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Fiat X1/9 VS

Fiat X1/9 VS

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Fiat X1/9 VSFiat X1/9 VSFiat X1/9 VSFiat X1/9 VSFiat X1/9 VS
Fiat X1/9 VSFiat X1/9 VSFiat X1/9 VS
Lot number 140
Hammer value £6,820
Description Fiat X1/9 VS
Registration D710 YPH
Year 1987
Colour Red
Engine size 1,498 cc
Chassis No. ZBB128AS007161039
Engine No. 612037
Documents V5C; MOT April 2020; 27 old MOTs; handbook pack; bills

Designed by Bertone’s styling chief, Marcello Gandini (of Lamborghini Miura and Countach fame), the Fiat X1/9 was launched in 1972 and was the world’s first really successful mass-produced mid-engined sportscar.

A classic 70s wedge shape, the styling was derived from Bertone’s earlier Autobianchi Runabout concept, itself inspired by the power boats of the late 1960s. Endowed with superb handling characteristics thanks to its perfect weight distribution, it was initially powered by a 75bhp 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine and four-speed gearbox from the Fiat 128, but from 1978 this was replaced by a more powerful 1.5-litre unit and five-speed ‘box.

With 85bhp on tap, it could now sprint to 60mph in under 11 seconds on its way to a top speed of 110mph. All round disc brakes and independent suspension front and rear kept the whole plot on the road. For summer motoring, a detachable targa roof panel (stored in the front luggage compartment) swiftly turned the car into an open Spider. Despite this, the structure remained exceptionally strong as it had been designed to meet draconian US crash tests which never actually came into force.

At first the car's monocoque body was produced at the Bertone factory in Turin and then transported to Fiat's Lingotto factory for final assembly, but from 1982 the whole car was produced by Bertone. By the time production came to an end in 1989 some 170,000 examples had been sold worldwide – including the well-spec’d VS special edition which included striking two-tone paintwork, leather upholstery and VS alloy wheels.

The current owner has owned and cared for this car over the last 30 years. Finished in its original (and very good) livery of Rosso and Nero, the car remains highly original overall and comes with lots of history to back up its indicated 37,000 miles.

The vendor, its third registered keeper bought this 1987 model when it was about two years old. It was first registered in January 1987, its first owner only keeping it for a few months. It has always been dry stored when not in use and comes with a comprehensive service history back to 1987.

Complete with its correct Bertone wallet containing the owner’s handbook and maintenance guide, plus service book with four stamps,  Blaupunkt radio cassette, spare keys, immobiliser and unused (full size) spare, it was Waxoiled from new and retreated again in 2010.

Lumenition electronic ignition was fitted in 2013 and the car regularly dosed with Castrol lead replacement in the petrol. It was last serviced in March of this year and fitted with a new starter, cambelt and head gasket.

A full 27 old MOTs are on file and its current clean ticket runs until April 2020. There can be few (if any) nicer examples around, offering such a comprehensive history and originality - this ‘baby Ferrari’ looks a million dollars too.

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