1992 Puma AM4 Convertible 

Sometimes we forget about small, obscure auto manufacturers in foreign countries.  That's not to say we don't get our fair share of imports at Classic Auto Mall, but there are some manufacturers that didn't produce an enormous number of cars compared to mainstream brands and the result is that few end up in the United States.  Puma Automoveis is a Brazilian car company that's been around since 1963, producing a number of sports cars and truck cabs, all told about 30,000 vehicles produced over a 30 year span. The company has seen their fair share of trials and tribulations over the years from financial hardships, factory fires, and the loss of key personnel and supply resources.  The company is still around however, with hopes of producing a modern GT in a very limited run. 

For consignment, a 1992 Puma AM4 convertible, believed to be one of very few in the United States.  It's certainly the first one to grace our Hallowed Halls.  One thing the consignor wanted us to know…this is not a kit car!  Apparently, kits were created based on some Puma models.  This is the real deal though and has some issues not uncommon with small and underfunded manufacturers.  Believed to be 1 of 15 built and 1 of 3 imported into the states and coming to us with a non-verifiable 403 miles logged on the odometer and in need of some TLC, this is a rare find.  Still, it's cool and unique and sure to stump even the most ardent sports car nerds trying to I.D. it. 

Exterior
It's hard to pinpoint exactly what this car looks like.  Certainly, the front end has similarities to Alfa Romeo Spiders of the same era, or perhaps a 280Z, but that's where the similarity to any other cars ends.  Red paint covers the fiberglass body sandwiched by black bumpers on each end.  Side-view mirrors sit way back on the long doors which are home to unique little door handles.  The rear deck over the engine has large vents and a wing which spans the width of the deck, but not the entire back of the car.  The most notable feature of the exterior are the side strakes…a mini cheese grater perhaps inspired by the Ferrari Testarossa.  These are not just for show…these are functional air scoops that protrude halfway down the rear panels in a bold design choice.  The back of the car is long and as noted, houses the engine, and the rear taillights are smoked and somewhat familiar.  A Puma emblem complete with scripted word and roaring big cat is on the back deck lid while a raised Puma emblem is on the front.  The rear grille is split by the bumper and continues underneath below which sits a tailpipe that loops to the starboard side.  The black canvas top sits high and allows for headroom.  It has a large back, (plastic,) window comes to us slightly clouded.  The raked windshield accentuates the sports car profile when the top is down.  Period-appropriate BBS-style wheels in silver are 14-inches in diameter.  Some minor imperfections in the paint are noted but nothing of major concern here. 

Interior
Impressive looking, though a bit worn, the front buckets seats in perforated tan leather look very supportive, almost Recaro-ish.  Matching door panels have a simple door handle/armrest piece and a small speaker.  The steering wheel with airbag was borrowed from Chrysler and the gauges are VDO, the smaller ones containing that growling Puma logo.  The dash is simple and flat black plastic with basic climate controls and a gap where the radio once was.  The shifter is tall and in a center console that also contains some storage and the parking brake lever.  Tan carpet continues to the back cargo area behind the seats which has a decent shelf for items…no, your golf bag won't fit back there but it's ample room for a sack of groceries or a gym bag.  The “frunk” which is hinged in the front, is carpeted in black and holds the gas tank. 

Drivetrain
A 1.8 liter inline four-cylinder engine is mounted in the rear and the consignor states its first water-cooled Puma to have been produced after years of VW-derived air-cooled versions.  It's good for about 89 horsepower and is fed by electronic fuel injection.  The rear wheels are turned by a 4-speed manual transmission and a 3.889 geared axle.  Disc brakes occupy all four corners. 

Undercarriage
A tubular frame is connected to independent coil-over suspension. The fiberglass floor pans create a flat bottom and a center steel support intersects the middle.  Stabilizer bars are present front and rear.  Minimal surface rust on the coil caps, (washers), and tailpipe is noted but otherwise basically blemish-free underside.  The CV boots are dry while some seepage is noticeable on the left subframe brace.  

Drivability
You sit low in the car, (it's a sports car!), and as expected, the seats are supportive.  The little 1.8 buzzed into action and the short gears of the 4-speed scoot this car around, making the 89 horses seem just a tad faster than you'd expect.  There are some rattles in the interior but overall, not a bad ride which we kept short due to the age of the tires…which are likely original to the car.  As we brought the big cat home, we noticed braking was good, however some frowns reared their head.  We noted that the wipers, heater/AC blower, turn signals and power mirror controls were non functional.  Also, the passenger's side power window was very slow to raise and lower. 

Pumas don't come up for sale very often…because there simply aren't that many in existence.  If you are looking for a unique, drivable project, this Brazilian cat might just be the ticket.  It's not quite an orphan brand and learning some Portuguese might help in the search for parts and expertise.  If you're up for a challenge, this is one of very few in the country…and that kind of exclusivity will make you the Big Dog with a little red car named for a big cat!

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!