Who would have thought that out of America's Dairyland would come an Italianesque car that really turns heads? Based in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, the Aldino Car Co. has transformed a Fiero platform into something Ferrari might have dreamed up but didn't...the Aldino.
The Aldino K/O is the culmination of two decades of design experience, with some 640 of the kits sold to the public. Created by Joe Palumbo, designer of the Cimbria kit car, this stylish automobile can be fully assembled in 70 to 150 hours. Richard and Ellen Lichte purchased the molds and manufacturing rights for the design, as well as the Aldino body panels in August '02, and have revitalized this Italian-inspired, Fiero-based kit.
The Aldino K/O uses a Fiero chassis to virtually eliminate problems do-it-yourselfers often run into when completing their kits. This is an easy build, as Richard Lichte-a former Excalibur exec who has 30 years of experience in paint, auto restoration and refinishing-has made sure the kits are well made and the components go together easily.
Fiber-tech manufactures all of the Aldino's fiberglass components, and Dale Rogers, owner of Fiber-tech, brings his experience to the mix-he built the fiberglass components for the original Cimbria back in the '70s.
The Italian design influence is undeniable. The craftsmanship and ingenuity are surprisingly good, and a Fiero never looked like this before. Lichte has priced this kit to attract those entry-level joiners of the kit car hobby as well as those veterans who want something economical that looks pricey.
The kit fits any model Fiero but works best with an '87 or '88 Fiero Formula or GT. Optional upgrades include the functional rear wing and dashboard dress-up kit.
The one we photographed at the Carlisle kit Car Nationals attracted a lot of attention...has it attracted yours? It's not just a rebody; it is a head-turner from the land of cheese and the Packers that transforms an American icon, the Fiero, into an Italian beauty.