The Pontiac 2+2 Aerocoupe: A Tale of Aero Ambitions and NASCAR Disappointment
In the mid-1980s, the world of NASCAR was dominated by Ford's aerodynamic prowess, leaving little room for other car manufacturers to compete. This was the era of the Pontiac 2+2 Aerocoupe, a homologation special designed to challenge Ford's aero dominance. But was it a success?
The Aero Challenge
Pontiac, a brand under General Motors, sought to counter Ford's aero-dominated Thunderbird with its own wind-cheating special. The result was the 2+2 Aerocoupe, a modified Grand Prix with a sleek, elongated nose and an enormous glass rear bubble. The goal was to improve aerodynamics, boost top speeds, and enhance handling.
The Aero Solution: A Polarizing Design
The 2+2's aero upgrades were handled by Auto-Fab, resulting in a polarizing design. The front end received a smoother panel, attempting to elongate the nose, while the rear featured an oversized glass rear bubble and a new fiberglass trunk lid with a spoiler. These modifications significantly reduced the drag coefficient, making the car a better race car.
On the Track: Mixed Results
Despite the aero enhancements, the 2+2 struggled to dominate NASCAR. It scored only two victories, attributed more to the driving skills of Rusty Wallace than the car's performance. The 2+2's lack of dominance on the track was a disappointment for Pontiac.
Street Car Disappointment
As a street car, the 2+2 was a different story. The rear bubble, while unique, distorted rearward vision, baked the interior with sunlight, and killed the practicality of the Grand Prix coupe. The trunk access was limited, and the car offered no real performance increase over the standard Grand Prix. The interior, with its outdated design and uncomfortable bucket seats, didn't help matters.
Price and Practicality
The 2+2's price tag of over $18,000 was a significant deterrent. It was more expensive than a standard Grand Prix and offered little in terms of performance or practicality. The rear bubble, in particular, was a design choice that limited the car's usability, making it a tough sell for anyone other than dedicated NASCAR fans.
Chevy's Aero Success
In contrast, Chevrolet's approach to aero specials was more successful. The Monte Carlo Aerodeck, created by Cars & Concepts, featured a rounded-off nose and a more practical rear glass design. It was priced competitively, under $15,000, and sold over 6,000 units, scoring 18 victories in NASCAR with Dale Earnhart at the wheel.
The Verdict: A Valiant Effort
The Pontiac 2+2 Aerocoupe was a valiant effort to challenge Ford's aero dominance in NASCAR. While it failed to dominate the track and struggled as a street car, it holds a special place in Pontiac lore and racing history. Its rarity and NASCAR pedigree make it a sought-after collectible, despite its mixed success.
In the end, the 2+2's legacy is one of ambition and innovation, even if it didn't quite live up to its aero aspirations.
