Description
Looking for an interesting project with a nice story? We have just been asked to assist with the sale of this increasingly rare Fiat and for someone seeking a rewarding opportunity, this could just be the ticket. In dry storage for most of the past 30 years and benefitting from full and extensive service history for the 10 years prior to this, the Fiat is currently enthusiast-owned and whilst in his care has benefitted from light body restoration. Effectively now a very sound rolling shell, the car requires obvious paintwork and mechanical recommissioning but could easily be back on the road within a matter of weeks. Sound of interest? Then read on.
Launched in Italy as long ago as 1972 but not appearing in the UK until 1977, the Fiat X1/ 9 was a stylish, Bertone-designed, mid-engined sports car that offered fresh-air motoring with its unique Targa roof and legendary road manners with go-kart like handling and perfect balance. Based upon the mechanical underpinnings of the Fiat 128, the 1. 3 litre overhead cam 4-cylinder was sat behind the driver pushing out around 75BHP through the rear wheels. From 1979, the longer stroke 1. 5 litre engine from the Strada was adopted offering a further 10BHP and requiring a taller engine cover to accommodate the larger lump. Bumpers were changed at the same time, whilst a 5-speed manual gearbox gave greater cruising appeal. In 1982, production was taken over by Bertone themselves and with this came added enhancement to include electric windows, alloy wheels and changes to bodywork, bumpers and paint schemes. The last variant, the Grand Finale, appeared in 1989 with metallic paint, a chin spoiler and Alcantara trin with production finally ceasing the following year. Around 350 are believed to be currently road-registered in the UK making them a rare sight at shows albeit the model benefits from a very active Club following.
The car you see here dates from November 1987 and was supplied new to a lady in Bedfordshire. Early history records regular servicing with 8 maintenance stamps from 1987-1993, the car itself remaining local to the area until 1991 with a move up to Barnsley, South Yorkshire. For the next 5 years, it was the pride and joy of a Fiat enthusiast who commissioned not only a full engine rebuild (at around 39, 000 miles) but other considerable work to suspension, brakes and electrical systems. In June 1996, the Fiat was sold again to a gentleman in Chesterfield who after 2 years of ownership essentially moth-balled the car with around 58, 000 miles now recorded. The car remained in dry storage for the next 14 years, venturing out in 2012 for an MoT inspection, only to go back into storage immediately afterwards. In September 2018, it was purchased as a running car by an enthusiast in Dorset and has remained with him to this day. Whilst in his ownership, the engine and gearbox have been removed and the bodywork restored where appropriate. As X1/ 9 owners will know, the factory panels were poorly rust-proofed and ill-fitting and repairing (sometimes even modifying) the existing panels is often a better option than replacement. Nose panels, inner wings and suspension turrets as well as wing and door bottoms are all weak points on these cars and only a true knowledgeable enthusiast will know how to identify and treat such areas. Indeed, such work is a labour of love and thankfully, our current custodian of the car has been through it to create one of the best shells available. Requiring just final preparation and paintwork, the hard work has been done. With the engine and gearbox put back in and any appropriate recommissioning work undertaken, the Fiat would then be ready, subject to a current MoT (albeit it will be classed as Historic from next year), to take to the road once again. Yes, this a project, but with a great back story and all the awkward work undertaken, progress to completion could now be very quick and ultimately extremely rewarding.
The Fiat presents just as can be seen in the photographs. It comes with its original engine and gearbox (currently out of the car) as well as comprehensive paperwork including the original Book Pack, fully stamped-up Maintenance Guide, Owners Handbook, Service Guide, bills and receipts covering the period 1987 to 1998, old MoT Certificates from 1990 to 1998, a current V5C and set of keys.
A fabulous opportunity to acquire an increasingly rare project car with nice provenance.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today. We are happy to take a reservation fee to hold a vehicle but as a dealership, we don`t operate a structured distance selling scheme.
