1984 Fiero Indy Pace Car
Photo by Flickr user artistmac, used under CC BY-SA 2.0.
1984 Fiero Indy Pace Car refers to the special 1984 Pontiac Fiero associated with the 1984 Indianapolis 500.
The Pontiac Fiero was selected as the pace car for the 1984 Indianapolis 500. Pontiac also produced a limited-production Indy Pace Car replica for the public. The production replicas shared the Indy-themed appearance package but used the standard 2.5L Iron Duke four-cylinder engine rather than the specially prepared engine used in the actual pace cars.
Overview
The 1984 Fiero Indy Pace Car is one of the most recognizable early Fieros.
It combined the first-year Fiero body with a distinctive white exterior, red and gray accent graphics, special interior trim, and Indy Pace Car badging. It was based on the 1984 Fiero SE and was produced as a limited-edition model.
The Indy Pace Car edition helped promote the new Fiero during its first model year and linked the car to Pontiac's involvement with the Indianapolis 500.
Production
Pontiac produced a limited number of 1984 Fiero Indy Pace Car replicas for public sale.
The commonly cited production number is 2,000 replica cars.
Because Fiero production and option information is sometimes repeated from enthusiast sources, production-number details should be verified against factory documentation when possible.
Actual pace cars versus replicas
The actual cars used for Indianapolis 500 pace car duties were specially prepared vehicles.
The production Indy Pace Car replicas sold to the public had the Indy appearance package but used the regular 1984 Fiero four-cylinder drivetrain.
This distinction is important:
- Actual pace cars were specially prepared for pace car use.
- Production replicas were street cars sold to the public.
- Replica cars used the standard 2.5L Iron Duke engine.
Exterior features
Notable exterior features include:
- White exterior paint
- Red and gray Indy-themed graphics
- Indy Pace Car decals or badging
- Aero-style front fascia
- Rear spoiler
- Special lower body treatment
- Distinctive 1984 Pace Car appearance package
The Indy Pace Car appearance influenced later Fiero styling, especially the aero nose used on later GT and SE models.
Interior features
The Indy Pace Car interior used special trim that differed from standard 1984 Fieros.
Commonly associated interior features include:
- Special gray and red upholstery
- Indy-themed seat embroidery or logos
- Red interior accents
- Sportier appearance compared with standard models
- Interior details associated with the limited-edition Pace Car package
Interior details should be verified by car because seats, trim, and interior parts may have been changed over time.
Engine and drivetrain
The production 1984 Fiero Indy Pace Car replica used the 2.5L four-cylinder engine.
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The production replica should not be confused with the specially prepared pace cars, which were modified for official pace car duties.
Relationship to the 1984 model year
The Indy Pace Car edition was part of the first Fiero model year.
The 1984 Fiero was available only with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine. The V6 engine was not introduced until the 1985 model year.
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Identification
A 1984 Fiero Indy Pace Car may be identified by a combination of features, including:
- 1984 model year
- Indy Pace Car exterior graphics
- White exterior
- Aero-style front fascia
- Rear spoiler
- Indy-specific interior trim
- Pace Car badging or decals
- 2.5L four-cylinder engine
Because Fieros can be modified, restored, repainted, or cloned, identification should not rely on one feature alone.
Clones and restorations
Some non-Indy Fieros may have been modified to look like Indy Pace Cars.
Likewise, original Indy Pace Cars may have had graphics, interiors, wheels, or body panels changed over time.
When originality matters, verify the car using documentation, option codes, VIN-related information, original paperwork, and physical inspection.
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Collectibility
The 1984 Fiero Indy Pace Car is collectible because of its limited production, first-year status, Indianapolis 500 connection, and unique appearance.
Condition, originality, documentation, mileage, completeness, and correct Pace Car-specific parts can all affect desirability.
Common issues
The Indy Pace Car shares many common 1984 Fiero issues, including:
- 2.5L four-cylinder engine issues
- Cooling-system problems
- First-generation headlight motor problems
- Interior wear
- Decal and graphic deterioration
- Seat and upholstery wear
- Body-panel and paint condition
- Electrical issues
- Previous-owner modifications
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Notes
The term “Indy Pace Car” can refer either to the actual specially prepared cars used for pace car duties or to the limited-production replicas sold to the public.
Most owner and collector discussions refer to the production replica unless specifically discussing the actual Indianapolis 500 pace cars.