Fiat X1/9

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

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 car, 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.

This 1980 model has had three former keepers and was purchased by the vendor’s late father in 2001. Its previous lady owner had acquired the car in 1996 and had taken it to local shows where it was a regular prize winner. The car had clearly seen some restoration work and was in very good condition throughout when purchased.

The vendor's father ran the local Fiat Service Garage until 2008 and was so busy that he barely used the car. It was stored in the showroom until his son inherited it a few years ago. He has kept it up to scratch, fitting a new timing belt in 2010, a job which included replacing the idler pulley and water pump. In July 2013 it had a new alternator, front shock absorber inserts and brake and clutch master cylinders and is MOTd until October 2015. 

Having covered so few miles over the last 14 years,  the vendor believes that the indicated 33,200 miles could well be genuine, although there is insufficient paperwork to substantiate this. A set of X1/9 floor mats is included with this little gem, which is ready join in this year’s show scene. Although selling well at the time, the ravages of rust and the passing of more than 30 years has meant that there are only some 1,160 still registered in Britain today, with few as nice as this.