A Bold Vision for the Pontiac Fiero

Launched in 1984, the Pontiac Fiero was a significant milestone for the American automotive industry as the first mass-produced mid-engine sports coupe. While the car offered a unique aesthetic and utilized innovative plastic body panels over a spaceframe chassis to reduce weight, it was not without its controversies. Critics often pointed to its sluggish performance, and the vehicle famously suffered from reliability issues, leading to a massive recall in 1987 due to engine compartment fires.

However, the Fiero's design choices—including its mid-engine layout and distinct silhouette—led many to draw comparisons to European exotics. This resemblance served as the foundation for one of the most audacious customization projects of the decade: the Pontiac Mera.


The Birth of the Mera

In 1987, Bob Bracey, the owner of Corporate Concepts Limited (CCL), introduced a body kit designed to transform the Fiero into a near-perfect replica of a Ferrari 308. Through an unconventional arrangement, Bracey partnered with select Pontiac dealerships to offer the Mera as a dealer-installed option.

The conversion process was extensive:

  • Original plastic body panels were removed and replaced with fiberglass components.
  • The vehicle received custom badging and a new logo.
  • Performance tires and, eventually, replica alloy wheels were fitted.
  • Optional interior upgrades included seats styled to mimic those found in Italian luxury sports cars.

Legal Conflict and Rarity

Despite the aesthetic overhaul, the Mera retained the Fiero’s original mechanical components, meaning it drove exactly like a standard Pontiac. Interestingly, the official marketing materials claimed the car was not a replica of any other vehicle. However, the visual similarities were impossible to ignore. Although the Mera was never officially sold with Ferrari branding, the temptation for owners to add the "Prancing Horse" logo later created significant confusion.

The exclusive nature of the distribution—sold only through specific dealerships upon the purchase of a new Fiero—resulted in a limited production run of just 247 units. The vehicles were priced between $24,000 and $28,000, offering a more accessible alternative to the $50,000+ price tag of a genuine Ferrari 308.


«Ferrari pounced on CCL almost immediately and filed a trademark infringement suit claiming the Mera's body and exterior were simulations of the Ferrari 308 and 328.»

Predictably, the Italian manufacturer took swift legal action against Corporate Concepts Limited. Ferrari successfully won the lawsuit, forcing the end of the project. Today, the 247 remaining Mera units have become highly sought-after collector's items, standing as a unique chapter in the history of automotive customization.