Another Replica For Sale...

I have seen much worse. The sad part is although it's embarrassing more people will think it's real than not. (meaning driving by or a quick glance).

 

Hardly anyone knows they're fakes. I've never understood how or why manufacturers let the fakes use their names and designs. If the 308 or Cobra or Porsche Speedster were Disney products, the fake-makers would have been shut down overnight.

 

That particular vehicle is a factory pontiac MERA (according to the VIN). Pontiac via Corporate Concepts had 256 ( is the general accepted number) built and sold 86-early 88. Owners swapped out the badges. There is a renewed interest in the "originals" and many owners are returnig them to the MERA badges. At the C & C at Katies Great Falls a MERA "308 Badged" was invited to the all Italian event next sunday - It appears that even the Italian Car Experts can be impressed and or fooled by a well done replicar on occasions

 

Hideous.

 

They probably reduced the value of the Mera by sticking Ferrari emblems on it!

 

I don't know what is sadder.

Pontiac supporting the Mera (I hadn't known this until just now) or the Mera owners themselves calling it a "Mera" as if it wasn't a ****box 308 replica.

 

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

 

The proportions are pretty funky though, front is very bulbous, Ferrari, very sleek, and ya gotta love that boxy interior! Hee hee hee

 

Ferrari seems to be slow in discovering the replicas, but when they do, their legal department comes down with sledgehammer lawsuits. IIRC they forced Mera out of business along with several others. IIRC they even shut down a couple of companies that had managed to get the molds from previously shut down companies before more than 1 or 2 sets of body panels were made. Go search the old Fchat archives for 'replicar' or 'replica'.

 

FYI - From the internet so it must be true

The MERA was being marketed and sold by Pontiac Dealers. The MERA was a re-bodied FIERO produced by CORPORATE CONCEPTS in Carpac, Michigan. These were Ferrari 308 (Magnum P.I.'s car) look-a-likes that prompted a lawsuit by Ferrari against Corporate Concepts. Only 247 (88 1987-GTs and 159 1988-SEs) were produced before production of the FIERO was halted - making the MERA the rarest "FIERO" available.
Also--
It took Ferrari awhile to get after Pontiac/Corporate Concepts as they were busy suing Tom McBurnie builder of the Miami Vice daytona conversion out of business.

Plenty of Kit manufactures splashed the MERA's and or produced their own molds - Ferrari has been sucessful in putting all out of business to include a group in ITALY of all places just last year

 

Was the Fiero actually made with body kits in mind?

 

At least it has a manual trans. How many replicas of Daytona, 308/328, Testerossa's do you see based on Corvette or Fiero with an automatic trans.

The funny thing to me is if you run the numbers, I would guess it is about the same cost to own a real 308, based on reliability and resale value. Being more rare than a 308 may make a few of the parts impossible to get, and I'm sure MERA doesn't have a nice helpful community like this one.

Plus, owning this cars would constantly put you in an awkward position. People ask me all the time if my 308 is real. If I had a MERA and got the same question you could lie or tell the truth, either way it would be awkward.

I think the real Fiero isn't a bad looking car, especially the GT's. A GT looks better than a MERA in my opinion.

Also, why does this guy list it as an 1982 replica? The Fiero is an 87?

 

It looks off, but still the best repro 308 I've seen pictured (never have seen an actual one)

 

again from the internet so it must be true --
Internal GM documents lead to the theory that the Fiero platform was at first going to be the mid engine corvette. The gas shortage in the early 80's caused GM to convert the cars purpose into a "commuter"car. The construction of the fiero was a space frame with jig drilled mounting points for the flexible composite body (Saturn used a similiar system) and made it an easy choice for a rebody over the VW platform. (AC / heat disk brakes and good electronics) were a definite plus. Wheel base is within an inch of the 308. Designed on purpose as a rebody platform - don't think so. Some ferrari guys do have a good sence of humor though --- a 308 owner in Fredericksburg VA plates are "notafiero"

 

I also agree, one of the best replica's I have seen in pics.

Still rubbish though and it must burn!

 

Frankly if it gives someone pleasure good luck to them.

 

+1!

 

Absolutely mate. I was only kidding.

I wouldn't own it, but I am sure there are MANY others who would love to own it, drive it and enjoy it.

 

As far as I know there are none in Australia.

Rodney Dickman
Mera Registry

A few pictures of my 1988 Mera which has been very well modified. It may reduce the value in the long run but I don't care. I enjoyed doing all the changes I did. I have had it since around 1992. Won my class at the Chicago Concours D'Elegance in Grant Park Chicago in 1995. It would be hard to take mine back to OEM stock. Although a fake it is a nice car. With the aftermarket turbo I put out around 225 hp. If anyone asks me if it is a kit car I say no. I only tell them it is a Mera if they keep asking about it. That rarely happens. Cops keep stopping me thru the years. Why? Because they see it and run the plate to see what year is the 308 Ferrari and then it comes back titled as Fiero. I keep a Mera color flyer in the door pocket. I have it out and hand it to them and that is usually all that happens. Eventually after taking about cars for a while they say the have to go and let me drive on.







About 4 years ago I bought a red/tan 348TS. So this Mera was my starter drug and I have moved up. My Mera is not for sale. I love my Mera. I plan on keeping almost forever. It is my best work and my last car I will ever do. Getting too old.

As much as I love the 308 and since I have this replica and never want to sell it I could not buy a real 308 or even a 328. I had to buy a Ferrari that was different. Thus the 348 (originally wanted a Testarossa)

 

Very cool Rodney!!!




PDG

 

Engine and dash:





Rodney Dickman
1988 Mera Serial number 8110. The 110th 1988 Mera produced.

 

My 348:



2010 Audi A5 I bought my girlfriend last year. 3.2 V-6 automatic AWD. 2010 is the last year for a V-6 A5. Had no interest in a turbo 4. She certainly had no interest in a S5. Only cool car we could find worth buying. So many plain janes today. Even the small Lexus is hard to spot unless you see the emblems on it. Acura was kinda odd looking with those big pieces of chrome front and rear. Infinity - plain jane.



Rodney

 

Your car looks very cool man!! Enjoy.