Since these car looks like the actual GT fastback, and they are used as "pace car", does its stand for GT Pace car ?
I know, that sound like a stupid question...but I'm curious about the meaning.
Actually GTP was a class in IMSA at the time. The Fiero's with bodies like mine were in GTU. The Prototype's that also had the Super Duty were GTP-L. The "L" stood for lights. It was a sub class of GTP and was got cars of 3.0L or smaller. The GTP class was for turbocharged 3.0L or N/A cars over 3.0L.
Originally posted by The_Stickman2: Actually GTP was a class in IMSA at the time. The Fiero's with bodies like mine were in GTU. The Prototype's that also had the Super Duty were GTP-L. The "L" stood for lights. It was a sub class of GTP and was got cars of 3.0L or smaller. The GTP class was for turbocharged 3.0L or N/A cars over 3.0L.
Thanks for that explanation. Even though I have seen the guidelines for the IMSA classes before, it never dawned on me that PPG may have used the classes to name the car. It makes sense considering where the cars were used. The car does have a 3.0L with one car being turbo charged. The other five did not get the turbo because they had a reliability issue. The Pace Car Team had commitments with the tracks for the pre-race activities, so it was decided to leave them naturally aspirated to insure that they had cars for the exhibition. The one turbo car was used for a 150mph+ exhibition pass when it did run.
So the Fiero was in the GTP and also in the GTP-L serie in the IMSA ? I was no aware that a GTP-L existed.
Ok, I was always thinking, for the GTP meaning that it was for GTPrototype, since it look like the upcoming fastback GT or GTPace Car since they were used as pace car... but thats another good explanation.
Maybe the name was choosen with all these fact together, prototype, pace car and GTP racing series..
[This message has been edited by perry rhodan (edited 10-13-2008).]
Yes he does. He is more fond of his latest PPG car and brings it out more often. He used to bring the Yellow car out all the time. Before that it was the W66 with something like 300,000+ miles on it.
The car is still very well loved. It has been out to many events in the last couple of years. I have the car clean and mechanically sound except for the annoying lifter tick from low oil pressure. Since this car was purchased, I bought the 194 mile Indy Pace Car, the PPG Indy Pace Car and a 7200 mile 84 SE in addition to other vehicles. So, Unfortunately, the restoration of the car has been on hold until I get more funds (quit spending) and time. Unpassable opportunities have allowed a pretty awesome Pace Car collection.
2009 Heartland Fiero Show. This was the first time the three PPG cars were together in public since 1987. The car really likes it's big brother.
2010 Heartland Fiero Show. Some people got rides.
We put the three PPG Fieros out for display at the 2010 National Antique Automobile Club of America Fall Meet in Moline IL. The cars had plenty of attention kind of sticking out like a sore thumb in the middle of the other antique cars. There was lots of sunshine and the pearl paint glowed like neon signs all day. Hard to imagine these cars are considered antiques and are 25 years old. The Indy PPG won it's National Senior First Place scoring over 375 of 400, the Blue PPG won it National Junior First Place scoring over 365 of 400 and the yellow PPG won a National Junior Third place scoring over 200 point of 400. The cool thing about the scores is that the cars are 100% unrestored original except fluids and filters. The AACA scoring weighs very heavy on originality and authenticity.
The Yellow PPG was the first Fiero Prototype in public hands. Little did I know what was in store for the future. There have been several offers to buy the car, but no way, it is one of my treasures that I continue to enjoy and marvel at. In my wildest dreams would I ever believe that the three PPG cars are together again. If only we could look in to the future I am always in to something cool.
There are several other pictures that I have found, but the sources of the pictures have not come through with copies of the pictures for me. I have even found some professional video of the cars on track that I need to have converted to digital.
Sorry, the pictures are scans of photos taken in the 80's. They are the best quality I have. Unfortunately the green one was the first one to go and has been gone since the middle 90's. The vocational school that had executed the crush order when they were done with it. The Pearl White (2001) and Pearl Red (2004)cars met their demise also.
Ive never heard of or seen one. Im loving the nose and duck tails. Too bad those werent production cars. Id have to say that about the best looking non kitcar version of a Fiero Ive seen. Great find.
Ive never heard of or seen one. Im loving the nose and duck tails. Too bad those werent production cars. Id have to say that about the best looking non kitcar version of a Fiero Ive seen. Great find.
I really love the hips these cars have on the back of them too, almost like a muscle Fiero.
Sorry, the pictures are scans of photos taken in the 80's. They are the best quality I have. Unfortunately the green one was the first one to go and has been gone since the middle 90's. The vocational school that had executed the crush order when they were done with it. The Pearl White (2001) and Pearl Red (2004)cars met their demise also.
Fred
duh. It was about 2 in the morning when I typed that. Too excited to even notice the scenery in the background that makes it obvious that these were taken back when there weren't any digital cameras.
oh well, as soon as I am rich and have enough money, I'll pay Archie or another expert to make me a replica of that green one. I can dream right?
oh and I'm sure its somewhere in this thread, but what kind of wheels are on those cars?
Bump to keep the dream alive. The GTP fastback style is more like what I was thinking about for a conversion. Wish I could see what the car would look like with a Lawrence/SkiTime chinned GT slope nose.
Anyway, bump for anyone who has never seen the GTP Fiero.
The GTP comes from the trackside brochure that PPG gave out to it's guests while the cars were on display. Here is what the cover of the brochure looks like.
I do not know specifically what or if it means anything. Most of the GTP Pontiac models were either high performance or had boosted engines. I just think that it is a designation of High performance. I do know that GT is short for Gran Turismo which if I remember correctly stands for touring car in Italian.
Fred
Wow Autostyle by C&F right here in Grand Rapids. They made the special Monza. I dont recall what it was called, but do remember seeing car carriers drive by Orson E.Coe Pontiac GMC with the special Monzas on them. C&F used to be in several buildings on the corner of Breton & 32nd street. I think a gentleman by the name of Pat Wall? owned C&F.
3 of the original 6 are left, Fred [RAREW66] owns 2, the yellow one, and the solid red one, and I think his friend owns the blue one, but he may be an owner on that one as well. Fred is the man when it comes to the PPG Fieros
sorry for bumping and old thread with my first post, But the Green PPG car was owned by oakland county schools Im trying to verify if they still have it
sorry for bumping and old thread with my first post, But the Green PPG car was owned by oakland county schools Im trying to verify if they still have it
Pretty sure Fred said they executed a crush order on it, but please keep us in the loop! It would be awesome to find it in salvageable shape!
One wonders if C & F here in Grand Rapids would have the molds stored in some back building? I don't know if they are still in business. At one time they were located at 32nd & Brenton. I remember driving by their campus of buildings many years ago. I wonder if Pat Wall is still around Grand Rapids?
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I am always in to something cool.
This is my new favorite Fiero. Never seen any pictures of this green one before, thanks for posting!
