1988 Fiat X1/9 1500 5spd
Highlights
- Restored in 2019 using earlier ‘slim bumper’ aesthetics
- Classic racing red with rare Abarth Cromodora 5.5 x 13H2 magnesium wheels
- 97.5 bhp engine with Breda Italian steel camshaft and performance modifications
- Comprehensive history file including workshop manuals and original sales brochure
- Recent new starter motor, other work and servicing
- Over £2,500 spent on parts, improvements and servicing since 2020
- MOT until June 2026 with no advisories
- Great upgraded example of these exceptionally rare cars
The Appeal
Fiat’s tendency to throw together rather than build cars means that the surviving X1/9s tend to be the later Bertone-built models that were assembled with more care. That creates a problem, because for many, the earlier slim-bumpered cars are the most aesthetically pleasing.
That is why we love this car. It is a 1988 car, but has been converted to the slim-bumper look. That work was done around six years ago and included colour-coding the roof and rear deck and fitting a set of ultra-rare Cromodora Abarth alloys. The result is a fantastic-looking X1/9.
This car, though, is much more than a style exercise. Beneath the rear hatch lies Lampredi’s 1,498cc SOHC masterpiece, reworked to deliver 97.5bhp. It features a Breda Italian steel camshaft and performance modifications that deliver what Fiat failed to do - the performance to match the X1/9’s limpet-like handling.
The car reaches the market with a recent service and a lengthy, advisory-free MOT to June 2026. The large history file supports the sense of a well-sorted and cared-for example of Fiat’s vanishingly rare mini Ferrari.
History and Paperwork
- First registered on 23rd November 1988
- 10 registered keepers from new
- Previously blue which was changed with DVLA in September 2019
- Current mileage of 74,898, believed genuine based on MOT and HPI checks
- MOT valid until 26 June 2026 with no advisories
- Supplied with old MOTs from 2019 onwards
- HPI certificate as shown
- V5C in current keeper’s name
- Factory handbooks
- Antenna manual
- Workshop manuals as shown
- Owners Club technical data booklet and magazine
- Original sales brochure
- Project X1/9 complete racing preparation guide
- Insurance documents
- Rolling road reports with Dyno Dynamics Dynotech printouts
- Service with oil & filter, plugs, filters points and distributor cap all at 73,500 miles
- In addition to servicing invoices for £2,332 for parts between 2020 & 2025
The Condition
- Repainted around six years ago as part of an extensive renovation
- Converted to slim bumper profile of early cars
- Fitted with rear ‘1300 Competizione’ badge as shown
- List of work shown in photos
- Paintwork presents well with some light points to note in photos
- These include scuffs to bonnet and rear boot lid as shown
- Bodywork in good general condition for a X1/9 of this age
- Some corrosion present on the nearside rear wheel arch
- Minor corrosion under the paint on rear rollover bar
- Minor rust on driver's side front wing
- Some bubbles on passenger door and bottom of wing
- Body colour engine cover, rear spoiler and removable Targa roof
- Headlights have been upgraded we are told
- Fitted with rare Abarth Cromodora 5.5 x 13H2 magnesium wheels
- Falken tyres fitted as shown
- Charcoal suede and vinyl interior in good order as shown
- Sony Bluetooth audio system installed
- Wooden steering wheel (original included in boot)
- No structural advisories on current MOT
The Mechanics
- Upgraded 1,498cc ‘Lampredi’ SOHC 4cyl engine
- 5-speed manual transmission
- Engine uprated to 97.5 BHP with performance modifications
- Breda Italian steel 35/75 camshaft installed
- Stainless steel exhaust header system
- Smart throw gear selector fitted
- Upgraded rear brakes (38mm in place of standard 34mm)
- Reconditioned front brakes with new flexi pipes
- New water pump installed
- New starter motor
- Serviced at 73,500 miles with oil, filter, plugs, and new distributor
- Syncromesh on third gear catches slightly if changes are hurried says the vendor
- The vendor states the car drives well otherwise
- No advisories on current MOT
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand.
