1977 Fiat X1/9 – Classified of the Week
January 10, 2023
There’s just something about this particular Fiat X1/9 that gets our juices flowing. If we were to try and narrow it down it would probably be the wider stance thanks to those deep dish Compomotive MS alloys that give the car huge Lancia Stratos vibes. The fresh, deep Rossa paint job could also be a factor – ingrained as it is in our collective consciousness due to many childhood years of lusting after red, wedge-shaped exotica. We’re looking at you Enzo…
After-market wheels and resprays aside, however, the Fiat X1/9 remains a paid-up member of the chuckable two-seater sports car club despite its rather humble 73bhp peak power output. But zero-to-sixty numbers is not where this car excels. This Fiat’s USP is an innate drive-ability thanks to that mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout which provides an inherent balance to the car, a by-product of which is truly excellent handling characteristics. It was, and still is, a lively little number that’s a joy to hoon about in.
Before the X1/9 came along, if you wanted an Italian, mid-engined sportscar then you would have to have some pretty deep pockets. What Fiat did was bring that same ethos of far more exotic fare to the masses. It may have been designed by Bertone but importantly it was attainable and driving a slow car fast is always more appealing to any petrolhead than driving a fast car slowly, it doesn’t matter who you are. We’ve covered the development of the Fiat X1/9 in detail already and we’ve also put together a rough buyer’s guide so be sure to swot up on those two articles before diving into this particular car’s Verified Listing. Whistles will no doubt be whetted so let’s take a closer look at what’s on offer, shall we?
The car in question is a 1977 model fitted with the earlier, 128-derived 1.3-litre engine mounted to a four-speed manual gearbox, and to say that the whole kit and caboodle is in good condition would be somewhat of a gross understatement. This particular example has spent a large portion of its life as a museum piece (testament to its condition – there are no dodgy repairs or fishy welds here), resulting in an incredibly low mileage of just 37K. Recently imported from South Africa, where the car had previously been treated to an intensive six-year restoration process, it currently resides in Dublin with an Irish logbook.
As part of the car’s recommissioning a complete mechanical overhaul was undertaken (including the engine and gearbox) and the paintwork was professionally prepared and resprayed in Rossa red. It was no doubt at this time that the Compomotive wheels were fitted which, in our eyes at least, really set the bodywork off and fit the car perfectly, giving it a more aggressive stance which is very welcome. Whilst the interior does still require some work to bring it up to scratch with the rest of the car (something that will no doubt keep the fettlers amongst you happy) all of the rubbers have been replaced and the boot area has been treated with textured underseal. There is nothing inherently broken or unrepairable in the cabin and parts are still generally easy to find thanks to great club support for these cars.
What we have then, is a fantastic looking, low-mileage example of a ’70s Italian mid-engined sports car in exceptional condition that will turn heads wherever it goes, whether that be at a classic car show or next to the trolleys in Sainsbury’s car park. At less than £8K it remains an affordable entry into that exclusive club we mentioned earlier too. This is a Verified Listing so don’t be afraid to make a sensible offer, safe in the knowledge that you’re fully protected. You never know, it just might be accepted.
