Concept 2000 GT: A Rare Pontiac Fiero Transformation

Unique ONES - In the world of automotive design, certain cars stand out not just for their performance but for their sheer uniqueness and the story behind their creation. One such vehicle is the Concept 2000 GT, a car that has intrigued enthusiasts and collectors alike for decades. Like a hidden gem in the automotive landscape, this rare creation represents a bold vision from the late 1980s, built on the foundation of a Pontiac Fiero but transformed into something far more striking. Its origins, design, and exclusivity make it a vehicle worth exploring in detail.

The Concept 2000 GT's sleek, low profile and wide stance make its design one of its most captivating features, appearing futuristic even today. (Picture from: DriveAnotherDay)

David Tidwell, a custom car builder of Country Auto Body in Largo, Florida, set out in 1988 to create something truly one-of-a-kind. Using the Pontiac Fiero chassis—a popular platform for kit cars—Tidwell aimed to design a high-performance vehicle that would stand out from the crowd. Unlike typical Fiero-based projects, Tidwell’s creation wasn’t a simple body kit grafted onto an existing car, turning it into something awkward like the Fierri. Instead, it was a complete custom build, designed to grab attention and break the mold. This vision gave rise to the incredibly rare Concept 2000 GT.

The Pontiac Fiero served as the donor car for the Concept 2000 GT, a vehicle that has intrigued enthusiasts and collectors for decades. (Picture from: DriveAnotherDay)

The design of the Concept 2000 GT is one of its most captivating features. With its sleek, low profile and wide stance, the car looks futuristic even by today’s standards. Made from thick, hand-laid fiberglass, the body is reinforced with a steel subframe to accommodate its widened and lengthened proportions. This isn’t a flimsy kit car but a robust and carefully crafted machine designed to look and feel substantial. The car’s smooth curves, aggressive front end, and flowing lines give it a presence on the road that’s hard to ignore.

The Concept 2000 GT made from thick, hand-laid fiberglass, the body is reinforced with a steel subframe to accommodate its widened and lengthened proportions. (Picture from: FiberClassics.org)

One of the key aspects of its design is the way it conceals its Pontiac Fiero origins. To the untrained eye, there are few giveaways that this car shares a platform with the Fiero. Some enthusiasts may be able to spot the original car’s side glass or B-pillars, but otherwise, the Concept 2000 GT hides its base well under its sleek exterior. The car even retains some Fiero emblems on the steering wheel, but overall, it presents itself as a unique, exotic supercar that could easily be mistaken for a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or even a concept vehicle straight out of a movie set.

The Concept 2000 GT features just enough room in the front, minimal space in the back, a spoiler, and rims that wouldn’t look out of place on a late '80s Ferrari. (Picture from: FiberClassics.org)

As the distinctive design of the Concept 2000 GT captures the imagination of car enthusiasts. Though it may not be to everyone’s taste, its uniqueness is undeniable. To some, it evokes memories of iconic movie cars like the Wraith, which itself was based on the Dodge M4S Turbo Interceptor—a car built as a high-performance pace car for the Indy 500 in 1981. The Concept 2000 GT, while less known, carries the same air of exclusivity and flair.

The Concept 2000 GT's interior is thoughtfully designed, featuring plush seating and a well-maintained cabin that perfectly complements its striking exterior. (Picture from: FiberClassics.org)

Under the hood, the Concept 2000 GT is equipped with a turbocharged V6 engine, providing it with the power to match its bold looks. The addition of modern amenities like power steering, air conditioning, and cruise control elevates the driving experience beyond what the original Fiero offered. These features, along with power windows and a tilt steering wheel, make the Concept 2000 GT not only a visual statement but also a comfortable and enjoyable car to drive on the road.

While the car’s performance and design are impressive, what truly sets it apart is its rarity. Only 12 examples of the Concept 2000 GT were ever produced, and today, just three remain in the United States, with reports of black, white, and red versions. The rest have found homes overseas, making the car a highly sought-after collector’s item. Each vehicle was meticulously hand-built by Tidwell and his team, with no two being exactly the same. The car was originally priced at nearly $50,000 in 1988, a considerable amount at the time, reflecting the high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into its creation.

The 1988 Concept 2000 GT is equipped with a turbocharged V6 engine, providing it with the power to match its bold looks. (Picture from: FiberClassics.org)

The interior of the Concept 2000 GT is equally well-thought-out. With plush seating and a well-maintained cabin, the car offers a level of luxury that complements its striking exterior. Features like remote door poppers, power mirrors, and a high-quality Kenwood CD receiver were ahead of their time, adding to the car’s appeal. Despite being over 30 years old, many of these cars have been preserved in excellent condition, with owners taking great care to maintain their rarity and value.

Mechanically, the Concept 2000 GT has proven to be reliable, with many surviving examples receiving regular maintenance and updates. From overhauling the air conditioning system to replacing tires and brake pads, owners have gone to great lengths to ensure that these cars remain roadworthy and enjoyable to drive. The attention to detail in keeping these rare vehicles in top condition speaks to the passion and dedication of their owners.

The Concept 2000 GT stands as a testament to David Tidwell’s vision and the enduring appeal of custom-built cars. (Picture from: DriveAnotherDay)

The Concept 2000 GT stands as a testament to David Tidwell’s vision and the enduring appeal of custom-built cars. Its striking design, combined with its rarity and performance, has earned it a place in automotive history as one of the most unique and exclusive vehicles to come out of the 1980s. Today, it remains a highly sought-after collector’s item, a car that continues to captivate those lucky enough to see it in person. Since no videos of this car can be found, here’s a video about the Pontiac Fiero 2+2 Concept instead.

For anyone fortunate enough to get behind the wheel of a Concept 2000 GT, the experience is more than just driving a rare car—it’s a journey into the past, where creativity and craftsmanship came together to create something truly extraordinary. Whether admired for its design, its rarity, or its story, the Concept 2000 GT will always be remembered as a car that dared to be different. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOBLOG | CARSCOOPS | FIBERCLASSIC.ORG | DRIVEANOTHERDAY ]

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