1986 Pontiac Firebird Machiavelli GTS 305 2+2
As the story goes a Florida Company named Henderson Motors created these Ferrari replicas on a production line utilizing a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Chassis. At the time an investor named Phillip Thomas who was famous for the role in Miami Vice as Ricardo Tubbs, was an investor, and he reportedly drove one of the cars in an episode. The party was short lived though, as Ferrari sued the company for copyright as it was a very convincing replica, which led to an agreement that the car could remain but be called a 305 2+2. First year production was limited due to the lawsuit with a total of 12 produced in 1986. Production continued through 1987 and 88 with several more cars, (100 plus), produced, but the production of 1986 was a mere 12.
NOT A KIT CAR, but an actual production car from 1986, and believed to be one of 5 first prototype cars produced from this rare production run in 1986. This example has a mere 9,917 title verified actual miles, sports a 5.0 Liter V8 with EFI, and has many of the trappings a high end car would feature like a wood dash, leather interior, and of course the chiseled sports car look of the era. A rare bird indeed and not necessarily a Firebird!
Exterior
From the black integrated bumper, (Bricklin-esque!), that splits the low slung hood and the front spoiler, to the hidden headlights under black louvered vents, long hood and very low overall roofline, this car is very convincing as to where the design came from. Side doors are residing under that low slung angled roofline and windshield, and have a lower flair that uses a crease to give it a more aero side view. Air intakes lead the way on the rear quarters, and just above flying buttress uppers of the hatchback from a deep inset rear window. On the tail is a large spoiler, and the rear is a dead ringer for the Ferrari 308 with a quad of round tail lights and dual chrome exhaust pipes below the rear roll pan. On the deck of the trunk are more black vents as these also appear as louvered inserts in the flying buttresses, however serving little purpose as this version is a front engine car. All body parts are rust free, shiny and bathed in the beautiful factory red, (what else?!). The car rides on the only clue of an actual Pontiac in the woven 16-inch wheels with shiny rims and wrapped in 245/50ZR16's on all 4 corners.
Interior
A swing of the doors and more hints of Pontiac design where we can see padded black leather mixing with black suede panels and black pulls and actuators all inset, and all square and rectangle design. Seating is actually spacious and we can put ourselves firmly into a black bolstered leather high back bucket with a gray tuck and roll insert and a high white stitched headrest. Also a back 2+2 seat resides and has a surprising amount of legroom. Gray carpeting covers the floors and is still very clean and unfaded. A center console in black with some wood inlay races through the front buckets, and leads us to the dash which is also an iconic Pontiac design featuring a burl wood field within which are black bezeled, black faced round instrumentation. A small rally wheel fronts the dash, and the car actually has many options such as AC, power steering, power windows, power disc brakes, and power seats riding along with a Kenwood stereo system which may not be original to the car. Above, is a removable smoked glass T top, and an area for storage of said roof in the back of the car.
Drivetrain
Under the front hood is the power plant consisting of a very clean and slightly corroded cast surface 305ci V8. It has EFI feeding is fossils and on the back is a 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission. The car is a muffler delete so it has a good sound but definitely a V8 and not a V12 with the short throw pistons that makes the Ferraris just growl at you! Let's call it an American Muscle roar! Rear drive is courtesy of a 10 bolt rear axle.
Undercarriage
Up on the lift we see some light surface rust on the usual suspects, but all in all very clean and looking like a 9K mile car that has been garaged for a while. Floor Pans are solid and even have a touch of factory overspray remaining on them. Suspension is front independent coil springs, and rear is a torque arm and coil sprung setup. Power disc brakes are on all 4 corners.
Drive-Ability
This car fires right up and off to the test track where we had a thrill or two with the weight to power ratio, some good handling and all functions working swimmingly. A good drive but a short one as we did not want to rack up the miles. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
An interesting example of automotive history, an actual factory built replica if you will, followed by a lawsuit, and the name change with more eventual production. This example though is an early production model, (presumed to be 5 of 12 from 1986), prior to the lawsuit, and all low mileage and ready to show, and glow.
1G2FW87F7GL215454
1-USA
G-General Motors
2-Pontiac
FW-Firebird/Trans Am
87-2 Door Hatchback Coupe
F-305ci V8
7-Check Digit
G-1986
L-Van Nuys, CA Assy Plant
215454-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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