-defined legal parameters, it met its fate in the courtroom when Ferrari sued to stop production. Actually, I guess that's quite an honor of sorts, knowing that you caught the attention of Ferrari and were forced to stop making your car.

The seller says the injunction resulted in only about 247 being made and only 80 left. They say this is all-original with only 49k miles, power windows, sunroof and new clutch.

When Tarantino finally gets around to paying homage to exploitation films of the '80s, some character has to drive a Pontiac Mera. Not a real Ferrari. A Pontiac Mera.

Find it here on craigslist in (appropriately) Miami, Florida for $12,000. How do you put a price on imitation?