Enterra Vipre: A Surprising Chapter in Automotive History

Unique ONES - In the world of automobiles, there are hidden gems that often go unnoticed, and some of these gems are the brainchildren of unlikely creators. Take, for instance, the Enterra Vipre, a car developed in the mid-1980s not by seasoned automotive engineers but by a group of waiters at the Keg Restaurant on Vancouver’s Granville Island. Yes, you read that right – waiters turned car designers.

The Enterra Vipre was a sports car developed in the mid-1980s not by seasoned automotive engineers but by a group of waiters at the Keg Restaurant on Vancouver’s Granville Island, Canada. (Picture from: Silodrome)

The intriguing story begins with these enterprising waiters establishing a company called Enterra Technologies Ltd. They managed to secure a whopping $10 million CAD grant from the Canadian Scientific Research Council. With this unexpected windfall, they ventured into the automotive realm, aiming to create something extraordinary. And they did just that, albeit with a twist of fate.

The 1986 Enterra Vipre, based on the Pontiac Fiero, was produced by a group of waiters from the Keg Restaurant on Vancouver's Granville Island.. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

The first Enterra Vipre rolled out in 1984, sporting a body that was anything but conventional. Imagine a Pontiac Fiero stripped of its original fiberglass shell and clothed in a sleek, supercar-inspired fiberglass body. Inside, the car received an upgrade, although its drivetrain remained unchanged.

The Ferrari influence in the design of the Vipre is undeniable, but the car was kept generic looking enough to not attract attention from Ferrari’s legal representatives in North America. (Picture from: BringATrailer)

What's truly remarkable is how these waiters-turned-visionaries convinced General Motors to sell their creation through Pontiac dealerships in the USA. This feat not only showcased their persuasive skills but also highlighted the trust GM had in their product, offering it with a full manufacturer’s warranty.

However, like many ambitious ventures, the Enterra story had its share of challenges. Priced at over $30,000 USD in 1986, double the cost of a new Pontiac Fiero, the Enterra Vipre faced limited production, with estimates indicating only around 36 to 38 units were ever made (some saying up to 40 units).

The interior of the original Pontiac Fiero was upgraded at Enterra, but it retained all the original Fiero SE features including air conditioning, electric windows, and an AM/FM stereo. (Picture from: BringATrailer)

The rise and fall of Enterra paralleled another Canadian automotive saga – that of Bricklin. Both companies received substantial government funding to craft sports cars but met their demise within a few years. While Bricklin’s tale unfolded in the 1970s, Enterra’s journey played out in the 1980s, leaving behind a legacy of innovation tinged with the harsh realities of the industry.

One can't help but wonder how a group of waiters conceived such a daring venture. While the exact genesis of the idea remains shrouded, the determination of these individuals from the Keg Restaurant to establish their own automotive brand, initially named Cymbria, is undeniable.

This is the Pontiac Fiero 2.8 liter V6. It produces just 140 bhp and 170 lb ft of torque, which resulted in performance that disappointed many at the time of the car’s release. (Picture from: BringATrailer)

Rather than reinventing the wheel, the Cymbria team opted to build upon the Pontiac Fiero's platform, saving time and resources. They crafted a bespoke fiberglass body, enhanced the interior luxury, and introduced their creation to the market at a premium price point.

The strategic move of partnering with General Motors for distribution through Pontiac dealerships added credibility to their endeavor. Despite initial setbacks with body molds and fitment issues, the company rebranded as Enterra, signaling a fresh start and distancing itself from past hiccups.

The first Enterra Vipre rolled out in 1984, featuring a body built on the chassis and mechanical elements of a Pontiac Fiero, sold through Pontiac dealerships in the USA. (Picture from: BringATrailer)

Visually, the Enterra Vipre exuded a sense of speed and sophistication, though its performance remained grounded with the stock 2.8-liter Pontiac V6 engine. Nonetheless, its unique styling and the audacity of its creators left an indelible mark on automotive history. | 3nLcsFNjHII |

In the end, the Enterra Vipre stands as a testament to the power of unconventional thinking and the daring spirit of those who dare to defy norms. While its production numbers may be modest, its legacy as a product of ingenuity and ambition endures, reminding us that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BRINGATRAILER | SILODROME | THETRUTHABOUTCARS | FOROVEHICULOS ]

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