1988 Fiat X1/9 1500 Bertone

Highlights

Sharp, classic Bertone design
Rare, Italian exotica with nimble mid-engine handling
Eye-catching colour-scheme with fabulous, period interior
Well-documented low-milage
£11,000 spent by the last keeper
Over £3,500 invested with 'Autolusso' specialists in the last 18 months

The Appeal

Overseen by Bertone's Marcello Gandini, the design of the Fiat X1/9 reflected the great man’s illustrious career which had spawned some of the world's most beautiful automotive designs. Seizing the opportunity to radically re-shape the sports car genre - some have suggested that Gandini fused the principles of Fiat’s pretty 850 Spyder with the design philosophy of the Lamborghini Miura, to create the low-slung balance of the new X1/9, which launched in 1972. Its silhouette also shares more than a passing resemblance to one of the most revered 'wedge designs' of the time - the Lancia Stratos.

Fiat manufactured the X1/9 until 1982, after which a modified X1/9 was built and marketed by Bertone themselves until 1989. Successful in their day, clean X1/9's are now increasingly scarce to find here in the UK, especially original domestic market RHD examples, such as this.

It truly is a treat for all the senses: The red coachwork complements the fabulous two-tone interior, the lightweight, transverse mid-engine and five-speed gearbox offer zesty performance and driver feedback while the targa roof adds a further dimension to the fun. All this in such a pretty little package - what’s not to adore?

The History and Paperwork

UK RHD vehicle, delivered to the first lady keeper in July 1988 - Croxley Green, Herts
The second lady keeper bought the car when it was a year old and there’s no record of another change with DVLA for 26 years
The car was kept on the Isle of Man between 1994 - 2015
Displayed circa 36,000 miles in 1994 and 52,945 miles when the car came back to the mainland in 2015
Six registered keepers recorded in total
Original service booklet present, within original Fiat Assurance wallet
Many written entries in the booklet, five with official service stamps (1988 - 1997)
Additional original Bertone wallet present, housing technical data handbook, servicing guide and owner’s handbook
New clutch slave cylinder receipt, August 2020
Supply & Fit Timing Belt receipt dated May 2021 (53,059 miles)
Maintenance receipt for £1,257.55 at specialists Autolusso dated August 2022 (53,232 miles)
Maintenance receipt for £670.70 at specialists Autolusso dated September 2022 (53,455 miles)
MOT & Maintenance receipt for £1,628.10 at specialists 'Autolusso' dated July 2023 (53,427 miles)
Wheel alignment report from Autolusso dated August 2023
A quantity of old V5c’s and MOT’s
The current MOT expires 17/08/2024 with no advisories - (just 102 miles covered since)
Supplied with two sets of keys

The Condition

Bright paintwork was refreshed in 2020
Some blemishes and imperfections in places. Of note a few bubbles on window frame surrounds and n/s door bottom
The interior switchgear is in very good order
Very few signs of wear inside the elegant cabin
The two-tone grey cloth seats are smart, comfortable, supportive and in excellent original condition
The vendor highlights the internal heater fan can be temperamental
The vinyl coverings and plastics remain a healthy shade of black with no obvious flaws
The targa roof is in good condition, clips in and out with ease and stows snuggly into front compartment
Electric windows in good working order
Attractive X1/9 Speedline 'Phone Dial' wheels fitted and in excellent condition, with correct Bertone logo centre-caps
Recent matching tyres - all with excellent, even tread remaining
Original jack still present
WaxOyl protected underneath

The Mechanics

Powered by the 138.A2/A4 1,498 cc overhead-cam four-cylinder engine
Five-speed manual transmission
The engine bay presents smartly
We are advised that the carburettor was rebuilt by a specialist (at considerable additional cost) and returned to Autolusso for fitting
The car is reported to start with ease and settles into a gentle idle
The vendor reports that gear selection is purposeful and accurate and the clutch feel is good
The engine revs smoothly and has the pleasing exhaust note
Reported as being enjoyable to drive, thanks to considerable expenditure in the last 18 months to achieve smooth and reliable performance

BEFORE YOU BUY

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