911 Carrera

Make
Porsche
Segment
Coupe

Late last year, we reported on a stunning Lamborghini Gallardo rebuild based on the shell of a Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, proving what's possible with time, talent, and the right resources. Strip those three elements away, however, and you're likely to end up with something like this Pontiac Fiero kit car dressed up as a Porsche 911 996 and currently listed for sale on Craigslist.

While it's maybe more of a looker than the last Pontiac to be made, the G6 sedan, we doubt that this body conversion kit will impress fans of the defunct brand nor die-hard Porsche enthusiasts, even if the body panels appear to have acceptable alignment.

The misguided creation has the face of the 996-generation 911 with its controversial 'teardrop' headlamps (if you were going to pick any 911, why use the one that was probably most unloved?) and has GT2 RS decals on the side. Painted in retina-searing yellow, we'll at least confess that it's hard to miss. Currently listed on Craigslist in New York, the 2.8-liter V6 engine under the hood has been rebuilt. Just as well, since this is a 1988 model-year Fiero. It's also got a new clutch, master cylinder, exhaust, and battery.

The cabin is also in good condition but has no Porsche-aping modifications. From the seats to the broad center console, there's nothing to indicate that you aren't sitting in a Pontiac Fiero. Especially since, well, you are. The windows don't appear to be tinted darkly enough for our liking.

The asking price? A reasonable $4,800. The problem is, while your mother-in-law might be misled into believing that you've bagged yourself a classic sports car, most others will be a combination of amused, offended, or afraid.

We'd recommend giving this Pontiac/Porsche Fiero/911 GT2 RS a miss.